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Some years ago I wrote a number of songs with tunes on the guitar. I have now taken the lyrics and added Ai backing tracks. I have the rights to these songs and I request that you ask permission if you are going to use them. The lyrics are in the Songs and Stories section of Eliab.com. You can contact me via email [email protected]
A Seat of Grace - lyrics are in this Eliab Blog below This reflection was read as an introduction to the congregation singing the hymn "Jesus what a beautiful name". I wrote the words and then later added the spoken 'semi-rap' version which may be of interest to others. Spoken Reflection: Jesus, What a Beautiful Name Jesus—what a beautiful name. Not just for the melody it carries, but for the mercy it holds. It’s the name that breaks through darkness, That whispers peace into chaos, That lifts the weary and restores the broken. His name is freedom. Not the kind the world gives and takes away, But the kind that sets captives free-- From shame, from fear, from the weight of our past. Jesus—what a beautiful name. He bore our sorrow, yet He brings us joy. He carried our shame, yet He crowns us with grace. He walked to the cross, and walked out the grave bringing hope to the faithful followers. There is no other name like His. No other name that calms the storm, That heals the wound, That speaks love so deep it silences every lie. So we speak His name-- Not as a ritual, but as a refuge. Not as a habit, but as a hope. Jesus. Beautiful. Powerful. Faithful. And in that name, we find our lasting peace. ©Don Stott, Eliab.com
This is the traditional music of Go Tell it on the Mountain with new words in the verses. The music is public domain.
The music in the verses is repeated with the last note in the second line of each verse staying on the same note instead of going up. The words are based on the Bible passage from Acts 14 with the call to share the Good News about Jesus. (Chorus) Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere, Go tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is Lord! From Antioch they journeyed with fasting, prayer, and grace, The Spirit sent them forward to every tribe and place. With courage born of heaven, their mission clear and true- They told of Christ the Saviour , and we are called there too! Chorus- Go tell it on the mountain... They preached the word with boldness, though some refused to hear, Still many hearts were opened, and joy replaced their fear. They carried hope unshaken, God's word like flame unfurled- And now we bear the calling, to share it through the world. Chorus- This mission stands before us, together bold we stand- To spread His love and mercy and follow His command. So let us speak with purpose, and live the truth we sing, Proclaiming hope and mercy, found only in our King. Chorus- © words Don Stott, Eliab.com At the King’s Table
(A monologue from the perspective of Mephibosheth, reflecting on his journey from obscurity to the royal table.) (Mephibosheth sits on the floor of the palace, gazing at the grand banquet table before him. His voice is quiet, filled with awe and gratitude.) I never imagined I would see the inside of this palace, let alone sit at the king’s table.For years, I lived in Lo-debar—a place whose name itself means “no pasture,” a land of barrenness, forgotten by the world. I was the son of Jonathan, grandson of Saul, but that meant nothing now. When my father fell in battle, and my grandfather’s reign came to an end, I was only five years old. Fear gripped my nurse as she fled with me, and in that desperate escape, I fell—crippling both my feet forever. A crippled boy. A remnant of a fallen dynasty. What hope could I have? I learned to survive in obscurity, never expecting kindness, only waiting for the inevitable: a summons to my destruction. After all, was it not common for kings to eliminate any descendants of their predecessors? Did David not have every reason to wipe out Saul’s line? And then, one day, the summons came. David—King David—had sent for me. I was carried to Jerusalem, trembling with every step. Would I die today? Would my name be blotted out as a final stroke of justice for the house of Saul? I was brought before the throne. My body was low, my heart lower still. But then—his voice. "Mephibosheth," he said. My name, spoken without threat. I dared to answer. “Behold, I am your servant.” The silence stretched, but not with wrath—no, something else lingered in the air. Mercy. "Do not fear," he said. And in that moment, I breathed for the first time in years. "I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan." Jonathan. My father. A man who had loved David, defended him, covenanted with him in loyalty and friendship. A promise had been made long before my birth, and now, even with Jonathan gone, David remained faithful. I braced myself for what would follow. Perhaps a token of mercy, a small provision. I never expected the words that came next. "You shall eat at my table always." Always? Surely, he did not mean—surely, he did not intend to-- Yet here I sit. At the table of the king. Not as a crippled outcast. Not as a remnant of a broken house. But as a son. The shame of my brokenness is covered here; no one looks at my feet. They see only the seat reserved for me. What king does this? What ruler spares an enemy’s grandson, not merely to live, but to belong? This is not the justice of men—this is the kindness of God. (Mephibosheth looks up, his voice softening.) Mercy found me in Lo-debar. Mercy lifted me to the throne room. Mercy placed me at the king’s table. I have done nothing to deserve this, yet here I am. Grace. This is grace. (He pauses, then slowly reaches for the bread before him, as the lights fade.) A Seat of Grace
(A poem inspired by 2 Samuel 9. The story of David and Mephibosheth.) In Lo-debar, he hides from foes A broken man with nothing, knows His name was once of noble breath, Yet now he faces fear and death., A crippled child, from a fallen line, His shattered past, no hope to find. A king now rules, his throne is vast-- Would mercy come, or shame still last? Then word arrived, a call so strange, King David summoned him by name! His heart beat wild, his thoughts ran deep, Would judgment come? Now time to weep? Before the throne, he bowed so low, Expecting wrath—expecting woe Yet David spoke, "Do not be scared, For Jonathan, your father, cared." "For love he bore, and bonds we made, This kindness now shall never fade. Your father’s house I now restore, Your brokenness is lost no more." And then his words—so rich, so true, "You'll eat with me, be made anew." A seat was set, a place was found, Where once was loss, now grace abounds. Not by his strength, nor by his name, But endless love, no longer blame. The crippled child now robed with worth, Sat at the table, graced from birth. So take this hope, O heart distressed, No wound nor shame shall leave you pressed." For grace still seeks the lost, the lame-- God calls them forth, restored by name. DonSong. (c) Eliab.com May 2025 A Seat Of Grace Song versions by Don Stott Lyrics and music (c) Eliab.com , June 27. 2025 Who Touched Me? – A monologue
