Monday, August 25, 2008

Our Amen Journey in Song - Our Affirmation, Commitment & Desire

Since I am new to the world of blog, I didn't know how to post the song "I Then Shall Live" with comments. Now I want to share some thoughts about what this song means to Betty and me. The music is "Finlandia" by Jean Sibeluis. In 1980, I believe, Gloria Gaither wrote the lyrics. There is a hymn based on the same music - "Be Still My Soul." The video recording is by the Gaither Vocal Band and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. I wanted you to be able to look at the lyrics and reflect.

"I then shall live as one who's been forgiven
I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid
I know my name is clear before my Father
I am His child and I am not afraid
So greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother
The law of love, I gladly will obey

I then shall live as one who's learned compassion
I've been so loved, I'll risk loving, too
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges
I'll dare to see another's point of view
And when relationships demand commitment
Then I'll be there to care and follow through

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, oh may I share with honor
And may You feed a hungry world through me
Your Kingdom come around and through and in me..."

I called this our "Amen Journey in Song." It expresses our affirmation, commitment and desire - not necessarily the way it has always been. What a tall order - totally unachievable without the Father's help and without the prayers of our friends. I didn't post this as a spiritual merit badge. It is here, in part, for purposes of accountability. I have been reading a book by Dr. David Jeremiah entitled "God in You." It is about releasing the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. That is what we need to be true to this commitment. We are on a journey. That means we haven't arrived. It also means we do not want to put our life on cruise control and sit back to enjoy the scenery. One regret that I have is that I didn't see 62 years ago that this new life in Christ had to be lived with purpose and intensity. So now at age 71, I see that with more clarity than I ever have. Is that a waste? Some might say "Yes." I can say that if I choose to dwell on what might have been. In his book, "God in You," Dr. Jeremiah spoke about having dreams greater than our memories. With God's help, we choose greater dreams. Dr. Jeremiah concluded with this prayer:

"Holy Spirit of God, take control of my life. Sit in the place of power. Pull the switches. Do Your work. Lord, I just want to be available. Holy Spirit, I will be your suit of clothes. Walk around in my body. Speak through my lips. Empower me to be what I cannot be in my self. I ask You to cleanse me from my sin, O God, and fill now to overflowing. And I ask it in the name of Jesus."
This is our prayer.



1 comment:

blaire blanchette said...

Welcome to the blog world!

I can already tell that I will enjoy your insightful thoughts that you will post here.

I am excited about spending some time with you and your lovely wife this weekend!