Living Oaks Album Lyrics
We are excited for the release of Chris' new album, Living Oaks.
As a special gift for visitors of the blog, this post has all of the lyrics for the new album!
Encore
Words and music by Christopher J, Atkins © 2018, 2019. All rights reserved.
You’ve turned a page, now younger days are behind you
And you’re wondering if your useful days are through
Well God’s river flows, so fill your cup
He’s got plans for you, don’t give up
Put on your shoes and move on out in faith
You’re not dead
so you’re not done
Make the most of the time you’re living under God’s Son
It’s not the end of your story, there is more
It’s time for your life’s encore
Pray hard, serve well, aim high
So everyone can tell
You’re gonna finish well.
The stage is set for your personal encore
‘cause life is good and the best is yet to come
Though the years have past you’re not done
You’re just a step away from only just begun
Get ready for more and move on out today (to chorus)
You’re not dead
so you’re not done
Make the most of the time you’re living under God’s Son
It’s not the end of your story, there is more
It’s time for your life’s encore
Pray hard, serve well, aim high
So everyone can tell
You’re gonna finish well.
Let your life be a shining light
With faith and wisdom on your side
You can finish the race with a victory stride.
You’re not dead
so you’re not done
Make the most of the time you’re living under God’s Son
It’s not the end of your story, there is more
It’s time for your life’s encore
Live well, give much, in faith be true
Thank God for the days given to you
Play hard, serve well, aim high
So everyone can tell
You’re gonna finish well.
You’re gonna finish well.
Go on and finish well!
Living Oaks
Words and music by Christopher J. Atkins
© 2017, 2019. All rights reserved.
God, you brought us here
And planted us
Like seedlings by streams of living water
We liftour hands to you
Like branches lifted high
To worship and praise You all of our days.
The prayer of our heart
Is to grow and become
Like living oaks…
Lord, we delight in You
And trust Your perfect Way
We live in the splendor of Your glory
Like live oaks tall and strong
God, spread Your Word through us
So we will not wither or fall.
The prayer of our heart
Is to grow and become
Like living oaks
Trees of righteousness
Planted by you Lord for Your glory
We lift our praises high
And give our lives to you
To bear fruit through the seasons of life
You are the Vine and we are the branches
Live in us O Lord
You are the Vine and we are the branches
Live in us O Lord
You are the Vine and we are the branches
Move through us O Lord.
You are the Vine and we are the branches
Move through us O Lord.
Like living oaks
Trees of righteousness
Planted by you Lord for Your glory
We lift our praises high
And give our lives to you
To bear fruit through the seasons of life
Like living oaks
God’s living oaks
The live oaks of God.
The Peace of Christ
Words and music by Christopher J. Atkins © 2017, 2019. All rights reserved.
When giants stand before me
and dark winds lash against my heart
There’s danger I’ll be swallowed by the storm
I lift my eyes upward
to the One who saves my soul
I seek His strength to rise above it all.
God’s love rolls like a river
Flowing out to make me whole
And the peace of Christ fills my troubled soul.
In Faith I can move forward
As Hope anchors me to God
And the peace of Christ fills my troubled soul
There is joy set before me above the trials that I endure
When I look upon the face of Jesus Christ
I lift my eyes upward to the One who saves my soul
I seek His strength to rise above it all.
God’s love rolls like a river
Flowing out to make me whole
And the peace of Christ fills my troubled soul.
In Faith I can move forward
As Hope anchors me to God
And the peace of Christ fills my troubled soul
Peace moves like a river
Joy reigns within my soul
Hope moves mountainsbefore me
God’s love overflows
Peace moves like a river
Joy reigns within my soul
Hope moves mountains before me
God’s love overflows
Peace moves like a river
Joy reigns within my soul
Hope moves mountains before me
God’s love overflows…
…And the peace of Christ fills my troubled soul.
