Take Your Stand

Life seems to be slowing down a little, and so I have found that I have a bit more time to write.  Last night I had the opportunity to have a chat with some friends.  I was blessed that they would open up the way they did with me being present, and I was very encouraged by what they had to say.  Heading back to my room after that conversation, I felt the urge to write.  Here, then, is the poem inspired by my friends, and I pray that it might be an encouragement to all who read it.  It's entitled:  "Take Your Stand".

Take Your Stand

You throw your head to the wind,

Trusting that God's got you.

For there is no height nor depth,

That He can't lead you through.

Sure, you might doubt...stumble...fall,

But He'll always stay true.

He'll pick you up; dust you off,

To transform and renew.

Others may strive against you,

And therein lies the test.

Will you heed their "sound" advice?

Do they really know best?

Does God say something different?

Do you, His Word, ingest?

Or do you simply ignore Him,

Despite your own interest?

Stand strong!  Unmoved in your faith.

Let others see your grit,

That they may be encouraged...

That they too may not quit.

That others might come to Christ,

That all may benefit.

For, this world is not the end.

We're just here in transit.

Let them see the hope in you,

As you sojourn in this land.

Share your faith; make a difference.

Pay heed to Christ's command.

Take up your cross and follow.

Go!  Learn from Him firsthand.

Boldly live your life for Him,

And boldly take your stand!

©Stephen Khu 2012

My Heart Is Breaking

It's been almost 12 months since I last posted anything up here, and I'm not 100% sure when my next post will be.  I also haven't written anything since the previous poem that I posted, so it's been a while and I have certainly missed writing!

I don't know that this is going to be quite what you were expecting when you read the title of this post.  While it does mix some strong emotions, these are the words I hear God crying out (hence why it's written in first person) to anyone, particularly those in a "Christianized" society, who do not yet have a personal relationship with Him.  These are the lyrics to my new song:  My Heart Is Breaking

My Heart Is Breaking

 V1

 You pass me by

As though I'm just not there

My Name you cry

Although you don't really care

Am I nothing to you?

Oh, why can't you see?

I gave all I am;

I gave all I have

For you on Calvary

C

My heart is breaking for you.

Won't you see Me standing here?

My arms are open for you.

I'm never far; I'm always near.

Why won't you turn from your own ways?

Live with Me for the rest of your days?

My heart is breaking for you.

V2

No other name

Saves, but the name of Christ

Only He can lead

Out of darkness into light

Won't you drop your burdens

At the foot of the cross?

Christ was crucified.

Now He's raised to life,

So that you could be free!

B

So just cry out,
And I will hear.
I feel your pain;
See every tear.
You are my child,
And I love you.
So call My Name;
Live life anew.

©Stephen Khu 2012

A Life of Love

It's the life that each and every Christian ought to be living, right?  The two greatest commandments = Love God and love your neighbour.  Why?  How?  What's this look like?  It's so hard!  I'm tired of trying!  Perhaps there are other questions/frustrations as well.

I have been seriously challenged these last couple of weeks through my readings and through life in general.  Why do I do what I do?  Especially when things don't seem to be working out...can't I just can it?  Throw in the shovel? 

Simple answer = Christ. 

He didn't give up.  Even when the whole world turned against Him, He persevered.  He walked the road to Calvary.  Why?  Because of love.  Because His Father loves.  Because His Father loves you and I.  Because of His Father's love, Christ walked a path few today choose to follow whole-heartedly.  However, there are those who still do.  Will I/you be one of those?  Am I/Are you prepared to love so much so as to lose my/your life for the sake of love?

John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

God helping me, in the big things and, particularly, in the small, I will live a life of love.  The following is a poem I wrote on Sunday morning, May 15, 2011.  May you be blessed and challenged by it.

A Life of Love



Through all the trials and pain,

Bearing my sin and shame,

God showed His love.

He gave His only Son

So that I might learn

How to love.

To love as Christ loves the Church;

To lay my own will down;

To give of all that is within me

For the sake of a Heavenly crown.

