One
of my Grandpa Rich’s favorite programs was the Gaither Gospel Hour. It meant so
much to him since he grew up in a musical family.
I
must admit, I enjoy watching an episode or two of this same show. The musical talent
combined on the stage of each program is staggering. And of course, the music
they sing brings joy to my soul, because they are about my loving Father, my
gracious Savior, and my guide, the Holy Spirit.
Last
evening was no different. The program was titled “Amazing Grace.” They began
with a beautiful arrangement of Amazing
Grace and ended with I Then Shall
Live.
I was
captured by the lyrics of the last verse of I
Then Shall Live.
Your kingdom come around and through
and in me;
Your power and glory let them shine
through me.
Your Hallowed name, oh may I bear
with honor;
And may Your living Kingdom come in
me.
The Bread of Life, O’ may I share
with honor;
And may You feed a hungry world
through me.[i]
Wow!
Those are words to live by. Living a life in which God’s Kingdom is visible.
Living a life of honor. Living a life so that others might see God within me
and desire the same.
Oh,
I know I don’t live like this all the time. And to be honest, I couldn’t live
as I do without God’s Spirit leading me. Without God’s Words resonating within
my heart and head daily. Without knowing that Jesus was willing to take my sin
and pay my debt.
I
believe it all comes down to a willingness to allow God to work in me. If I continually
choose to be drawn into sin, I couldn’t possibly hope to live a life described
in this song. If I continually choose to put my needs and desires above God’s, I
would never be able to read these lyrics with honesty. If I continually choose
to turn my back on those in need, my words would be gibberish without meaning.
I’m
convicted by the lyrics. I’m pressed to see what is missing in my life. I must
be willing to make the necessary changes to live a life of honor.
Galatians
2:20 (NIV) tells me how to do this. “I
have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The
life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and
gave himself for me.” I must crucify myself and all that goes along with that. My selfishness, my pride, my earthly nature, my busyness…me.
I
pray that you’ll be encouraged by these words. I may not be where I need to be,
but I am in a better place than when I started this journey. May I live an
honorable life. May others see Jesus in me. May God’s Kingdom receive all the
glory. Amen.
Grace
and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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