“This moment will look much different two years from now,” I told the person who was torn by emotion, confronted with a difficult decision. I spoke from experience, knowing that with time’s passing, our choices and God’s leading find a context within the big picture of life.
As I approach my 54th birthday and look back over 3 decades of adulthood, I see moments where He changed my course and moments where I was headstrong and took detours from His will. Most amazing to me is His grace that has made me who I am today. In my reading in the Word this morning, I perused the story of Abraham’s dispatch of his servant to get a wife for Isaac. As the servant comes to a well, he meets a beautiful young woman. When circumstances bring him to the conclusion that he has found the woman for Isaac, the Bible says "the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, saying, ‘Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey.’” (Genesis 24:26-27, NIV) With that servant, I too, say – The Lord has led me on the journey!
When I ‘take charge’ and begin to lead, mistakes get made, people get hurt, and I live to regret it! Been there too often. When my heart is humble and my mind submitted to Him, I am led by the Spirit. What a difference when I am led and not leading. Most of the moments when I’ve seized control, it has been because a sense of urgency makes me feel that must not wait, that there is no time to pray and see what God will do or what He wants done. I always regret the results that emerge from those ill-considered choices. But, when I let Him lead and bring His plan to maturity in His time: Oh, what a difference!
I am not making a case for passivity or indecisiveness, disciple. We must choose, make decisions, move on with life – but, we do so as those who are led. Much is made of leadership today, but I am learning ‘follower-ship.’ When a situation requires me to lead, I have learned first to be led. Until I have wrestled with the choice in the Presence of God, sought His counsel, and applied the principles of His Word, I am not ready to choose wisely. And, I have learned the value of making decisions within the context of the counsel of trusted confidants.
The Scripture urges us to realize the privilege of being led by God. "God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go! This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?”" (Romans 8:14-15, The Message) God does not lead us like slaves, beating us, driving us, robbing life from us. Rather He leads us like sons are guided by a wise father; sometimes sternly, sometimes with rebuke, sometimes with encouragement – and always to what is best.
Meditate on this promise. Don’t rush ahead or lag behind. Let God lead you as you listen for the Spirit’s voice.
"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." (John 15:15, NIV)
"When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." (John 16:13, NIV)
__________________
Some day life's journey will be o'er,
And I shall reach that distant shore,
I'll sing while ent'ring heaven's door,
"Jesus led me all the way."
If God should let me there review,
The winding paths of earth I knew,
It would be proven clear and true,
"Jesus led me all the way."
Jesus led me all the way,
Led me step by step each day;
I will tell the saints and angels,
As I lay my burdens down,
"Jesus led me all the way."
Jesus Led Me All The Way
Peterson, John W.
© 1954. Renewed 1982 John W. Peterson Music Company
CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
A Hut or a Mansion – You Choose, I’ll be happy!
When I was a kid, when there was a missionary speaker at our church, we often sang a song with these words - "I go where you want me to go, dear Lord; I'll say what you want me to say, I be what you want me to be..." For me it wasn’t a good song! It created visions of going to live in a hut in a jungle, far from people I loved, living miserably on a terrible diet. Even as I sang, I was doing deals with God in my mind... "Sure, Lord, I want to be an obedient son - but- pulllleeeeeze- don't ask me to go there!" That childish response makes me chuckle now, even as I recall the very real emotions of that time.
In my immaturity, I did not understand the will of God was the gateway to fulfillment, that the purpose of God is the way of joy. My relationship with God (if one could call it that) was shaped by fear, not by love. I was ONLY willing to consider God's will because I was certain something terrible would happen to me if I didn't. Curiously, somehow I thought that ‘doing God’s will’ always meant misery, but a person did it so they would avoid greater miseries of perpetual poverty, cancer, or zits! As I matured in faith, I found out that the will of God is not some miserable duty that the Potentate of Heaven presents to us just to see if we're humble enough to take it! He is not toying with us just to exercise His authority. He desires to work out His will in us and through us in the world.
