Living Waters Edge (Devotional and Song)

Male Vocal

Female Vocal

Devotional: Finding Grace at the End of the Road

Scripture:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
—Matthew 11:28 (ESV)

Devotional:
There are moments in life when we feel like we’ve reached the end of the road—when the weight of our mistakes and the burden of our circumstances leave us broken and searching for hope. April 3, 2014, was one of those moments for me. I had traveled to Oklahoma City to escape the wreckage of my life, and for a brief moment, the energy of OKC Thunder and my favorite player, Kevin Durant, allowed me to forget my pain. But reality waited for me the next day.

Sitting on the dry boat ramp at Lake Hefner, I felt like my surroundings mirrored my heart—parched, empty, and at a dead end. With headphones on and tears streaming down my face, I cried out to God. I played a song, “Word of God, Speak to Me” over and over, its lyrics piercing my heart. It was there, in the silence and solitude, that I realized running wasn’t the answer. I needed to face my pain and give it to God.

As I sat at the edge of that ramp, it struck me: I had been carrying a burden I was never meant to bear alone. For so long, I had tried to fix things in my own strength, only to end up more broken and exhausted. The end of the road wasn’t an ending—it was an invitation. An invitation to surrender my shame, my failures, and my heavy heart to the One who could truly heal me. The dry conditions of the lake mirrored my soul, but I was reminded that God is the living water, able to quench the deepest thirst and bring life to the driest places.

Sometimes, the hardest part of healing is letting go of the mask we wear. We cling to an image of strength, afraid to admit our struggles. But healing begins when we strip away the facade and come before God as we are—broken, messy, and desperate for His touch. That day at Lake Hefner, I didn’t need eloquent words or polished prayers. I just needed honesty, and God met me in my rawest, most vulnerable moment.

Have you felt like you’ve reached the end of the road? Maybe your heart feels heavy with regret or your circumstances feel insurmountable. Let me encourage you: God’s grace is sufficient for you. He doesn’t meet you with condemnation or shame—He meets you with open arms and unshakable love. He invites you to lay down your burdens and trust Him to do the work you cannot do on your own.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for meeting us in our brokenness and offering the gift of Your grace. When we feel like we’ve reached the end of the road, remind us that You are there, waiting to restore us and lead us into new life. Help us to lay down our burdens at Your feet and trust in Your redeeming power. Let Your love transform us, and may our lives testify to the miracle of Your grace. Thank You for never leaving us where You find us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Writing:

Have you ever wanted a miracle
But felt unworthy to plead

Have you felt like a lost cause
weighed down, never to be freed

All you could do was crawl in a hole
Never to be heard from or seen

Giving up a life of purpose
Giving up hope to be clean

Shouting out to God in your anger
Why not me Lord, why am I not deserving

If you were truly a God of love and compassion
You are the one I would be serving

Walking away into the night
Your heart hardened, you have no regret

Your hopes crushed to have a Savior
Someone who loves you, who will pay your debt

Have you ever seen a miracle
in the life of another soul

Have you ever witnessed the gratitude
that comes by making one whole

It’s a beauty that’s indescribable
A gift from the One above

Filled with so much awe and wonder
It is truly a gift of love

That gift is yours for the taking
All you have to do is ask

But you will never be able to come clean
If you continue to wear your mask

How do you break free from yourself
From the bondage that’s keeping you a slave

You have to lift your hands to the one above
For He is the only one who can save

Come to the living water’s edge
And feel the power of healing

It is a miracle you can receive
The love of the Savior revealing

You will be free from your own bondage
To be made whole again

Give Him your burden, completely your burden
He will cleanse you from all your sin

Have you ever seen a miracle
in the life of your own soul

Have you ever poured out your gratitude
that comes by making you whole

It’s a beauty that’s indescribable
A gift from the One above

Filled with so much awe and wonder
It is truly a gift of love

Song Lyrics

(Verse 1)

Have you longed for a miracle, felt unworthy to believe?
Burdened down by guilt and shame, no hope to be relieved.
In the darkness, you have wondered, “Can I ever be made whole?”
Jesus stands with arms wide open, He’s the Savior of your soul.

(Verse 2)

Have you seen a heart surrendered, healed by mercy’s gentle hand?
Felt the joy of restoration, love you cannot understand?
Bring your pain and all your burdens; leave them at the cross tonight.
Let His power make you righteous, shining pure in holy light.

(Chorus)

Have you seen a miracle, felt His love that sets you free?
It’s a gift beyond all measure, full of grace and majesty.
Come and drink the living water, let it wash your fear away.
Jesus breaks the chains that bind you; He’s your miracle today.

(Verse 3)

Have you felt the weight of sorrow, like a chain you cannot break?
Every step feels weak and heavy, every move a deep mistake.
Jesus sees your every struggle, and He whispers, “You are Mine.”
Through His grace, the chains will shatter; you will rise in love divine.