And the peace of Christ fills my troubled soul
In Faith I can move forward
As Hope anchors me to God
And the peace of Christ fills my troubled soul
And the peace of Christ fills my troubled soul
And The peace of Christ fills my troubled soul.
All About The Kingdom
Words and music by Christopher J. Atkins © 2008, 2019. All rights reserved.
It’s all about the Kingdom, it’s all about the cross,
It’s all about God who came to seek and save the lost,
It’s all about the Savior, who saved humanity,
It’s all about the One who came to earth for you and me.
It’s all about people who turned away from Him
It’s all about our nature that was tarnished by this sin.
It’s all about creation that fell because of this,
It’s all about the fall that caused the pain of death’s abyss
It’s all about The Father who loved us so much more,
It’s all about His plan to restore what we had torn;
It’s all about the price He would have to pay for us.
It’s all about salvation and God’s greatest sacrifice.
It’s all about Jesus, who entered history,
The Son of God and Son of Man, the One of prophesies;
It’s all about His teaching and life lived flawlessly,
Jesus touched people, He healed and set them free.
It’s all about the Savior who uttered not a sound
When hypocrites and leaders beat Him to the ground;
And sentenced Him to die on the cross for all to see,
It’s all about Jesus, He died for you and me.
It’s all about Jesus, He triumphed over the grave,
He rose again in power, He lives for all He saved;
It’s all about Jesus, who paid for all we’ve done.
God’s plan of salvation and victory has been won.
It’s all about Jesus, He’s coming back someday,
The risen King will come again to judge humanity;
It’s all about the Kingdom, new heavens and new earth,
God will live among His people transformed by new birth.
It’s all about Jesus, it’s all about Jesus
It’s all about Jesus, all about Jesus
It’s all about the Kingdom, it’s all about the cross,
It’s all about God who came to seek and save the lost,
It’s all about Jesus, all about Jesus.
Sacred Place
Words and music by Christopher J. Atkins © 2012, 2018, 2019. Christopher J. Atkins. All rights reserved.
Lord. lead me to the sacred place where I can meet with You
And guide me to Your perfect peace So I will follow You.
Lord let your still and holy voice be heard within my soul
And let Your healing power come To me and make me whole.
Lord, let Your Word dwell deep within me Your Holy Spirit impart
I pray Your Kingdom comes this day
On the earth and in my heart. On the earth and in my heart.
Lord, change me by Your very hand to be what you desire
I yield myself to You, O God, Enflame me with Your fire.
Lord, let my very being move to do each day and hour
The things you will to do through me Lord, lead me by Your power.
Lord, let Your Word dwell deep within me Your Holy Spirit impart
I pray Your Kingdom comes this day
On the earth and in my heart. On the earth and in my heart.
I want to know you, Lord, Encounter you anew
To taste and see you, God
Be touched and changed by you— Be touched and changed by you.
…Be touched and changed by you.
May every thought and word and move be led by You, O Lord
So those who see me will see You
to turn and be restored.
I pray Your kingdom comes, O Lord.
I Will Stand (How Firm A Foundation)
Words and music by Christopher J. Atkins Based on “How Firm A Foundation” 1787 Public Domain. Christopher J. Atkins © 2013, 2018, 2019. All rights reserved.
I will stand upon the rock of Jesus, Call upon His name
I will rest upon my Risen Savior, Unshakeable He reigns.
How firm a foundation, you saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He has said
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
“Fear not, I am with you, oh, be not dismayed,
For I am your God, and will still give you aid;
I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.
I will stand upon the rock of Jesus, Call upon His name
I will rest upon my Risen Savior, unshakeable He reigns.
I will stand upon the rock of Jesus, Call upon His name
I will rest upon my Risen Savior, unshakeable He reigns.
“When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
My grace, all-sufficient, will be your supply;
The flame shall not harm you; I only design
Your dross to consume and your gold to refine”
I will stand upon the rock of Jesus, Call upon His name
I will rest upon my Risen Savior, unshakeable He reigns.