The Will of God is the path of life. His will envelopes our experiences, our spiritual gifts, our opportunities, and our personality. He knows EXACTLY how to maximize our potential, even if His plan is not what we might initially desire for our life. He asks us to trust His wisdom. While He is not interested, in the least, in granting our every fantasy, He does love us deeply. Even in circumstances that appear miserable to someone looking in from the outside, He can keep us joyful and at rest. The Lord’s idea of success is far different because He factors in eternity! He will make us into a Heavenly success story, which does not mean we will live a life of ease, enjoy access to great wealth, or gain the respect of millions! But, in the center of His will we find intimacy with God, a blessing that knows no equal!
Jesus tells us "If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love. “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature." (John 15:10-11, The Message)
Some are called to serve Him in obscurity, some in fame. Some are sent to the far side of the globe, others to their hometown. Some are given great responsibility, others serve but a few. There is no need to compare, for our service is by His sovereign will! Paul illustrates this for a young pastor named Timothy. Take a look.
"In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." 2 Timothy 2:20-21 In God's household, we are all valuable -- prepared for a purpose. We serve nobly whether we are a fine crystal goblet or an ordinary water glass, whether we are a golden tray on display or a wooden cutting board on a corner of the kitchen counter! IF we allow envy to take up residence, the joy and the effectiveness that might have been ours will be lost to endless days of complaining and/or comparisons.
So, disciple, are you still trying to ‘serve God’ while holding onto your own plans?
Are you trying to play a sophisticated game of “Let’s Make A Deal” with Him, setting limits on where, what, or with whom you will serve?
Here’s an invitation from Him. Prayerfully ask the Spirit of God to make these words live for you as He draws you into His will and shows you His plan for this day.
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. … You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." (John 15:4-5, 16 NIV)
____________________________
It may not be on the mountain's height
Or over the stormy sea,
It may not be at the battle's front
My Lord will have need of me;
But if by a still, small voice He calls
To paths I do not know,
I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine,
I'll go where You want me to go.
I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord.
Over mountain or plain or sea.
I'll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I'll be what You want me to be.
There's surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth's harvest fields so wide,
Where I may labor through life's short day
for Jesus the crucified;
So, trusting my all unto Thy care,
I know Thou lovest me;
I'll do Thy will with a heart sincere,
I'll be what You want me to be.
I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord.
Over mountain or plain or sea.
I'll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I'll be what You want me to be.
I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go –
Mary Brown /Charles E. Prior /Carrie E. Rounsefell
© Public Domain
In my immaturity, I did not understand the will of God was the gateway to fulfillment, that the purpose of God is the way of joy. My relationship with God (if one could call it that) was shaped by fear, not by love. I was ONLY willing to consider God's will because I was certain something terrible would happen to me if I didn't. Curiously, somehow I thought that ‘doing God’s will’ always meant misery, but a person did it so they would avoid greater miseries of perpetual poverty, cancer, or zits! As I matured in faith, I found out that the will of God is not some miserable duty that the Potentate of Heaven presents to us just to see if we're humble enough to take it! He is not toying with us just to exercise His authority. He desires to work out His will in us and through us in the world.
The Will of God is the path of life. His will envelopes our experiences, our spiritual gifts, our opportunities, and our personality. He knows EXACTLY how to maximize our potential, even if His plan is not what we might initially desire for our life. He asks us to trust His wisdom. While He is not interested, in the least, in granting our every fantasy, He does love us deeply. Even in circumstances that appear miserable to someone looking in from the outside, He can keep us joyful and at rest. The Lord’s idea of success is far different because He factors in eternity! He will make us into a Heavenly success story, which does not mean we will live a life of ease, enjoy access to great wealth, or gain the respect of millions! But, in the center of His will we find intimacy with God, a blessing that knows no equal!
Jesus tells us "If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love. “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature." (John 15:10-11, The Message)
Some are called to serve Him in obscurity, some in fame. Some are sent to the far side of the globe, others to their hometown. Some are given great responsibility, others serve but a few. There is no need to compare, for our service is by His sovereign will! Paul illustrates this for a young pastor named Timothy. Take a look.
"In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." 2 Timothy 2:20-21 In God's household, we are all valuable -- prepared for a purpose. We serve nobly whether we are a fine crystal goblet or an ordinary water glass, whether we are a golden tray on display or a wooden cutting board on a corner of the kitchen counter! IF we allow envy to take up residence, the joy and the effectiveness that might have been ours will be lost to endless days of complaining and/or comparisons.
So, disciple, are you still trying to ‘serve God’ while holding onto your own plans?