(Bridge)

Lift your hands and call upon Him; He will meet you where you stand.
Every tear and cry of sorrow, He will hold within His hand.
Feel the freedom in His presence, leave your past and walk His way.
Jesus loves you and redeems you; He’s your miracle today.

(Verse 4)

Have you walked in endless darkness, longing for the morning light?
Felt the pain of isolation, thinking hope was out of sight?
Jesus calls you from the shadows; He will lead you by His hand.
Step into His glorious promise, to the life that He has planned.

(Chorus)

(Outro)

He’s your miracle today,
Jesus is your miracle today.

Watcha Gonna Do?

Hey old man
Whatcha gonna do
When you’re feelin blue
Cuz they ragged on you
And they put you in the SHU
And then they flew… away

Hey old man
Whatcha gonna do
When they tag you out
Cuz you had a little bout
Your life looks like a rout
Now you’re on the out… side

Hey old man
Whatcha gonna do
When you roll the dice
And you can’t pay the price
Or make the sacrifice
You’re not given a slice…of their time

Hey old man
Whatcha gonna do
Get down on your knees
Pray for the keys
To thaw the freeze
And unlock the squeeze…they have on you

Dying Changes Everything

Song:

Devotional: Dying Changes Everything

Scripture:

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
— Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

Narrative

Life has a way of dragging us into the swamp — the places where our failures, fears, and sin feel like quicksand, pulling us deeper until hope feels out of reach. In those moments, it can feel like we’re gasping for air, drowning under the weight of our own brokenness.

But God’s Word reminds us that the answer isn’t to claw harder at the mud. The answer is surrender. Paul says that the old self must die so Christ can live in us. That’s the paradox of the gospel: almost dying changes nothing, but truly dying — dying to ourselves, our pride, our control — changes everything.

When we release the life we thought we could build on our own, Jesus breathes His Spirit into us. Suddenly, what looked like the end becomes the beginning. Death to the flesh makes way for new life in the Spirit. What once was a swamp of despair becomes holy ground where God’s grace raises us up.

This is not just a one-time experience; it’s a daily choice. Every day we lay down our old ways — our self-reliance, our selfish desires — and step into resurrection life. And every day, Christ proves faithful, filling our lungs with hope, peace, and power we could never muster on our own.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for the mystery of the cross — that in dying, I find life. Teach me how to surrender fully, to lay down the things I cling to that keep me from You. Breathe Your Spirit into me today. Let my old ways stay buried, and let new life rise in me through Your power. May my story, my worship, and my testimony point to You alone. In Your name I pray, amen.

Writing:

THUMP thump…THUMP thump…thump… thump…thum

I gasp for air
This is it
My last breath
As I exhale slowly

My eyelids close
My vision fades
Silence crashes into the room
Like rolling thunder

The walls melt
Like ice cream on a hot summer day

What is that noise?
What is that blinding light?
As the thin veil between this life and the next
Is split from top to bottom

Tick tock…Tick tock…tock…tock…toc

Chronos – time stops now

They’re standing around me
Some busy
Some just watching

And some…
…aren’t flesh and blood

Who are they?
These orbs of light
Floating around my bed
As if preparing me for flight
Seeing if I am dead?
Pulling me through the veil without a fight

Kairos – His time is now

“CLEAR!” … BAMB!!!

My head jerks back
I’m thrust as if shot out of a canon
I’m traveling through a tunnel
Swirling flashes
Faster…faster…at the speed of light
I gasp for air
The veil is sealed once again

Where am I, now???

Some things cannot be unseen…
…unheard
…unfelt

And I will never be the same…because…

Almost dying changes nothing
Dying changes everything

Song: Dying Changes Everything

Verse 1
I’m sinking deep, the waters rising
Lost inside this broken place
Breathing in the weight of silence
Drowning in my own disgrace
My eyes grow dim, my strength is failing
Shadows closing all around
But in the stillness I hear You whisper
“Child, you will be found”

Pre-Chorus
Tick tock… time fades out
Your voice breaks through the doubt

Chorus
Almost dying changes nothing
Dying changes everything
I release the chains I’m clutching
Now I rise on eagle’s wings
Spirit lifts me from the waters
Breath of heaven fills my lungs
In surrender I discover
New life rising with the Son

Verse 2
The veil is torn, the light is breaking
Your time has forever come
Flames of mercy burn around me
Pulling me to Kingdom’s throne
Grace like lightning strikes my spirit
Love restores my heart again
No more running, no more hiding
I am free in Jesus’ name

Pre-Chorus
Tick tock… time fades out
Your voice breaks through the doubt

Chorus (Big)
Almost dying changes nothing
Dying changes everything
I release the chains I’m clutching
Now I rise on eagle’s wings
Spirit lifts me from the waters
Breath of heaven fills my lungs
In surrender I discover
New life rising with the Son