I will stand upon the rock of Jesus, Call upon His name
I will rest upon my Risen Savior, unshakeable He reigns.
“The soul that on Jesus does lean for repose,
I will not, I will not, desert to their foes;
That soul, that all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”
Always There
Words and music by Christopher J. Atkins © 2003, 2019 Christopher J. Atkins. All rights reserved.
You’ve come to a milestone, a new time in your life
Now you’re moving on, and come to me for advice
You’re my child; I’ve loved you from the start
Now be true to the dream planted in your heart.
With each and every day, this promise is true
No matter the distance, I’m always here for you.
Wherever you go I will go
You are never alone, I just want you to know
Look around you with the eyes of your heart
I’ll be there when you need me, even when we’re apart.
Always there.
You’ve come to pray at this time in your life
As you’re moving on you want the Father’s advice
Well I can hear God say, “I’ve loved you from the start
Come to me with the dream planted in your heart”.
With each and every day, His promise is true
No matter the distance, He’s always there with you.
And I can hear Him say...
“Wherever you go I will go
You are never alone, I just want you to know
I’m all around you and want to live in your heart
I’m always with you, we are never apart
When you’re lost in the valley I will be your guide
And on the peak of the mountain, I’ll be at your side—
Always there…”
God’s given His word, now I give mine too
He will never leave you, and I’ll always love you-
Always there.
Always there.
Always there.
Setting the Captives Free
Words and music by Christopher J. Atkins ©2012, 2018, 2019. All rights reserved.
Unbinding the cords, He’s untied the knot
Releasing our feet from the places we’re caught
Taking us out of the bondage we’re in
Breaking the chains of sin, we’re free.
Stepped in places we shouldn’t have gone
Caught in the dark with no hope of dawn
Jesus stepped in and broke our chains
Freed us by His blood
We’re free
Jesus is setting the captives free
He’s setting us free
He’s come to save you and me
Jesus is setting the captives free
He’s setting our feet on a brand new road
Lifting the weight of a sin-filled load
Healing the wounds that ravaged our soul
He’s got it all under control
We’re free
Jesus is setting the captives free
He’s setting us free
He’s come to save you and me
Jesus is setting the captives free
Free at last, free at last,
Thank God Almighty we’re free at last
We’ll never go back to where we’ve been
‘cause we’re bound for heaven and we’re free from sin
Free at last, free at last,
Thank God Almighty we’re free at last
We’ll never go back to where we’ve been
‘cause we’re bound for heaven and we’re free from sin
Free at last, free at last,
Thank God Almighty we’re free at last
We’ll never go back to where we’ve been
‘cause we’re bound for heaven and we’re free from sin
We’re free
Jesus is setting the captives free
He’s setting us free
He’s come to save you and me
Jesus is setting the captives free
Jesus is setting the captives free
Jesus is setting the captives free
Setting us free…
Beloved One
Words and music by Christopher J. Atkins (c) 2012, 2019 . All rights reserved.
You are the only one who defines me,
You are the measure of my worth.
Nothing I have or give or discover,
Nothing in heaven or on earth
Brings meaning to my life,
Or value in your eyes.
Lord, you define me,
Lord you refine me,
And Lord You have called me,
Beloved One,
Beloved One
Beloved One,
Lord, I am Yours
You pulled me out of darkness and shame Lord
You are the One who set me free
You called me Your own and gave me a share of
Your heritage for eternity.
You're the center of my life,
The greatest treasure in my eyes.
Lord, you define me,
Lord you refine me,
And Lord You have called me,
Beloved One,
Beloved One
Beloved One,
Lord, I am Yours
Beloved One,
Beloved One
Beloved One,
Lord, I am Yours
Beloved One,
Beloved One
Beloved One,
Lord, I am Yours.
Peace Driver
Words and music by Christopher J. Atkins © 2001, 2018, 2019. All rights reserved.
