CD: Volume One, Track #3

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About the song:

This is the third song that the Lord allowed us to pen.  It's about a man named Felix who had the power to imprison Paul, and had the power to loose him if he'd so chosen.  He was married to a Jew, so he understood some of the Jew's religion.  After he imprisoned Paul, he went unto him to hear of this man named Jesus.  The Bible tells us that Paul spoke of 'Righteousness, Temperance and the Judgement to come', and Felix 'trembled' because of the conviction of the Holy Spirit of God upon his heart... Unfortunately, the Bible tells us of a most tragic decision, one that happens all the time - he sent Paul away until a 'Convenient Season'.  In other words, whenever it was convenient for Felix turn turn away from worldly lusts and unto Jesus for salvation, he'd do so.  But the Bible never tells us that convenient season ever came for Felix.  

I believe as I type this that Felix is crying out for a drop of water to cool his tongue because of the decision he made in Acts 24.  

If God speaks unto your heart, please don't do as Felix did.  The decision you make today can & will effect your eternity.  If you're unsure about your salvation, CLICK HERE to read about God's Plan to save you, so you don't suffer the same fate as Felix.



Scripture Basis: 

Acts 24:22-27  And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. 

And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him. And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 

And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. 

He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. 


© 2016 Scott McGraw | McGraw Family Ministries

Volume One

The Ballad of Felix (a 'Convenient Season') - Act. 24:22-27

CD: Volume One, Track #2

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About the Song:

Based on one of the great nuances in Scripture - it's great that Jesus is PRESENT with us.  He's PRESENT during our trials and tribulations... but the Bible says in Psa. 46 that He's a 'VERY present help in times of trouble'.  

I've tried to illustrate this in church by demonstrating that I (as pastor) am present with the entire congregation, BUT I'd then move real close to someone and show them that while I'm present with them all - I'm VERY present unto that person.  

It's good to know that He's the kind of God that desires to be close to us, especially in our times of need

Scripture basis:

Psalms 46:1   God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.


Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 
Many times we often struggle, with our burdens and our troubles 
(But it’s) simply by our choice we’re laden down 
(Jesus) offered many years ago, (He) said He’d bear that heavy load 
If tied up to His yoke is where we’re found 
 
Chorus 
(He’s a) Very Present help in times of trouble 
(He’s a) Very Present help in times of need 
(Jesus) is the only one who will never falter 
(You just) call on Him and you will find relief 
 
Verse 2 
We can find so many promises, all throughout God’s Word it’s said 
He will never fail or forsake you, my friend 
He’s the One that sticketh closer, than your very brother 
And He’ll be right there beside you ‘till the end 
 
(Repeat Chorus x2) 

(You just) call on Him and you will find relief 


© 2016 Scott McGraw | McGraw Family Ministries

A Very Present Help - Psa. 46:1

CD: Volume One, Track #1

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About the song:

This is the first song that the LORD allowed us to pen.  It was given on the ride home from work one evening immediately following the thought

'We should just try to write our own songs'.

 With that thought, God inspired this song that was largely written inside of 30 minutes on the ride home from work, and finished after church service later the same evening (July 13, 2016).  It's based upon the following Scripture:



Scripture Basis: 

Matthew 25:14-30

 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.  And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 

 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. 

 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. -- His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. -- He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 

 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. -- His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 

Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Song Lyrics:

Verse 1
Now there is a story, in the Bible we’re told
About some talents that the Master to His servants bestowed
Then one day the Master beckoned, to the servants of old
And He asked about those talents that He let them borrow

Chorus 1
What did you do with the talents I entrusted to you?
Did you trade up like a wise man, or play the fool?
I gave you a purpose, and plenty to do
(So) what did you do with the talent I entrusted to you?

Verse 2
We each have a portion, some big, some small
But each one's been given, by the Lord over All
And you will give answer,  when you hear the call
When you consider your empty hands, to your knees you will fall

Chorus 2
What did I do with the talents, he entrusted to me
So much time, so much reason and opportunity
But there's no crowns & rejoicing, just misery
For I wasted the talents that he gave unto me

Verse 3
Now down here on earth, we make choices each day
To serve our own bellies, (or seek the) Saviors face
Friend your tomorrow, is determined today
So turn your heart unto Jesus, before it's too late




© 2016 Scott McGraw | McGraw Family Ministries

What Did You Do With the Talents? - Mat. 25:14-30

CD: Volume One, Track #9

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About the Song:

This is a song that the Lord had given me while I was picking around with the guitar at my parents home.  The song essentially tells the story of Peter from the time of the garden until Jesus asked Peter to feed his sheep after Jesus' resurrection.