Bridge (Build)
I have crossed from death to life
You’re the fire, You’re the light
Nothing stands but Jesus Christ
Dying changes everything
(Repeat as needed, rising each time)

Verse 3
Now I stand, my chains are broken
Every shadow swept away
Hope is rising, faith has spoken
Night has turned to brighter day
I will sing of resurrection
Testify to what You’ve done
From the grave into Your glory
All my battles now are won

Final Chorus / Tag
Almost dying changes nothing
Dying changes everything
I am living in Your presence
Breathing heaven’s holy breath

Outro (Soft, reflective)
THUMP… thump… (heartbeat slows)
Tick… tock… time is gone
Eternal life has just begun
Jesus, You’re my only song
Dying changed it all

X Marks The Spot (Devotional and Song)

Song: X Marks the Spot Duet

Devotional: X Marks the Spot

Scripture: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

There are moments in life when we find ourselves in places we never intended to be—trapped, burdened, lost in a cycle of guilt and regret. We look around and wonder, How did I get here? The weight of our past, the choices we’ve made, and the wounds we carry feel inescapable.

But God is not a distant observer. He sees the struggle, the self-condemnation, the fear that we are beyond redemption. And yet, He whispers truth into our restless souls: You are not forgotten. You are not too far gone. My grace is greater than your failures.

“X marks the spot.” The place of your greatest pain can become the place of your greatest redemption. When we stop running, stop hiding, and lay it all down at the foot of the cross, transformation begins. Jesus is not waiting for us to clean ourselves up first—He is calling us to surrender, to dig deep, and to uncover the treasure of His mercy hidden beneath our shame.

No more running. No more hiding. This is where life begins.

Prayer:

Lord, I come to You weary and burdened by my past. I lay my brokenness before You, trusting that Your love is greater than my failures. Help me to surrender fully, to stop hiding, and to receive the grace You freely offer. Redeem my story, transform my heart, and let me walk in the freedom and purpose You have for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I find myself in a place I don’t want to be
How did I get here
In this place where I am not free

Awkward
…Discomfort

Trapped
…Caged
…Bound

Judged
…Damned
…As worthless…and rotten…who should be condemned?

Who should it be?
…Is it you?
…Is it me?
…Or is this just the way the world works?

X marks the spot…
…and so I shall dig into the discomfort to uncover why I feel damned

I can’t blame another
For the failings that are mine
I’m the one who must take responsibility
For who I define

Mea culpa (Latin: through my fault)
I will no longer deny
The damage that I have done
And the life that is a lie

X marks the spot…
…and so I shall dig into the denial to uncover what I don’t want to see

It’s time to turn this around
To become the person I want to be
To live a life of freedom
And receive all that God wants for me

For God has made me special
Unique in every way
To live a life for His glory
And get the most of every day

X marks the spot…
…and so I shall dig to reveal the bounty which God has stored up for me

Song: X Marks the Spot

[Verse]

I’ve been running, restless soul,

Every road still left me cold.

Lost in doubt, caught in the fight,

Till You spoke and gave me light.

[Chorus]

X marks the spot where I lay it all down,

The weight of my past at the foot of Your crown.

I tried to escape, but Your love pulled me in,

Now I stand in surrender—this is where life begins.

[Verse]

All my footsteps left me lost,

Every choice came with a cost.

But Your mercy called my name,

Now I’ll never be the same.

[Chorus]

X marks the spot where I lay it all down,

The weight of my past at the foot of Your crown.

I tried to escape, but Your love pulled me in,

Now I stand in surrender—this is where life begins.

[1st Outro]

No more running, no more hiding,

Here I stand, Lord, I am Yours.

Grace has found me, love surrounds me,

I am lost in You once more.

[Verse]

All the maps I made were torn,

But You led me to be reborn.

Through the valleys, through the night,

You have turned my dark to light.

[Chorus]

X marks the spot where I lay it all down,

The weight of my past at the foot of Your crown.

I tried to escape, but Your love pulled me in,

Now I stand in surrender—this is where life begins.

[Outro]

No more running, no more hiding,

Here I stand, Lord, I am Yours.

Grace has found me, love surrounds me,

I am lost in You once more.

The Heart of Glass (Devotional and Song)

Genuine Fenton art glass, blown by Chuck Boux of Sigma Glass, St. Petersburg, FL

Mold My Heart – Female Vocal

Mold My Heart – Male Vocal

Devotional: “The Heart of Glass”

Scripture
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”
— Ezekiel 36:26

Reflection
This poem beautifully captures the human desire to protect and perfect our hearts. We search for strength and resilience in many forms—like glass, clay, and granite—seeking a heart that can endure life’s trials without breaking. Yet, time and experience teach us an important truth: it’s not the hardness or durability of our hearts that matters most but their openness to love, vulnerability, and God’s shaping hand.