We rush to our cars and we suddenly change
Oh, we’re racing in a dangerous game
And on the road it’s hard to find
A driving soul that’s calm and kind
It’s time to rise up and stem the tide
Show the world our heavenly side
I want to drive so the world can see
God is the One who lives in me
I wanna be a peace driver
I wanna be a peace driver
Make me a driver of your peace
Make me a channel of love released
Help me to care and understand
And guide the wheel with gentle hands
Pray for travelers I meet on the road
For they might be carrying a heavy load
I want to love so the world can see
You are the God who’s driving me.
I wanna be a peace driver
I wanna be a peace driver
Lord, help me be a peace driver
I wanna be a peace driver
Make my driving a place where you live
Help me to yield and to forgive
Lead me to pray and not retaliate
And give me patience when I have to wait
Keep me from challenges and foolish games
Help me to bless instead of blame
Teach me to love the greatest and least
Make me a driver of Your peace.
I wanna be a peace driver
I wanna be a peace driver
Lord, help me be a peace driver
I wanna be a peace driver
Lord, help me be
A peace driver
I wanna be a peace driver
Lord, help me be a peace driver
A peace driver
Lord, help me be a peace driver
I wanna be a peace driver
Peace driver
Resting Place (God I Come)
Traditional. Add’l music and lyrics by Christopher J. Atkins ©2014 all rights reserved.
My faith has found a resting place,
Not in device nor creed;
I trust the Ever-living One,
His wounds for me shall plead.
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea;
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.
Enough for me that Jesus saves,
This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful one I come to Him
He’ll never cast me out. (to Chorus)
Oh God I come as one set free
Your presence breathing life in me
God here I am, I long to be
Yours always, ever, whole-heartedly.
My heart is leaning on the Word, The living Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior’s name, Salvation through His blood.
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea;
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.
Oh God I come as one set free
Your presence breathing life in me
God here I am, I long to be
Yours always, ever, whole-heartedly.
My faith has found a resting place…
In You, my God.
Country Bluegrass Christmas
Words and Music by Christopher J. Atkins© 2017, 2018, 2019 All rights reserved.
It’s the 25th of December and all is bright and green
We’re sittin’ on the porch swing in a warm, Southern scene
We are celebratin’ the birthday of the King
So we pull out the fiddle and we begin to sing
O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels!
O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,Christ the Lord
With the banjo and a guitar and a mandolin right here
We’ll lend a voice in singing the songs of Christmas cheer
We might not have a snowfall or bells on a one-horse sleigh
But we’ll still having Christmas the country bluegrass way.
O Little Town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Wherever you are stationed in snowfall or in sun
You’ll do all right in singing to the newborn Promised One
So join in celebratin’ the birthday of the King
Clap your hands and stomp your feet and join us as we sing
Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o'er the plains,
And the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
With the banjo and a guitar and a mandolin right here
We’ll lend a voice in singing the songs of Christmas cheer
We might not have a snowfall or bells on a one-horse sleigh
But we’ll still having Christmas, Oh, we’re celebratin’ Christmas
We’ll still havin’ Christmas the country bluegrass way.
Living Oaks (Live Oaks Church Version)
Words and music by Christopher J. Atkins © 2017, 2019. All rights reserved.
God, you brought us here
And planted us
Like seedlings by streams of living water
We lift our hands to you
Like branches lifted high
To worship and praise You all of our days.
The prayer of our heart
Is to grow and become
Like living oaks…
Lord, we delight in You
And trust Your perfect Way
We live in the splendor of Your glory
Like live oaks tall and strong
God, spread Your Word through us
So we will not wither or fall.
The prayer of our heart
Is to grow and become
Like living oaks
Trees of righteousness
Planted by you Lord for Your glory
We lift our praises high
And give our lives to you
To bear fruit through the seasons of life
You are the Vine and we are the branches
Live in us O Lord
You are the Vine and we are the branches
Live in us O Lord
You are the Vine and we are the branches
Move through us O Lord.
You are the Vine and we are the branches
Move through us O Lord.