Are you trying to play a sophisticated game of “Let’s Make A Deal” with Him, setting limits on where, what, or with whom you will serve?
Here’s an invitation from Him. Prayerfully ask the Spirit of God to make these words live for you as He draws you into His will and shows you His plan for this day.
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. … You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." (John 15:4-5, 16 NIV)
____________________________
It may not be on the mountain's height
Or over the stormy sea,
It may not be at the battle's front
My Lord will have need of me;
But if by a still, small voice He calls
To paths I do not know,
I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine,
I'll go where You want me to go.
I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord.
Over mountain or plain or sea.
I'll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I'll be what You want me to be.
There's surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth's harvest fields so wide,
Where I may labor through life's short day
for Jesus the crucified;
So, trusting my all unto Thy care,
I know Thou lovest me;
I'll do Thy will with a heart sincere,
I'll be what You want me to be.
I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord.
Over mountain or plain or sea.
I'll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I'll be what You want me to be.
I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go –
Mary Brown /Charles E. Prior /Carrie E. Rounsefell
© Public Domain
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Blessed with a dog
"It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening." (Psalm 92:1-2, NLT) Today, I give thanks for Sam, the Irish Setter, who came to our home in early April. She has brought me much joy! My brother gave Sam to our Dad for Christmas, bringing great delight to him during his illness. When Dad died in February, Mom came to realize that an energetic setter was too much dog for her to handle. I asked if I could adopt her. I’ve wanted to own a ‘real dog’ for a long time. Now, thanks to the generosity of my Mom and my brother, I do! But, I also believe God blessed me with a dog!
I am convinced that the Lord cares about the longings of our heart, that He is the giver of good gifts. To think that He is only the stern Judge, or the disciplinary Father, is to miss much of Who He is. If we only praise Him for the wonderful Cross, for beautiful sunrises, and for majestic mountains, we will soon lose sight that He is our ‘Abba,’ our Heavenly Daddy who delights in us, who knows us by name. Sam makes me laugh, gets me off of my computer and outside for walks, awakens me at 5 am, and goes with me to my office every day. In terms of world need, those things are trivial. In terms of my needs, God gave me a gift that is making a difference in my quality of life!
As much as I love the Truth of the Gospel, I have a deep need to personally and immediately experience the love of Jesus Christ, to sense the Presence of the God who knows me. One way that happens is when He blesses me in ways that are personal, that fulfill my desires. When He does, it is imperative that I give thanks, that I return to bless Him with my gratitude and praise. One of my earthly Dad’s favorite lines from the Psalms was -"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Psalm 37:4, KJV) I heard him quote a thousand times, as he pointed out blessings – great and small – for which he thanked God.
Do you ask God for only great things?
Are you reluctant to present all of your requests to Him, to share your heart’s desires with Him?
Tim Keller, in The Prodigal God, reminds us that Jesus’ first recorded miracle was turning several jars of water into wine for a wedding! He was enabling a family to celebrate life, giving a gift of love, and making festive joy possible. He goes on to write that “Jesus’ salvation is a feast, and therefore when we believe in and rest in His work for us, through the Holy Spirit, He becomes real to our hearts. His love is like honey, or like wine. Rather than only believing that He is loving, we can come to sense the reality, the beauty, the power of His love. His love can become more real to you than the love of anyone else. It can delight, galvanize, and console you. That will lift you up and free you from fear like nothing else.” (pg.108)
You may disagree, but I believe that if He would make wine for a wedding, He could give a preacher a dog! So, I am giving thanks for being blessed with a dog.
Here’s a word from the Word. Take it to heart and present all your requests to Abba, and receive His good gifts with gratitude.
"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun."
(Psalm 37:1-6, NIV)
_____________________
Come, we that love the Lord,
And let our joys be known;
Join in a song with sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne.
Let those refuse to sing,
Who never knew our God;
But children of the heavenly King,
May speak their joys abroad.
The hill of Zion yields
A thousand sacred sweets,
Before we reach the heavenly fields,
Or walk the golden streets.
Then let our songs abound,
And every tear be dry;
We're marching thru Emmanuel's ground,
To fairer worlds on high.