To forfeit my own desires

For those of my Father above;

To live the life of a bondservant -

A life of servitude with love.

Some take it for granted -

Expecting nothing less

Than to be loved.

But, it's a two-way street,

For He first loved us,

And He wants our love.

For us to love Him so much more

Than we love ourselves;

To have a love found deep within us -

A love which Christ's love, in us, compels.

Compels us to give all we have -

In patience, in joy, in suff'ring.

Though others may not respond in love,

Our love we give - an offering.

Not for the sake of pride

But because of the cross -

That's why we love.

Our debt was paid that day.

Our sins were washed away.

No greater love!

There was nothing left undone;

No stone was left unturned.

His pursuit for perfect communion -

A long-term goal for which He had yearned.

His love now reigning within us,

Comes with a command from above:

No matter whatever, wherever -

We are to live a life of love.

© Stephen Khu

15-05-2011

At The Cross

For the first time in a while, I have been attending a church that partakes of communion each Sunday morning.  At the same time, I have been having this sense of drawing closer to Christ and have been continually awed by the work that was accomplished both on the cross and in the days following.  On Sunday afternoon, pretty much as soon as I returned from church, I grabbed my Bible and a notebook and headed to the Hudson Room at college, where I sat down and chilled with the piano.  After doing some warm-ups and playing through a couple of other songs, I decided to put my head down and try cranking out another song.  I began by praying that God would lead my thoughts.  As I prayed, I had this growing amazement and awe welling up within me as my mind continued to turn to the cross, and I really felt God leading me to write something to match.  The name of the song that was written that afternoon I have entitled "At The Cross" and the lyrics have been posted here for God's glory and for your encouragement.

At The Cross

Selflessly, You gave at the cross -

A sacrifice to save the lost.

You chose Your Father's will,

And gave it all for us.

Selflessly, You died upon that cross.

There on that day

They heard You say,

"Father, forgive them.

They know not what they do."

The whole earth shook,

And it trembled

As the Father turned

His face away.

Oh, the price He chose to pay.

Thankfully, it did not finish there -

On the third day the tomb was found bare.

He is risen from the grave;

Death has lost its sting.

Jesus Christ is alive - He's here today!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Holy is the Lord Almighty!

Worthy is the Lamb

To receive

All the glory,

And the honour

And the power forevermore.

© Stephen Khu 2011

Completely Surrendered

This morning's message at church was about living in fellowship with other people and, rather than being selfish, handing over to an unlimited God my limited supply of time, patience, etc., allowing Him to use me for His glory wherever I am, whatever I am doing.  As I pondered over the message, the words "completely surrendered" came to mind.  In order to follow in the footsteps of Christ, I need to be completely surrendered to God.  Regardless of how much or how little I am able to give, if I surrender all of my thoughts, wants, abilities, etc. to God, then He is able to use me to my full potential.  From all these thoughts, came this song, which I have called "Completely Surrendered."

Completely Surrendered

V1

Created to live in unity

Not created to be alone

Created to live what we believe

Not created with hearts of stone

Pre-Chorus

Let the words of Truth sink deep

Transforming our lives anew

We give up our own desires

To bring glory back to You

Chorus 1

Completely surrendered

Here we stand

Make us a beacon

Of light in this land

Shedding light for all to see

Your power, love and majesty

V2

What little we have we give to You

All Your purposes to fulfill

Take this offering we bring You now

Lord, in us Your Spirit instill

 Chorus 2

Completely surrendered

All for You

Show us

What You'd have us do

Here we stand forever Yours

Completely surrendered to You

No Other Name

So, now that I'm settling into a different routine at college, I find that my Sunday afternoons are extremely relaxing and I end up with quite a bit of time on my hands.  To fill the time productively, I have decided to spend time writing songs...praying that with God's inspiration I might be able to churn out a song each week/time I sit down to do so.  Two Sundays ago I sat down on the front verandah intent on writing something.  I had so many thoughts running through my mind.  Where to start?  After spending a few minutes not getting anywhere, I bowed my head in prayer and asked God for guidance.  The Scripture passage I had been meditating on was the passage I have chosen to preach on when it is my turn to preach during Preaching class - Philippians 2:5-11.  The last few verses caught my attention and formed the basis for what came next - "Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  Philippians 2:9-11  The proceeding song is entitled "No Other Name."