A heart of glass, though fragile, reflects beauty and light in a way that no stone can. When we attempt to make our hearts impenetrable, like granite, we may succeed in avoiding hurt, but we also close ourselves off from love and connection. A cold, hard heart isolates us, leaving us lonely and distant from others. On the other hand, a heart too brittle—like one made of clay—may crumble under pressure, leaving us feeling useless or defeated.

The lesson here is not about finding the perfect material for our hearts but about trusting the right Artist. The Master Craftsman, our Creator, forms each of us with love, care, and purpose. He knows the balance between beauty and strength, between fragility and endurance. He shapes our hearts not to be invulnerable but to reflect His character—tender, compassionate, and full of grace.

A glass heart, though it may seem fragile, carries a unique kind of strength. It requires humility to handle it carefully, acknowledging that we cannot protect it alone. When we entrust our hearts to God, we don’t have to fear breaking. Even if our hearts do shatter under life’s pressures, God, in His mercy, gathers the pieces and creates something even more beautiful. His closeness to the brokenhearted ensures that no wound is beyond His ability to heal.

This devotional reminds us that our hearts are best shared with humility, not pride. They are not meant to be displayed as trophies for all the world to see but to be vessels of love and light, handled with care and offered to God and others. When we allow God to shape and guide our hearts, we find the balance between vulnerability and resilience, discovering a beauty that comes only from Him.

Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being the Master Craftsman of my heart. You know its every detail, its strengths, its weaknesses, and its capacity for love. Forgive me when I try to harden my heart to protect myself or when I let my pride display it carelessly, leaving it vulnerable to harm.

Teach me to trust You fully with my heart, knowing that even in its fragility, Your strength is sufficient. Help me to handle my heart with humility, recognizing that it is a reflection of Your love and grace. May I share it with others in ways that glorify You, shining Your light through its transparency. And when life’s pressures cause my heart to break, remind me that You are near, ready to restore and renew me with Your loving hands.

Shape me into the person You’ve called me to be, Lord. May my heart always reflect Your beauty, compassion, and purpose.
Amen.

Writing

The glassblower formed the molten glow
His skill refined and keen
With the care of an artist creating perfection
It was the prettiest heart I’d ever seen

I took my heart and showed it with pride
For all the world to see
But it was too fragile, this heart of glass
And a broken heart’s of no use to me

I searched far and wide for the best potter
To make a heart that was stronger
It wasn’t as pretty, this heart of clay
But I knew it would last longer

I took my heart and showed it with pride
For all the world to see
It too was fragile and it crumbled
And a broken heart’s of no use to me

To the best sculptor money could buy
I found my heart of granite
It was heavy and hard, not very pretty
This strongest heart on the planet

I took my heart and showed it with pride
For all the world to see
It didn’t break, but it was too cold
And all those around left me

The glassblower formed the molten glow
His skill refined and keen
With the care of an artist creating perfection
It was the prettiest heart I’d ever seen

I took my heart, handling it with care
For some of the world to see
This heart of glass, fragile in its beauty
Is best shared with humility

Mold My Heart

Verse 1
Open my heart, Lord, shape it anew,
Fill it with love that flows from You.
Teach me to see through others’ pain,
And show me how to love again.

Verse 2
Break down my pride, Lord, soften my soul,
Help me to see where love makes whole.
Guide me to serve, to give, to share,
And show Your kindness everywhere.

Chorus
Mold my heart, O Lord, to follow Your way,
Shape me with love, teach me how to obey.
Help me to love, forgive, and believe,
To offer Your hope to those in need.
Strengthen my steps, make my purpose clear,
Let me reflect that You are near.

Verse 3
Fill me with grace, Lord, let it shine,
A heart that beats with love divine.
Lead me to those who need Your care,
And teach me compassion everywhere.

Bridge
Tear down my walls, Lord, set me free,
Make me the person You want me to be.
Fill me with grace, Your Spirit within,
Transform my heart, let Your work begin.
Restore the hurting, lift up the weak,
Through every moment, Your will I seek.

Verse 4
Plant seeds of love within my heart,
Help me to live and do my part.
Let every act and every word,
Reflect Your truth, let it be heard.

Outro
Mold my heart, Lord, refine it still,
Align my life with Your perfect will.
Let love flow out in all that I do,
A living reflection of only You.
In every word, in every song,
Let my heart declare where I belong.

Special thanks to Chuck Boux at the Sigma Glass Studio in St. Petersburg, FL

The glass heart above was made from Fenton Art Glass. Fenton was sold in 2011 and is no longer supplying sought-after colored glass beads to artists.

Found this heart of clay at the Paradise Grille, 900 Gulf Way, Pass-a-Grille Beach, FL 33706