One important thing to remember is that Jesus told the disciples that one of them would betray him & they all would forsake him.  Peter was adament that while the others might, he would die before he denied him.  Then we all know the story how before the cock crowed Peter's denied him not once or twice, but three times... I'm quite certain that after the Lord's resurrection, Peter was depressed & dejected by his utter failure.

But thanks be to God that He is willing to give us feeble creatures second chances!  Jesus meets Peter on the shore there and tells him that he would indeed give his life for him - just as he said he was willing to do.

Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 
I think about the garden where He’d taken us to pray 
He spoke about a bitter cup, that was coming by His way 
But temptation overtook me, I closed my eyes to sleep 
I awoke to hear Him say ‘it's time' to the sound of soldier’s feet  
 
Chorus 1 
(When) I saw Judas kiss Him, I knew something wasn’t right 
I drew a sword and smote a man, but then Jesus said ‘don't fight’ 
Confused and conflicted, I ran out into the night 
I made my way around this little fire, I’ll just rest here a little while 
 
Verse 2 
The band of soldiers took Him (and they) led Him to a place 
(Where they) mocked Him and accused Him, (they plucked the) hairs from off His face 
But the comfort from the fire, soon gave way to fear 
When those around me realized that I held that man so dear 
 
Chorus 2 
(They) said my speech betrayed me, (But I de)nied I knew the man 
The fear inside me multiplied, as they accused me once again 
(As I) cursed I heard the cock crow and I realized my sin 
I ran off and wept so bit-ter-ly, when Jesus looked at me. 
  
Verse 3 
(Later) on I went a fishing, and the others followed there 
We should have been out serving, but my heart was in despair 
I failed Him, how I failed Him, could He ever forgive me? 
Then I saw the Lord upon the shore, so I raced in from the sea 
 
Chorus 3 
He prepared for us a meal and then He pulled me to the side 
He asked me if I loved Him and that weighed upon my mind  
He told me to go feed His sheep, then he told me how I'd die 
A second chance to give it all for Him – so that’ what I’m going to give 
 
Tag 
And though I may have failed Him, my Lord never has failed me 
He’s the God of Second Chances,  He reached way down to restore me

© 2016 Scott McGraw | McGraw Family Ministries

Second Chances (Peter's Song)

CD: Volume One - Track #8

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About the song:


There's many things that amaze me concerning our 'Christian' culture in America.  Many things are either accepted or deemed permissible that are ungodly and contrary to the Word of God.  Much could be said on this matter, but there's one thing that our society accepts that I detest and that is taking the name of Jesus in vain.  It angers & sickens me when I hear someone use the name of Jesus in a derogatory or flippant manner.  

A man by the name of JESUS walked up Mt. Calvary some 2,000 years ago FOR ME.  He hung between Heaven & earth FOR ME.  He shed His life's blood FOR ME.  He finished salvation's work upon that cross FOR ME.  He rose again the third day FOR ME.  He's gone to prepare a place FOR ME... I could go on & on about what He's one for me, so needless to say, I am offended when someone speaks of my LORD, or uses His name in any way that is less than the reverence in which He deserves.

There is truly No Sweeter Name than the name of JESUS!  And you will bow before Him one day, like it or not.  I sincerely pray that if you haven't trusted in Jesus, you do so today.


Scripture:

Philippians 2:7-11 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.


Song Lyrics:

Verse 1

One thing I’ll never understand is the love He has for me
To know the darkest corners of my heart, and still He made me free
My sins put Him upon that cross, but it was love that kept Him there
I will praise His name forevermore, for by His Grace my soul was spared


Chorus


Jesus - there's no sweeter name!
For He took all my sins and He bore all my shame
I was washed in His blood & it cleansed every stain
For by Jesus, that Name Above All Names – I was forever changed


Verse 2


To some it’s just a curse word, and it’s often used in vain,
But for me it meant salvation, when I called upon that name
And the day is fast approaching, when every knee shall bow
And the scorners mouth will confess He’s LORD as he falls unto the ground


Chorus


Verse 3


One day I’ll look upon Him, and my faith will become sight
Those nail scarred hands will reach to me & make everything alright
But until that day I’ll lift the name of the one they crucified
His death brought me Salvation, and by His life I’m Justified


Chorus



© 2016 Scott McGraw | McGraw Family Ministries

Jesus - Name Above All Names! - Phi. 2:9-11

CD: Volume One, Track #7

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About the Song:

Just a simple song focusing on three specific events where when Jesus Passed By things changed!  The first is the lame man by the pool in Bethesda(John 5:1-16), the second is the two blind men (Mat. 20:30-34) lastly, but most importantly unto me is when Jesus passed by MY way - made my blinded eyes to see and made me who was dead in trespass & sins ALIVE IN JESUS TO LIVE FOREVERMORE!