No Other Name

V1:

Holy God, Anointed One

Humbly we bow our knees

Our tongues confess

You are risen, Lord

The Christ, Who sets us free

No other name can go before

Prepare the way

Make rich the poor

No other name is there at all

By which kingdoms rise

And kingdoms fall

Chorus:

Yours is the Name above all names

Who can compare to Your greatness

The Name that heals

The Name that saves

No other name but Jesus

V2:

Immanuel – God with us

The Alpha and Omega

The Prince of Peace

El Shaddai

The one and only Saviour

No other name can move the mountains

Dry up the sea

Or calm the storm

No other name can forgive sinners

Raise the dead

And replace the norm

New Song - Turn Back

On Wednesday night after the cricket, Channel 9 did a special broadcast/update on cyclone Yasi.  During the broadcast, they showed some live interviews with people huddled in the evacuation centers up north.  One of the interviews involved a young woman in tears who, when asked what she expected to find after Yasi had blown over, said she would probably lose her house and all of her “stuff,” and she continued to burst into more tears.  This scene, in particular, brought to my attention just how much people get attached to their “stuff” and that, when they lose their “stuff”, it’s like their whole world’s caved in.  When I headed back to my room, my heart felt so heavy for those whose lives revolve around their “stuff,” and that’s where this song came from.  It starts off as a prayer/a plea to God and then finishes off with a plea to the people.  A lot of those who have been affected by the floods or by cyclone Yasi now have to start from scratch and rebuild their lives.  In a spiritual sense, they have the same opportunity to do that with Christ…if only they will turn back to Him. 

Turn Back

V1:

They think they’re rich

And yet they’re poor.

They think they’re healthy

Yet they’re sore.

They don’t understand -

To life there’s so much more.

V2:

The life they had -

That life, it’s gone.

A new day’s come;

Time to move on.

A fresh start awaits.

Behold the glory of God’s Son.

C:

Father, turn them back to You.

Father, turn them back to You.

A fresh start awaits.

Behold the glory of Your Son.

V3:

The heavens rage;

The depths cry out.

Oh Father,

Please remove their doubt.

Father, turn their hearts;

Show them what You’re all about.

V4:

Your only Son

You sent to die -

To pardon sin and sanctify.

We can’t save ourselves

No matter how much we try.

B1:

Should they turn

They will find refuge.

Should they turn

They will find rest.

No pow’r on earth

Can ever conquer

When You are made

Lord of their life.

B2:

So come now

Turn and find refuge.

Come now

Turn and find rest.

No pow’r on earth

Can ever conquer

When Christ is made

Lord of your life.

C2:

We are turning back to You.

We are turning back to You.

A fresh start awaits.

Behold the glory of Your Son.

C3:

Father turn us back to You.

We are turning back to You.

A fresh start awaits.

Behold the glory of Your Son.

©Stephen Khu

02-02-2011

Resting In the Arms of the Lord

It's a long title, I know...but I didn't know what else to call this song. This is one of those songs where a bunch of questions are asked and answered at the same time. While the lyrics don't exactly reflect where I am at the moment, I have had reason to ask these questions lately. I've always been blessed with being able to run around and play sport...but in the last couple of months, I've found out that I have a pinched nerve and a bulging disc in my L5. So, I have had to cut back from playing most sports. The only sport I'm currently doing is swimming and walking...when I'd much rather be out playing cricket/basketball/volleyball/running! My GP told me that if I didn't stop and take it easy, the end result could be that I would lose the use of my right leg. That's the worst case scenario, but it's still pretty sobering to someone who's always been running around doing stuff. This is a more acoustic, emotional kind of song compared to the likes of "Not Of This World" and "Together As One."

