steve.dollye

This song was written almost immediately after reading Dietrich Bonheoffer’s “The Cost Of Discipleship.” Truth be told, my first response to the closing words of that book was to weep. His “Letters and Papers from Prison” are also a glimpse into the man, who he was, and how he lived and died. If you are familiar with Bonheoffer, my response to his life and writings may come as no surprise. If you are not familiar with him, I would encourage you to acquaint yourself with him as one, who by his example may strengthen you in your walk as a [...]

The writing of this song was the result of a very long conversation I had late one evening with a man who was my senior by at least twenty years. I was put in the position of explaining and defending my faith in the truth and relevance of the Bible, but every reason and argument that I brought forth was met with a skepticism and unbelief that were more like smokescreens and diversions than honest, thoughtful responses. I believe that God has put in every man’s heart a place to receive the Love of God in Christ. “For God so [...]

Even when one’s home, family, employment, and even one’s place of residence are stripped away as a consequence of the decision to receive and follow Jesus, at the end of it all, the restoration and peace that is God’s gift to us in Christ Jesus far surpasses any transitory suffering. And for me, in God’s time, all, and much more, have been restored. Just as Paul and Silas praised their God from the cell of their imprisonment, this month’s song was, and is, an evidence to Gods all surpassing grace and provision in our times of trial. It was written [...]

When journeying on a difficult path, where the uphill climb can reduce the traveler’s vision to one laborious step after another, and the downhill trek requiring carefully placed steps so as not to slip and fall, it is well to remember and take comfort in the knowledge of the brothers and sisters that have successfully gone before us, and have successfully reached the journey’s end. Those who have by grace kept their eye single, following in The Author and Finisher of their faith, Jesus, the captain of our salvation. This song is meant to be an encouragement to all who [...]

This song came out of a time of personal worship. I can’t recall the particular burden that was on my heart, but I do know that it was as I turned to worship God my deliverer, as I raised my hands and heart to Him, this song was the prayer that came forth. This is a song of deliverance. In thinking of that, I was reminded of how many times in scripture the singers led the procession into battle, and the enemy was destroyed by the praises of the people. As we worship the God who has delivered us from [...]

This song was written with the feeling of one being alone at war, entrenched in the dark, and surrounded by enemies. It is a prayer to the God of the Gospel. It is a belief that in this time we are living, in this Gospel dispensation, the Prince of Peace still instructs us to be His peacemakers. It is an encouragement to not be distracted by the enemy of our souls, but to pray to the Savior of our souls and to be His soldiers. To look after the orphan and widow in their distress, and to pray for those [...]

John 13:34 NIV “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” Christ Jesus died on the cross, so that I might take up my cross and follow Him. He has given me a place to die, and a place to live. In our weakness, by His Grace, He has provided for us strength. He has sent His Spirit into the hearts of those who believe. By this Spirit alone may we be [...]

Patience. It’s the first word in the list where the apostle Paul describes what Love is. (1st Corinthians 13) In all that follows, in all of the self-denial encouraged, patience is the forerunner. James 5:7 - 8 NIV “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You, too also be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near“. Lyrics She wont let me touch her there, it [...]

This song was written in response to the argument that “I did it my way” is an appropriate epitaph to a life well spent. It wasn’t conceived as a direct response to the popular song, but rather a response to the popular, and all too prevalent thought, that a well spent life can be lived apart from the Life that is Gods gift to us in Christ Jesus, and that the reality of what lies beyond the grave is subject to our finite and self serving appraisal. One of the truths captured in the meaning of the word “repent” is [...]

I didn’t write this song with Christmas in mind, but it certainly celebrates the wonder and triumph of the incarnation, Gods blessed gift to us. Jesus Came for the lost. He Came to meet us in our loneliness and our need. He Came to meet us at the end of our road after all of our efforts are spent, and still we are in our failure. At the end of our goodness that can’t be enough. At the end of our weakness and blindness and selfishness. He Came to the place that he knew these things would lead us. He [...]