Like living oaks
Trees of righteousness
Planted by you Lord for Your glory
We lift our praises high
And give our lives to you
To bear fruit through the seasons of life
Like living oaks
God’s living oaks
The live oaks of God.
Encore (Live Oaks Church version)
Words and music by Christopher J, Atkins © 2018, 2019. All rights reserved.
1. You’ve turned a page, now younger days are behind you
And you’re wondering if your useful days are through
Well God’s river flows, so fill your cup
He’s got plans for you, don’t give up
Put on your shoes and move on out in faith
Chorus 1
You’re not dead so you’re not done
Make the most of the time you’re living under God’s Son
It’s not the end of your story, there is more
It’s time for your life’s encore
Pray hard, serve well, aim high
So everyone can tell
You’re gonna finish well.
2. The stage is set for your personal encore
‘cause life is good and the best is yet to come
Though the years have past you’re not done
You’re just a step away from only just begun
Get ready for more and move on out today (to chorus)
Chorus 2
You’re not dead (you’re not dead)
so you’re not done (you’re not done)
Make the most of the time you’re living under God’s Son
It’s not the end of your story, there is more
It’s time for your life’s encore
Pray hard, serve well, aim high
So everyone can tell
You’re gonna finish well.
Bridge: Let your life be a shining light
With faith and wisdom on your side
You can finish the race with a victory stride.
You’re not dead
so you’re not done (You’re not done)
Make the most of the time you’re living under God’s Son
It’s not the end of your story, there is more
It’s time for your life’s encore
Live well, give much, in faith be true
Thank God for the days given to you
Play hard, serve well, aim high
So everyone can tell
You’re gonna finish well.
You’re gonna finish well.
Go on and finish well!
Living Oaks Credits
Christopher J Atkins: executive producer, vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, keys
Bryan J. Mengy: Lead engineer , mixing, all-around amazing guy
Matthew Kirkwold: Production advisor, additional vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, prolific musician and friend extraordinaire!
Jake Wagner: editing engineer
Jason Miller: engineer—original mix (Setting the Captives Free, Beloved One)
James Harley: engineer, mixing (Peace Driver, Always There)
Isaac Rojas: Live Oaks Church live session engineer
Steve Bloomquist: production assistant, life-long friend and musician
Mastering: Greg Reierson, Rare Form Mastering
Chelsea Kimball: vocals and phenomenal worship leader
Terese Atkins: additional vocals —and amazing wife!
Gerson Reyes: additional vocals (Encore)
Jodi Baker: additional vocals (Peace Driver)
Pam Holland: additional vocals (Peace Driver)
Justin Rieken: Bass guitar
David Lapsley: Acoustic and electric guitars
Cory Wong: acoustic and electric guitars
Hannah Kalisch: violin/ fiddle
Zach Miller: drums
Adam Ferris: drums
Steve Gould: drums
Walter Powell: drums
Tommy Barbarella: keys, pads, strings
Andre Rodrigues: keys, pads, strings
Paul Peterson: keys, strings, additional vocals, (Always There)
Lee Blaske: strings (Peace Driver)
Ken Wilson: pedal steel guitar, banjo, mandolin
Ken Holman: saxophone
John Gerhart: saxophone (Living Oaks—Live Oaks Church version)
Thanks to all my dear friends who sang on “Peace Driver”
Thanks also to Uriah Nibbe and Kaleb Williams
Photography: Lou DiMarco
Graphic Design: Shannon Yurick
Graphic consultant and web page developer: Greg Atkins
Blog assistance: Steph Page, Lindsey Atkins
Special thanks to Tom and Jann Atkins, Mike and Terri Marshall, Grace Unleashed partners and friends, and our church family at Live Oaks Community Church in The Villages, FL without whose support this project would not be possible.
(c) 2019 Christopher J. Atkins. All rights reserved.
This recording cannot be reproduced or distributed in any form without the expressed written consent of Christopher J. Atkins