Resting In The Arms Of The Lord

V1: What does a man do

When all his strength is gone

Never to return?

How does a man live his life

Knowing that he will never be the same

PC1: There is only one way to go

One way to find strength

And that is resting in the arms of the Lord

C: He'll carry me

When my world is crashing down

He'll protect me

In Him my strength is found

What have I to fear

When I'm resting in the arms of the Lord

V2: Where does a man go

When all his strength is gone?

In whom can he confide?

Who'll stand by his side

Knowing that it'll never be the same?

PC2: There is only one place to go

One place to find strength

And that place is resting in the arms of the Lord

Refuge

Refuge

Verse 1

Your call comes like the morning breeze

You spread Your wings to cover me

Underneath Your shadow I will hide away

Coz there I found Your shelter

And there I like to stay

Chorus

Refuge

You’re my refuge, Lord

When the world is shaken and nothing stands

I will hold onto Your hand

Refuge

Verse 2

You paid the price – redeemed me

You took the place where I should be

On the cross You died and there You

took my shame

Now I’m covered with the power of

Jesus’ Name

Bridge

Storms may come

But I’ll stand strong

With You right beside me

When the sun goes down

And the cold creeps in

Your warmth is all around me

This song was started by one of the young guys from church. We sat down one Sunday and worked out the 2nd verse, bridge and chords for the song. Looking forward to doing heaps more next year!

Together As One

Together As One

Words and music by Stephen Khu

(John 17:20-26, 2 Corinthians 5:7)

V1: We are all called by one name

Yet separated by much

Can’t we set aside our differences

As individuals unite

PC: For He gave us His glory

To unite us as one

C: We are made perfect through Christ

God’s one and only Son

We will follow the light

Together as one

We’ll put the enemy to flight

They’ve no place to run

We’ll walk by faith

And not by sight

Believing it is done

Together as one

V2: A world of pilgrims and strangers

Living side by side

Filled with hopelessness and sorrows

Set apart from you and I

V3: They don’t know You, yet we do

Because of Christ, God’s Son

Him in us, God in Him

His prayer for all mankind

New Songs

Ok. So...I've had a pretty busy year this year...but have still had time to sit down and put together a couple of songs. I'll be adding three new songs: two of which I've written and the other one was a joint effort with one of the young guys from church. Until we can get more regular practice times to work out the band side of things...you're just going to have to make do with the lyrics...enjoy!

Not of This World

 

Alienated – set apart

I’m not of this world

Crucified – a brand new start

I’m not of this world

Called to live a different life

Redeemed with blood – God’s sacrifice

Can’t you see that I’m not of this world?

 

Standing out, in a crowd

I’m not of this world

Standing tall, knees not bowed

I’m not of this world

Earthly pleasures call my name

“Come! Get glory! Come! Get fame!”

Can’t they see that I’m not of this world?

 

Marching proud, with flag raised high

I’m not of this world

Loose me, Lord, and let me fly

I’m not of this world

Bear me up – on Your wings soar

Shake the earth with a mighty roar!

Let them see that I’m not of this world.

 

Call me on to greater heights

I’m not of this world

I can see those celestial lights

I’m not of this world

Borne away, I’m finally free

The world no longer surrounds me

It’s too late now, but at the last they know

That I’m not of this world.

 

 

 

© Stephen Khu

17 June 2009

Glory-Bound

 

 

Standing at the station

Wondering, “Which way do I go?

People rushing everywhere

Surely someone here will know”

 

“Excuse me, Sir.” I said to one old man

As he went about his day.

“Could you spare a minute?

I think I’ve lost my way.

 

Caught up in the rush of life,

I don’t know where I’m going.

I want to head the right direction,

But the problem is not knowing.

 

These tracks, it’s obvious, run north and south,

But where do these tracks end?

I can clearly see along the straight,

But I can’t see round the bend.”

 

I stopped my babbling and sheepishly grinned,

Awaiting a reply.

The old man looked me up and down

He said, “Child, I’m not going to lie.

 

There are only two destinations

In this journey we call life.

