ARETHA ABRAMS

1. Intimate Sin Intimate Savior Sin was my friend for a little while It afforded me everything that made me smile The more I became addicted the more  I went into denial. It was delicious, delectable and delightful too It was mysterious and delirious and only I knew It was small and discreet but over time the monster grew. What started out as being just a few minutes a day Became a habit I tried to command but it wouldn’t obey And I couldn’t live without it - not for one day. Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

2. Intimate Sin Intimate Savior It had taken over my time and my personality And before I knew it I couldn’t be me My friends tried to tell me but I couldn’t see.  I suddenly found myself spiraling down So lost in the sin that I couldn’t be found I wanted to call for help but sin wouldn’t let me make a sound. He taunted and teased and made me feel ashamed He pointed the finger at me and said I was to blame And now this sin would forever be associated with my name. Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

3. Intimate Sin Intimate Savior So I sat in the corner wanting to cry Couldn’t summon the tears because I was living a lie, Sin had me feeling so bad I wanted to die. So I pointed a pistol to my head Sin said to me, “Go ahead!  You might as well be dead!” And, I almost listened to what sin said. But suddenly a voice came out of nowhere, I was so shocked and amazed that all I could do was sit and stare, I looked for the person who said it but no one was there. Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

4. Intimate Sin Intimate Savior This voice called my name ever so lovingly Took the gun from my hand and touch me softly He told me He came specifically to save me. Jesus said that all sin had told me was a lie, I didn’t have to kill myself because He had already died, All I had to do was ask the Savior to come inside. Dear Jesus I believe in you and you’re inside of me. I believe you died that victorious day on Calvary. And because you died - you set me free. Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

5. Intimate Sin Intimate Savior And I accept you as my Lord and Savior I know you’ll keep me from hurt, harm and danger, Come into my life and help me change my behavior. Kneeling down on my knees - together we prayed And from that moment forward I knew I was saved Sin yelled and screamed but eventually had to behave. Life without sin is not always easy What I had given up kept tempting and tormenting me, But I held onto the Master’s hand even more tightly. Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

6. Intimate Sin Intimate Savior If I can hold on for just a little while longer I know with each day I will grow stronger If I hunger and thirst after His Word He will satisfy my hunger. Jesus, my best friend, drove sin away, Every time sin tempted me the Master gave me a word to say, Because He is my sword - I meditate on His Word everyday. Now, I no longer listen to sin. I will never go back to where I’ve already been. Now, I know I only have one Savior and one true friend. End Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

7. A Missionary’s Spirit She is beauty, she is wisdom, She is grace and dignity, Her motto is, “I can do all things Through Christ who strengthens me.” She is an educator, an innovator, A loving mother and a loving wife, As her husband often mentions, “She is a pearl of great price.” She is more precious than rubies, She is worth more than gold, She loves her children’s children With all her heart and all her soul. She is the ladder leading up to heaven Helping those who have gone astray. A bridge between heaven and earth And a light that lights the way. Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

8. A Missionary’s Spirit How beautiful are the feet of them That preach the gospel of peace, How excellent to spread the Word That brings redemption and relief. As she teaches about Christian missions And teaches the principles of Christian life, As she promotes the cause of world evangelism She gives herself upon the altar of sacrifice. She is an excellent example to all of us, A pillar of fire and a pillar of strength, A valiant solider in the army of the Lord, In times of trouble, she is our first defense. Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

9. A Missionary’s Spirit Thank you for your example and For all that you do and all you’ve done, We know you’ll lead us to victory Because the battle is already won. End Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

10. Bring the Praise Come all who are weak and heavy laden And I will give you rest, I will heal and strengthen you, I will send the comforter to the oppressed. Come from the east and the west, Come from the north and the south, Spread the gospel of good news, Let it leap from mouth to mouth. Sing unto the Lord a new song, Let His praise continually be in your mouth, Come singing from the east and the west, Come praising from the north and south. End Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

11. By Your Faith Without faith it is impossible to please God, With faith all things are possible, Faith is the substance of things hoped for, With faith the invisible becomes visible. By your faith are you made whole, By your faith can a blind man see, By your faith are you justified, By faith will you live for eternity, By your faith can mountains be moved, By your faith can you cast out evil spirits, By your faith can you be healed from sickness, Faith comes by hearing—can you hear it? Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

12. By Your Faith By faith we are the children of God, We are saved through faith by grace, By faith we have risen with Christ, And will rise again to see His sweet face. End Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

