“I’ve Never Felt So Close” was inspired by the story of a friend’s real life encounter with the comforting words of Psalm 73:28… 

“But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.”

I have no idea who might be encouraged by this song…I only know that I’m supposed to offer it…not just to tell the story of the one who lived it but for the one who someday will. 

“I’ve Never Felt So Close”

I won’t forget when I got the news

They said they did everything they could do

I’ve never been so alone and so afraid

A flood of fear had come to wash my hopes away

 

But in that room where my world turned so dark

He came to me and whispered to my heart

“I’m here with you, I heard your cry”

And in that moment I realized

 

I’ve never felt so close to the Lord

I’ve never known His presence like this before

In my time of greatest need

Like a friend He stood by me

I’ve never felt so close to the Lord

 

There was a peace I can’t explain

I even heard Him say my name

And with Him so near I knew it very well

The storm had passed before the last raindrop fell

 

Cho…

 

Steve Chapman/Times & Season Music/2017

Jeff Pearles/Jeffed Music

This lyric video was posted on You Tube by a gentleman named, David McCann. It features a song recorded by The McKameys on their Precious Seed CD that was written by Steve. Perhaps this will encourage someone who needs to be reminded that God cares very much about your “unspoken request.”

The introduction in the video says it all!!!!

 

Several years ago it was our family’s turn to say the table grace at the gathering of the Williamson “clan” on Thanksgiving Day in West Virginia. It was no surprise to everyone that Steve had put our table blessing to music. As he played the guitar the four of us began to sing the following song before the meal.

Through the years this short song has been used at mealtimes not only by our family but by many others who have heard the recording of it.

We invite you to use this musical prayer as you give thanks at your table.

God’s blessings to each of you… Steve & Annie

 

Guest of Honor

As our family gathers round this table
Where this meal has been prepared
Let all our hearts be grateful
As we offer up this prayer

“Our Father in Heaven
For this meal You have given
We want to say thank You
From our hearts
Bless the ones who prepared it
And Lord as we share it
Would You stay with us
And be our Guest of Honor.”

Ephesians 4:22 says, You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires… 

Whether you have recently given your life to Christ or you made that decision many years ago, we think you’ll appreciate this song that declares… “I don’t wanna go back to the old me!”

(Song written by Steve Chapman & Jeff Pearles / Times & Seasons Music & Jefed Music/BMI…available only as a download)

Many of us deeply desire to feel close to others and to serve them, especially family members. However, some are unable to do so because of being bound in some kind of prison. One of these prisons is unforgiveness. The sad thing is that too many of us are unaware that this is the cause of the bondage and just go on living without understanding why we are unable to be available to those we love. If this dilemma is yours we hope the lyrics of this song will help you be set free by “The Visitor” who holds the key to that prison

The Key

I cannot tell you how I was hurt

But I’ll tell you I’ve had some tears

I cannot tell you who it was

That turned my trust into fears

But I took the pieces of my broken heart

And I built some prison walls

There I’ve held that offender for years

And this is what I thought

 

“He’ll never know, never know no freedom

As long as I live, I’ll never give, never give him freedom

I’ll never, never give him freedom.”

 

But then one day the visitor came

To this prison in my heart

He said, “You ought to know the truth about

The one behind the bars…

Yes he’s weak and he’s and weary

He has not smiled in years

And you have been successful

At keeping his eyes filled with tears

 

But oh how he longs for his freedom

These words are the key

They first came from

‘Father forgive them’

Come let me show you how to use them.”

 

“Now don’t you know the offender

Is rarely the one in pain

Instead the one who will not forgive

Is the one who wears the chains.”

 

So I opened up the prison door

I used forgiveness as the key

And when I let that prisoner go

I found that it was me

 

Oh how sweet is the freedom

And it came on the day

When my heart prayed,

“Father, forgive them

Father, forgive them…

 

S Chapman/Times & Seasons Music/BMI/1998

On June 23rd Jeff & Sheri Easter will release their 30th recording titled, “Small Town.” On the CD is a song called, “Hallelujah Coming From The Valley” that was written by Steve and his friend, Jeff Pearles. 

Sheri said, “This was the first song that I chose for the project.  I have been looking for this style of song for years…a song that is earthy, grassy, yet has a message of hope and promise.  It reminds me of my roots, soft and acoustic with soaring harmonies and a lyric that lifts!”
We encourage you to pick up a copy of this new CD at www.jeffandsherieaster.com or at your favorite music store. We’ve heard samplings of the song at the Easter’s website and its an awesome sounding recording that we know your very spirit will enjoy!

The Chapmans