One of them ends in glory;

The other ends in strife.”

 

He said, “Look, kid, choose wisely.

Make sure you board the right train,

Because I really doubt that you would want

To pass this way again.”

 

He saw me cast an anxious glance,

So he stopped to let me speak.

I asked, “How do I catch the right train?

For, tis glory that I seek.”

 

He asked, “Are you certain?

Is this really your desire?

The track to glory’s long and wearisome.

Are you sure you will not tire?

 

Many are they who’ve started out

Along this straight and narrow track.

But, few are they who’ve reached the end,

So many have just turned back.

 

‘The price,’ they said, ‘was just too high.

We could not earn our keep.’

So back they came and off they went

In a direction that made me weep.”

 

The old man paused and looked away

Tears streaming down his face.

“Why could they not accept my Son?

My gift – amazing grace?

 

They just had to weather the storms

For I had paid their fare.

Had they’ve put their trust in me,

The train would’ve gotten them there.”

 

“Child,” he continued, “don’t follow their lead.

You mean so much to me.

I also want you to catch the right train.

Now, what will your decision be?”

 

“Sir,” I said, “I’m human.

I’m prone to make mistakes.

But, glory’s still my destination.

No matter what it takes.”

 

“Well,” he said, as a train pulled in,

“Know I’m never far away.

Here’s your ticket.  Your fare’s been paid.

I’ll see you round some day.”

 

With that, he turned and walked away,

Blending in amongst the crowd.

I boarded the train that was glory-bound,

Speechless and utterly WOW-ed.

 

 

© Stephen Khu

1 June 2009

The Eternal Lifeguard

The floodwaters rise

As the rain falls down

He said, “Take my hand,

Lest you care to drown.

 

I’ll be your rock.

I’ll help you stand.

I’ll lead you to

Higher, dry land

 

Don’t put your trust

In this world so grande

Coz, in the end,

It’s just sinking sand

 

Trust in me.

I’ll show you the way.

Let’s leave this gloom

For a brighter day.”

 

As He stretched out His hand

I stretched mine out too.

I said, “I am Yours.

I commit my life to You.”

 

He hauled me to safety

Away from the storm

A feat, no other,

But He, could perform

 

Tucked under His wing

Safe from all harm

Sheltered in a place

Of peace and of calm.

 

 

Written by Stephen Khu

20 May 2009

The Reason I Write

I made a commitment

Back in the day

To write for God

Come what may

 

When I’m feeling down

And my thoughts are bleak

I tune into God

And let Him speak

 

When I’m confused

Not knowing where to turn

He gives me words

He helps me to learn

 

When I’m flying high

And life seems a breeze

These words I write

My God to please

 

In the end, my prayer

Is that He will use me

To draw people to Christ

To bring liberty

 

To encourage fellow Christians

Walking the same narrow road

That they might see truth

And be rid of their load

 

If people can be changed

By the words that I write

Then that’s another battle won

In this life-long fight

 

There’s no other prize

No great gain

Victory’s assured

It has not been in vain.

 

 

Written by Stephen Khu

20 May 2009

While I Wait

Lord, You said, “Wait.”

So I sat down again,

And I began to ponder,

“How much longer then?”

 

Then I prayed,

 

“Lord, you know what’s best.

You love us both dearly.

Please grant us wisdom

And eyes that see clearly.

 

Help us to honour You

Through what we do and say.

May we always be friends

Come what may.

 

Lord, until the time comes

Please help me to wait.

Let my trust be in You –

You’re never late.

 

Lord, watch over her daily.

Help her to grow in You.

Encourage and keep her.

Bless her anew.

 

Lord, make me the man

That You’d have me be.

I give You my all –

Shape and mold me.

 

And, Lord, if in Your will

You bring us together,

May our commitment be

To each other forever.

 

You know our hearts.

You know what You’ll do.

So, this, my prayer,

I commit to You.

 

In Jesus’ Name.