13. Can’t Change My Destiny You can’t change my destiny, You can’t tell me how to be me, The plans for my life were written long ago, No one can change who God made me to be. I am what I am by the grace of God, And the grace that was given was not in vain, He blessed me with blessings that brought me pleasure, And chastened my soul with fastings and pain. I have been uniquely designed by Him, His hands are the hands that touched me, He washed, redeemed and cleansed me, He took the dirty and made me holy. Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

14. Can’t Change My Destiny He touched my wounds so sweetly, And stopped the blood from flowing down, When Satan stripped away my glory, He gave me back my royal crown. End Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

15. Dream of a Dreamer Lift a toast to liberty! Drown your sorrows with wine and ale! Raised voices joined in mob like discourse when justice and freedom failed. Let loose the dogs! Put out the fire!  Turn on the water full force! Dog bites hurt!  When you’re thrown in jail never leave your power source. Drop to your knees! No violence please for God is on our side. He will avenge every drop of blood  from all the dead who died. Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

16. Dream of a Dreamer Walk in the rain! Forget your pain!  We have many miles to go! Boycott was the word we rallied behind. Sit in the back of the bus?  “Oh no!” I’m going down to Memphis! Climbing up the mountain to see my dream, Might not get there with you but I’ll be there although things aren’t always as they seem. The shot heard round the world was the end of the revolution.  Non-violence met a violent end. What started out in awesome victory came to a tragic and deadly end. Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

17. Dream of a Dreamer Mortal took on immortality as the angels descended from on high. Lift the body of the slain King, Will his dream live or will it die? We shall overcome some day although I don’t know when or how. Where is the leader worthy of this cause? Where is the dream?  Where is the dreamer now? End Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

18. Forgive Me Father Forgive me Father For I have sinned A sin that was sinned In the Garden of Eden. For my eyes have seen What they should not see And the sin was Too much for me. It looked so good It filled my eyes With desires I had Never tried. And all I wanted was What I wanted to see, The forbidden fruit That was forbidden to me. End Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

19. Give Me a Hand Reach out your hand and pull me up, Just don’t leave me alone down here, I need a hand to hold my hand, I need someone lovingly sincere. Strength isn’t strong enough to pull me out, I could be strong if someone would show me how, I would leave the past behind and look ahead, I’m critically urgently in need of you now. If I don’t come now I’ll never get out, The world is sucking me down the drain, But I heard your love was more than enough To shelter me from the rain. Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

20. Give Me a Hand So, if you love me you’ll save me now, I heard your love can save the world, And if that’s true I know your love Can save this poor lonely girl. End Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

21. God Given I started writing poetry because I didn’t have a choice, God gave me the gift to inspire. I started writing poetry because I didn’t have a voice, But God said if I will lift—He will lift higher. I started writing poems because the words just seem to fit, They were friends when I was friendless and alone. I started writing poems because the words, I must admit, Have created a whole new world of their own. Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

22. God Given The words became a poetic harvest, God sent me to water and tend the field. In the beginning was the Word, and I must confess The Word is my glittering spear and sparkling shield. The Word is light, love and life, It is powerful and will cut like a sword, Nations will fall by its sharpened deadly blade But the just shall receive their reward. End Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

23. God Is God Who can be God but God? Who else is deserving of His praise? Many have attempted to be like Him But all have failed miserably in vain. Hope keep on hoping, Prayer keep on praying, Trust keep on trusting, Song keep on singing, Believer keep on believing, Joy keep on rejoicing, Praises keep on praising, Leaver keep on leaving, Misery keep being miserable, Complainers keep on complaining, Pouters keep on pouting, Rain keep on raining, Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

24. God Is God Who can be God but God? Who else is deserving of His praise? Many have attempted to be like Him But all have failed miserably in vain. End Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

25. God Is In Control I’ve watch you make it to the top Now how about you help me up? I’m not a threat to your prosperity What God has for you is for you and What God has for me is for me. I’ve gone as far as I can on my own I’ve done as much as I can do all alone How about reaching down and grabbing my hand I have been given two legs of my own to stand And I’m standing on the Master’s plan. I could use a little help to reach my own heights I will soar like the eagle, I’ve already taken flight Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

26. God Is In Control But I don’t want to continue circling around I want to place my feet on the ground and now That I’ve been up I need help coming down. Give me some good sound advice I know it Could be a little sacrifice but you’ve been In the game and I’m just getting in I need the mentoring from a godly person Will you be the one to befriend a friend? I won’t be a nuisance and I won’t be a pain To live is Christ and to die is gain Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