Scipture Basis:

Matthew 20:30-34   And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.    And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.    And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?    They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.    So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

Matthew 20:30-34   And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.    And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.    And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?    They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.    So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.


Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 
In Jerusalem many years ago,  by the sheep market there was a place 
When the water was troubled, the sickly would get up to be the first in the pool they’d race 
Thirty-eight years is a long time, to wonder why nobody cared 
But then one day, when all hope seemed lost, a miracle came to him there 
 
Chorus 1 
(Then Jesus passed) by and saw the lame man,  by the pool is where he lay 
Then he heard the words ‘rise up and walk’,  and he carried his bed away 
When they asked him about what had happened,  ‘he healed me’ is all he could say 
It always made a difference,  when Jesus passed by the way 
 
Verse 2 
One thing those two had in common,  they couldn’t tell day from the night 
What a horrible trial for each passing hour,  never too see the light 
Then they heard of a man named Jesus,  who could turn the water to wine 
Through the crowds they would cry, they would not be denied, they knew Jesus could make them right 
 
Chorus 2 
(Then Jesus passed) by and saw those blind men,  sitting by the way 
He turned to them & touched their eyes then they looked upon Jesus that day 
Their lives were changed forever,  when they trusted in Jesus and prayed 
(Well) It always made a difference,  
when Jesus passed by the way 
 
Chorus 3 
(Then Jesus passed) by and saw this lost man,  in sin was where I lay 
But unto my heart I heard a voice,  saying ‘you can be saved today’ 
He paid my awful sin debt,  upon Calvary’s Cross that day 
It always made a difference,  when Jesus passed by the way 
 
Tag  
He saved my soul the moment,  
I turned unto Him and prayed 
In my heart He made a difference  
When Jesus passed by my way


© 2016 Scott McGraw | McGraw Family Ministries

When Jesus Passed By the Way - Joh. 5, Mat. 20

CD: Volume One, Track #6

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This song is based of a great man of God named Stephen who's story is told in Acts 6-7.  This man was cornered, questioned, persecuted & ultimately killed for preaching Jesus.  Yet something notable happened when Jesus looked up - he saw Jesus standing on the right hand of the Father.  Jesus stood to honour Stephen because Stephen stood for him!  Jesus stood to comfort him during his trial & welcome him home once it was through!

Makes you wonder - what kind of country we'd have today if there were some people willing to suffer persecution as Stephen did in the name of Jesus.

Scripture Basis:

Acts 7:51-60   Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.    Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:    Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.  
    When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.    But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,    And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.    Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,    And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.    And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.    And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 
A man was called 
To serve the Risen Lord 
But to say you followed Jesus he knew,  
Was bound to cause some strife 
 
Verse 2 
(But) That man stood tall 
He preached to try and win them,  
But they didn’t want to listen,  
and they sought to take his life 

Bridge 1 
And as Stephen looked to the Heavens,  
he saw Jesus standing there 

Chorus 1 
He stood His ground, though they gnashed & railed upon him 
Though they gathered stones about him, he didn’t back down 
He made his mark, although many may not understand 
He was just fulfilling God’s own master plan 
And in Stephen I learned a very simple truth 
That when you stand for Jesus, He’ll stand for you. 

Verse 3 
Now you were called 
To serve the Risen Lord 
But to follow close to Jesus you can 
Expect to cause some strife 

Verse 4 
But just stand tall 
And preach to try and win them,  
Although many will not listen, 
And may seek to take your life 

Bridge 2 
And when you ascend to Heaven,  
you’ll see Jesus standing there 

Chorus 2 
So stand your ground, though they gnash & rail upon you 
They may mock you and abuse you, but don’t back down 
Make your mark, although many may not understand 
You are just fulfilling God’s own master plan 
(So when they) look at you, they’ll learn that simple truth 
That when you stand for Jesus, He’ll stand for you.



© 2016 Scott McGraw | McGraw Family Ministries

When You Stand for Jesus, He'll Stand for You - Act. 7:51-60

CD: Volume One, Track #5

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Much can be said about Judas.  Most people revile this man, but I believe Jesus loved him, and the greatest emotion I have for him is sorrow.  I believe that Judas chose to betray Jesus - he wasn't forced to.  Jesus FOREKNEW the choices that Judas would make and THEREFORE it was foreordained that he should be in that place in that time to accomplish the Will of God.

The end result is that Judas traded his eternity for 30 pieces of silver... and the sad thing is, many people today trade their eternity for far less.