The woman who touched Jesus cloak ( Mark 5:21-43, Matt.9:20-22,Luke 8:43-48) The lady stood near the edge of the large crowd. People had come from everywhere just to see “The Teacher, Jesus”. The lady hesitated a moment and then she quickly covered her face with her scarf and moved forward into the pack of people. For twelve long years this woman had been very sick. Once she’d had money, friends and family close by but now all her money was spent on seeking cures from many doctors to try and make her well but still each day she felt worse! When she had woken up this morning the woman knew what she had to do. She had heard of Jesus. The whole village had been talking about Jesus’ teaching, healing and what had happened across the lake. Now was the moment! With her head down she pushed forward through the lively crowd. Her heart was racing and her mind was fixed on one thing. ‘If only, if only I can touch Jesus’ clothes I will be healed!’ Closer, closer, now behind where Jesus was standing. Many people were now pressing in all around him. She lowered her arm and reached her hand past the bodies before her towards the edge ( hem) of Jesus cloak. A final push and then.. Time seemed to stop. Immediately, the woman felt something! Changed …now healing, relief, peace. But then, Jesus turned suddenly and declared. “Who touched my clothes?” His friends beside him called out “look around you Master. This crowd is huge! Everyone wants to be near you and to hear you”. Jesus stood still and kept looking from side to side. The woman now faced Jesus and she cautiously came forward. She looked up into Jesus eyes and then fell forward onto her knees shaking with fear. So many emotions flooded her thoughts. Would people recognise her? She had crossed many boundaries just to be there that day. Is this real? Then she spoke with a faltering voice. “Teacher, it was me! I touched you. Jesus looked straight at her and then clearly said to everyone. “Daughter, your faith has healed you! Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.!” Healing, relief, and now acceptance… And this wasn’t the end of the healing miracles that day. We don’t know the name of this lady healed in the crowd or what happened to her next but no doubt her life was changed that moment. The woman showed great faith in trusting Jesus to heal her. What do you need to reach out in prayer to Jesus for today? Healing, forgiveness, peace, acceptance? © Don Stott, Eliab.com 2025 https://www.eliab.com/fathers-day-for-jairus.html Keep the faith, no need to fear, Jesus' love is always near. Reach for him, He'll show the way, Guiding every single day. Keep the faith, no need to fear, Jesus' love is always near! (Chant with action at the end of each line or sing to the tune of “Twinkle, twinkle Little Star”)no need to fear, lo is always near. Rfor him, He'll show the way, Guiding every single day. Keep the faith, no need to fear, Jesus' love is always near. Reach for him, He'll show the way, Guiding every single day. The following poem/song/chant followed a children's talk in a church service. The congregation joined the refrain in bold. It was accompanied by actions for WALK, PRAY, and LISTEN.
The Bible readings for the Service were :2 Timothy 1:1-6, Matthew 9:35-37 A Heart for the Lost (Verse 1) Jesus saw people, lost, lonely and weak, He didn’t just talk, He went out to seek. He showed them love, no matter the cost, So He walked and prayed and listened, Walked and prayed and listened. (Verse 2) Timothy learned from his mum and his grandma too, Both strong in the faith, passed it on and it grew. They cared and shared and soon it spread So he walked and prayed and listened, Timothy walked and prayed and listened. (Verse 3) Paul told Timothy, “Don’t be afraid, We’ve Good News to share. It must be relayed. They worked to impart, their purpose was clear, So they walked and prayed and listened, They walked and prayed and listened. (Verse 4) Jesus said, 'The harvest is ripe, but the workers are few', We’re all called to serve and share what is true. Outreach for the lost, that’s the heart of our Mission Now walk and pray and listen. Come, walk, pray and listen. © Don Stott , Eliab.com Pentecost Hallelujah!
‘Hallelujah’ - written by Leonard Cohen@Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC Pentecost Hallelujah! © words by Don Stott [email protected] May 1. 2022 Based on Acts 1&2 He’d suffered on a cross and died But rose again all were surprised Now Jesus is alive, his friends bore witness For forty days Christ taught them all Prepare yourselves ‘await God’s call Get ready for the gift my father promised.’ Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Will God’s kingdom be restored? The crowd round Jesus now implored “It’s not for you to know the times and seasons But wait and see his authority The powerful Spirit will set you free And you will share God’s news to many nations. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah The day of Pentecost had come In a crowded house, an expectant hum The believers prayed and gave God all the glory Suddenly a deafening sound Wind and fire, tongues all around Cries of praise and shouts of Hallelujah! Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Pentecost pilgrims gathered nigh Heard strange sounds and wondered why? Confounding chatter, dazed and seeking reason Peter stood and told them all ‘It’s not from wine, they’ve heard God’s call God’s Holy Spirit gift has come to you!’ Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Three thousand found their hearts were stirred Baptised, rejoiced at what they’ve heard Full on awe with many signs and wonders Holy Spirit light life’s flame Let love spread, now all proclaim Praise and glory, worship hallelujah! Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah |
AuthorDon Stott- 'Aussie' teacher, pastor and children's worker. Archives
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