Amen

 

 

Written by Stephen Khu

22 March, 2009

Forfeit

This is another fairly strong poem. I started writing it the same night as the other two poems...but was unable to get it finished. The topic in this poem is about living a genuine Christian life. It's what was supposed to be the topic for the previous poem...but when I tried to write it...it just didn't come out...until later... To those who read this, I pray you are challenged to live your life as a true, godly example in this world.

You say one thing, yet act another.

Are you really a sister or brother?

Make up your mind - stop living two lives.

Choose one or the other. Sharpen those knives.

Cut off the lies, the greed and contempt.

Get rid of your pride, and your ways that are bent.

You're under surveillance - people follow your lead.

Is the example you're setting what they really need?

Christ has no room for YOUR ways in HIS world.

So, I suggest you be quick, lest His anger's unfurled.

You've forfeit your life, but it's not quite the end.

You've still got a chance - your life, Christ can mend.

He can make you anew - just give Him your heart,

And determine to be different - to live right, from the start.

It's hard to live true, yet it's worth all the pain.

The cost will be high, but great treasures you'll gain.

Eternal life with the Father is beyond all compare.

Change - be genuine, and I'll see you there.

By the "Mo".

Be Yourself

This next poem I wrote on my own... I was, and still am, quite passionate about this issue when I wrote it. We need to stop trying to be someone we're not. If you're name's not Michael Jordan, then you were never meant to be Michael Jordan. If you're name's not Brett Lee, then you were never meant to be Brett Lee. It's great to have role models. Just don't focus so much on trying to be them that you actually forget who you really are. You have a name and you have a purpose. Only you can fulfill your purpose, and you can only do it by being yourself. God knew what you were going to do before you were born. He knew your gifts and abilities. He knew your weaknesses. He has given you everything you need to be able to accomplish His plans for your life. And don't forget, God loves you. He always has, and He always will. It doesn't matter what you're going through - He's right beside you. You can turn to Him at any time. The title of this poem is "Be Yourself."

I serve God

And God alone

So I'm gonna be frank

Get my tone?

Don't fake if you ain't

You are who you are

It's you who'll suffer

Your reputation you'll mar

Yourself is best

Yourself is unique

No-one's like you

When you're at your peak

Don't hide behind walls

Or board yourself in

Step up! Speak out!

Make a loud din!

Don't cower with fear

Serve with your all

He's right behind you

Let the chains fall

You'll be mocked for sure

So just stand strong

Follow God's lead

Don't follow the throng

God's got you tight

You know He's there

He's all you need

You're in His care.

By the "Mo".

Creation's Celebration

It's been a while... Anyways...I was meaning to put these poems up here straight after they were written, but I never got around to it... This poem was written in July by a friend from church and I. It's called "Creation's Celebration."

Peace like a river

Is flowing all around

The rhythm of life

Welling up from the ground

Creation shouts from heights above

Creation roars from depths beneath

Creation kneels and offers up

A perfect, majestic, glorious wreathe

The heavens thunder praise

The earth is going wild

Christ looks down and giggles

With the innocence of a child

With child-like excitement

Enjoying Heavenly pleasures

In total adoration

Creation, He treasures

One with the Father

Fully alive and free

At the last, He said,

"Let's enter eternity."

Written by Bazza and the "Mo"

You Are

Rightyo! Well, it's been a while since I've last posted something on here, but it's been a while since I've written anything as well. This time, it's not a poem. Rather, it is a song! Yay! A first for me, I quite enjoyed putting it together. I don't think it's quite finished, but I have the lyrics for it, and most of the chords...

Here are the lyrics....enjoy:

You Are

by Stephen Khu

V1: You are the Creator

In You

All things are made

You are the Alpha and Omega

Beginning and the End

C: You are my God

You are my King

You are my Lord

You're my Everything

V2: You are the Lamb of God

You take away

The sins of the world

You're my Redeemer

You paid the price

You bought my life

V3: You're the light

In the dark

You show me the way

I should go

You are my Hiding Place

I run to You

When I'm afraid

V4: You are the Bread of Life

When I hunger

You satisfy

You are the Living Water

I come and quench

My thirst on You