Scripture Basis:

Mark: 8:36-37 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Lyrics:
Verse 1
I had walked with that man from Galilee
He hand-picked eleven, and then he chose me
I saw Him feed the multitude, and make blind eyes to see 
But then along came those silver bearing Pharisees 

Verse 2
When we sat down to Supper, Jesus told us a tale
‘One will betray me’ He said without fail
What you do, do it quickly, to me He would tell
Thirty pieces of silver would be the price of the sale

Chorus 1
Oh, what a trade, what a trade I have made
I gave Jesus away for the price of a slave
Betrayed Him with a kiss, then they took Him away
Oh, what a trade, what a trade I have made

Verse 3
As He stood before Pilate, He was sentenced to die
Upon Calvary’s hill, he was Crucified
When I saw what I’d done, I began to cry
Thirty pieces of silver is what I gave for my life

Chorus 2
Oh, what a trade, what a trade I have made
I gave Jesus away for the price of a slave
In the lowest Hell I lift my eyes up today
Oh what a trade, what a trade I have made

Verse 4
Now where Judas is at, it was due unto me
But in Jesus I found the remedy
So instead of Hell’s chains, Jesus set me free
To have joy & peace for eternity

Chorus 3
Oh, what a trade, what a trade I have made
Jesus took all my sins, and He washed them away
My soul was once lost, but I’m redeemed today
Oh what a trade, what a trade I have made!

The Debt that I owed, Jesus paid for that day
Oh what a trade, what a trade I have made!



© 2016 Scott McGraw | McGraw Family Ministries

What a Trade I Have Made (Judas' Song) - Mar. 8:36-37

CD: Volume One, Track #4

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About the Song:

The Lord gave me this song as I pondered upon the soon going home of a good man in our church named Bro. Bill Cochran.  He was well in his 80's and had been battling health issues for a time but was quickly getting worse.  When I had spoken with him on Saturday to setup a time when some of the church could come over and have a cottage prayer meeting because he was at that point physically unable to come the the house of God.  It was during that conversation that it hit me that he would soon be leaving this world & the Lord inspired this song.

Oftentimes Christians dear to us leave this world and it fills our hearts with grief and sorrow.  I believe the most helpful thing we can do during this time is to remember & lean on the promises of God.  This song attempts to remind the Christians that though they're gone 'it's ok' because they're with Jesus - and when we face death 'it's ok' because we'll meet them again, because Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us.  And finally, even though Jesus did die for our sins, 'it's ok' because He rose from that grave & He Lives Forever!  Thank God for His promises!


Scripture basis:

1 Thessalonians 4:17   Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.


Song Lyrics:

Verse 1 

For many years, we’d meet on Sunday 
Your faithfulness, inspired us all 
But here today, that pew sits empty  
Because you laid your body down when Jesus called 

 

Chorus 1 

(So) Another one’s Home, in the arms of Jesus 
Another one gone, - left this world behind 
But it’s ok, we’ll see them over yonder 
In that place the Lord’s prepared up in the sky 
 

Verse 2 

As I look out across the church house 
Where many souls, had stood before 
Now up in Glory, they stand rejoicing  
As they see, you enter through, Heaven’s door 
 

Chorus (1) 

(For) Another one’s Home, into the arms of Jesus 
Another one gone, - left this world behind 
But it’s ok, we’ll see them over yonder 
In that place the Lord’s prepared up in the sky 
 

Verse 3 

In this old world, we see our share of suffering 
And this old world, troubles fall like rain 
But where I’m going, where I’ll live forever 
There’ll be no sickness, no sorrow, no toil or pain 
 

Chorus 2 

I’ll be going Home, into the arms of Jesus 
Going home, I’ll leave this world behind 
But it’s ok, for I’ll be over yonder 
With my friends who’ve gone before up in the sky 
 

Chorus 3 

For I’ve got a home, prepared by Jesus 
For my sins, He bled & died 
But it’s ok, For He Lives Forever 
(And one) day He’s going to call me up to the sky 

… There we’ll live in the sweet by & by




© 2016 Scott McGraw | McGraw Family Ministries

Another One's Home - 1Th. 4:17

The Particulars

Myself (Scott - guitar / vocals), my wife (Deana - vocals) & two children (Kayla - Mandolin / vocals & Scottie - Bass / Ukulele) comprise McGraw Family Music.  It's our desire to spread the Word of God, and one avenue that the LORD has given us ability to do so is through Song. We claim nothing special other than being 'so' loved by the Creator of the heavens & earth...  So much in fact that God gave His only Begotten Son to shed His precious blood upon Mt. Calvary so that we could be saved!  We are simply doing as Shamgar did in Judges 3:31 - 'what we can with what we have'.

The Purpose

This ministry exists to:
- Honour God and to Lift up Jesus
- To spread the Good News of God's Salvation plan
- To preach & sing to edify, convict, console & encourage man
- To 'Use the Talents' that He has entrusted unto us to the best of our abilities.

For more info about the ministry, visite www.McGrawFamilyMusic.com