27. God Is In Control I’m standing on the threshold of the rim of faith What God has taken away God will replace I will continue to seek Him on my face. Am I my brother’s keeper? Is this my responsibility? Yes. So reach down from the sky and heaven help me. You have brought me too far to leave me now Give me the knowledge, the wisdom and the know-how, There is none wiser or mightier than thou. End Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

28. Golden Crown My paper was waiting for me on the porch The moment I got home, Feels so good after a long time at work To have a little place to call my own. I took a moment to sit down, close my eyes And to catch my breath. What a blessing to be at ease, kick up your Feet and take a rest. When I opened my eyes I marveled at This beautiful and wonderful place, What a pleasure to know I no longer have To run in that treacherous race. Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

29. Golden Crown Bathing in the crystal fountains at The place where the angels muse and play, I can’t wait to put on my long white robe and Watch the hours melt away. Come sweet little angels bring me my crown And place it on my head, I’ve been waiting for a very long time To lie down and go to bed. Walking around heaven is wonderful, It’s like walking on clouds, In order not to scratch up the streets of gold No shoes are allowed.  Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

30. Golden Crown I just can’t wait to take my seat, Sinking down in my nice cozy chair, I tell you the furniture is so comfortable, It’s like sitting on a trestle of air. Suddenly, I heard a knock at the door I wonder who that can be, When I opened the door - to my surprise, It was Jesus visiting me. I didn’t know just what to do I’ve waited so long to see my dear friend, After taking a moment to marvel in His presence I finally asked Him to come in. Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

31. Golden Crown His feet never touched the ground And a light shone brightly around Him, He said, “I just stopped by to welcome you home.” I shouted, “Hallelujah!  Thank you Jesus!  Amen!” He said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord.  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for great is your reward.” And in an instance He disappeared But as I looked around, Next to the place where I was just sitting Was my brand new golden crown. End Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

32. Good Enough For God Growing up Isn’t an easy thing, I’ve made so many mistakes I’ve had so many heartbreaks, so many heartaches, I felt like giving up, Life had beat me down, I couldn’t see how I could make it, I didn’t feel like I could take it, People are so mean and cold, They say things that pierce my soul, But I won’t give up until I reach my goal, Cause my Savior said, “Thy faith has made you whole!” Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

33. Good Enough For God And I’m good enough for God. The one who took my guilt away, Paid a debt I can’t repay, He has preserved me until His day, And I’m good enough for God. The faults you can’t forgive, The past you think I should relive, The things I want to forget You said you can’t forgive, But I’m good enough for God. I can go on... I have the strength to keep on living, No matter what you say, I know the price I have to pay. Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

34. Good Enough For God Holding on Isn’t an easy thing, My sins are ever before me Trying to blind my eyes so I can’t see His mercy, The pain won’t go away, Seems like as soon as the wounds begin to heal Here comes another past mistake Being thrown in my face. People stab me in the back without a second thought, Spreading rumors whether they’re true or not, But I wont’ give up until I reach my goal, Cause my Savior said, “Thy faith has made you whole!” Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

35. Good Enough For God And I’m good enough for God. The one who took my guilt away, Paid a debt I can’t repay, He has preserved me until His day, And I’m good enough for God. The faults you can’t forgive, The past you think I should relive, The things I want to forget You said you can’t forgive, But I’m good enough for God. The world is always against me But when I get home - my Savior’s face I’ll see That’s when I’ll live from eternity to eternity Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

36. Good Enough For God The world is unforgiving but God has forgiven me. I might not be good enough for you But I’m good enough for God. End Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

37. I Never Knew I never knew life could be so full of joy Although sorrows may come my way, I never knew I could keep on loving others When hate is prevalent in what they do and say, I didn’t know it would be so easy to Turn the other cheek, I didn’t know how to remain humble And how to remain lowly and meek, I never knew I had another place, One to call my own, I never knew when I was lonely That I was never alone, Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

38. I Never Knew I never knew I could feel your presence When no one else is near, I never knew you would give me strength To stand up in the face of fear, I never knew the blood flowing from your side Was enough to save humanity, I never knew that when you died You did it just for me, I never knew your power was strong Enough to create the heavens and earth, I never knew a person could be born again By going through a second birth, Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

39. I Never Knew I never knew you could save me Through the death of your only begotten son, I never knew you could give destiny To someone who had none, Faith is the substance of things hoped for The evidence of things not seen I never knew you could bring reality To a dream I’ve always dreamed. End Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

40. I Wanna Know I wanna know the power of God. I wanna experience what God has to give, I wanna know what it feels like to heal the sick, I wanna know what it’s like to forgive. I wanna feel this amazing power of God. I wanna know how to love unselfishly, What is it like to have dominion over the earth? What is it like to love all your enemies? I wanna understand this awesome power of God. I wanna know this power from on high. I wanna know how it feels to command angelic beings. What is it like to make your home in the sky? Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

41. I Wanna Know What is it like to have the power to part the sea? What is it like when the winds and waves obey your will? What was it like to flood the entire earth? What is it like to say “peace” and everything becomes still. How do you feel when people curse you And when they say you don’t exist? How do you feel when they quench your Spirit? Who are the clouds carried with a tempest? How does it feel to know everything? What is it like to have power over death? Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

42. I Wanna Know Do you look upon the things you made and smile? What is it like to take away a man’s last breath? End Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

43. I’ll Wait Walking away from my one true love Was the hardest thing I’ve ever done Yet you felt you didn’t need me Even though you were my only son. I tried to tell you for your own good But you wouldn’t listen to me I tried to be there when I could But you turned your back on me. So I will wait – until you’re ready, Although I hate – to see you do this to yourself, I will wait – until you come back to me, I’m not going to worry – I’ll just wait. Yes, I will wait – I won’t rush your recovery, I’ll wait – I know it’s not about me, I’ll wait – It’s your choice to make and While you’re deciding – I’ll just wait. Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

44. I’ll Wait We’re headed in the opposite direction, I want to protect you, but you don’t want my protection, Why can’t you see how much you’re hurting yourself, I’m trying to stay faithful but you’re scaring me to death. Although you’re tired of listening, I’ll continue to you pray, I know you’ll make the right decision But until that day, I will wait – until you’re ready, Although I hate – to see you do this to yourself, I will wait – until you come back to me, I’m not going to worry – I will wait, Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

45. I’ll Wait Yes, I will wait – I won’t rush your recovery, I’ll wait—I know it’s not about me, I’ll wait –It’s your choice to make and While you’re deciding While you’re trying While I’m crying While I’m dying I’ll just have to wait. End Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

46. I’m Only Human If I let you in on my secret Would you think of me differently? Would you hold me up to a higher standard? Would you tell me who I’m supposed to be? Would you tell me how I’m supposed to act, How to think and how to feel? Would you think that I’m a superhuman being Or would you let me be myself—let me be real? What if I don't do everything right? What if sometimes I fail? What if I stumble over life’s circumstances? What if sometimes I forget to exhale? Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

47. I’m Only Human What if sometimes I let life get me down? What if sometimes I lose faith? What if sometimes I forget who I am? What if sometimes I don’t finish the race? Would you frown on my sense of humor? Would you cringe at my enormous laugh? Would you think I’m rude for interrupting Or would you stand up on my behalf? What if I am only human? What if I make mistakes like everyone else? What if I’m just like you? What if I don’t pass every test? Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

48. Intimate Savior First, rid your mind Of every thought and fantasy, Concentrate on who I am Let your heart speak to me openly. Close your eyes lay back and relax This may be your only chance If you are willing to follow me, Enjoy the uniqueness of this experience. You are no longer all alone It’s just the two of us I’ll go with you wherever you go In case you didn’t know – my name is Jesus. I will liberate you and save your soul Free you from every guilt and shame I will touch you with a healing touch If you will only say my name. Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

49. Intimate Savior I’ll be gentle as a lamb I will calm your every storm If you will put your hand in my hand Your life will be transformed. I will cleanse you deep down inside In places only I can reach I will write your name upon my hand And teach you things only I can teach. I will give you all your wants All your needs, all your desires I will seat you on my throne with me If you are willing to go a little higher. Come unto me with singing and dance Let me seal our love with a kiss Taste and see that I am good This is something you don’t want to miss. End Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS

50. It’s Got to Come From Somewhere When I hear noises but no one else is at home And I start feeling afraid and all alone. Where does that anxious feeling come from? When I get a phone call in the middle of the night And I don’t want to answer because I’m afraid that something “ain’t” right. Where does that nervous feeling come from? When the children are playing and I suddenly hear a shriek of pain And I feel ice water running all through my veins. Where does that uneasy feeling come from? Naked Lips of Praise Volume II Intimate Sin Intimate Savior ARETHA ABRAMS