Come We That Love The Lord
Watts, Isaac / Williams, Aaron© Public Domain
I am convinced that the Lord cares about the longings of our heart, that He is the giver of good gifts. To think that He is only the stern Judge, or the disciplinary Father, is to miss much of Who He is. If we only praise Him for the wonderful Cross, for beautiful sunrises, and for majestic mountains, we will soon lose sight that He is our ‘Abba,’ our Heavenly Daddy who delights in us, who knows us by name. Sam makes me laugh, gets me off of my computer and outside for walks, awakens me at 5 am, and goes with me to my office every day. In terms of world need, those things are trivial. In terms of my needs, God gave me a gift that is making a difference in my quality of life!
As much as I love the Truth of the Gospel, I have a deep need to personally and immediately experience the love of Jesus Christ, to sense the Presence of the God who knows me. One way that happens is when He blesses me in ways that are personal, that fulfill my desires. When He does, it is imperative that I give thanks, that I return to bless Him with my gratitude and praise. One of my earthly Dad’s favorite lines from the Psalms was -"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (Psalm 37:4, KJV) I heard him quote a thousand times, as he pointed out blessings – great and small – for which he thanked God.
Do you ask God for only great things?
Are you reluctant to present all of your requests to Him, to share your heart’s desires with Him?
Tim Keller, in The Prodigal God, reminds us that Jesus’ first recorded miracle was turning several jars of water into wine for a wedding! He was enabling a family to celebrate life, giving a gift of love, and making festive joy possible. He goes on to write that “Jesus’ salvation is a feast, and therefore when we believe in and rest in His work for us, through the Holy Spirit, He becomes real to our hearts. His love is like honey, or like wine. Rather than only believing that He is loving, we can come to sense the reality, the beauty, the power of His love. His love can become more real to you than the love of anyone else. It can delight, galvanize, and console you. That will lift you up and free you from fear like nothing else.” (pg.108)
You may disagree, but I believe that if He would make wine for a wedding, He could give a preacher a dog! So, I am giving thanks for being blessed with a dog.
Here’s a word from the Word. Take it to heart and present all your requests to Abba, and receive His good gifts with gratitude.
"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun."
(Psalm 37:1-6, NIV)
_____________________
Come, we that love the Lord,
And let our joys be known;
Join in a song with sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne.
Let those refuse to sing,
Who never knew our God;
But children of the heavenly King,
May speak their joys abroad.
The hill of Zion yields
A thousand sacred sweets,
Before we reach the heavenly fields,
Or walk the golden streets.
Then let our songs abound,
And every tear be dry;
We're marching thru Emmanuel's ground,
To fairer worlds on high.
Come We That Love The Lord
Watts, Isaac / Williams, Aaron© Public Domain
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Brain food!
Rick (not his real name) and I enjoyed a picnic with our families yesterday. Conversation drifted into politics. As he expounded on his disdain for the current administration and the policies now shaping the nation, it was obvious he believed America was headed in the wrong direction. His daughter interrupted him to explain, “He watches Fox News all day!” He later added that he thinks Rush Limbaugh is, despite his bombast, (his word, not mine!) a man who speaks truth. He loves Sean Hannity. Rick’s views are totally consistent with his source of information. My point here is not to argue with Rick’s politics (nor yours, thanks!) but rather to observe that what he is choosing as brain food has an obvious effect on his view of the world!
Most of us are aware that diet is a big part of the general health of our body. Constant consumption of foods that are loaded with saturated fats will not only increase our likelihood of becoming overweight, it also increases, exponentially, our risk of heart disease. We know that. We also have been taught that good health requires a balanced diet including carbs, proteins, fruits, and vegetables – and some of us have reached the age where we realize the value of fiber, too.
But, I fear we are much less aware of the quality of food that we feed to our mind and spirit! We are foolish if we believe we can consume a steady diet of ‘junk’ and remain spiritually healthy. Disciple, if you’re spending 3 or 4 a day watching the usual television programming that glorifies casual sex, materialism, and violence – it will affect your life! No question about it. What plays as the background music in your home or office, will most certainly enter your brain and change your thoughts. How many times have you found yourself singing a line from a song almost unconsciously, only to realize it just played on the radio or from your PC?
A basic life principle is this: Right thinking always precedes right living. Jesus alludes to that fact when He observes that “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6: 43, 45-46, NIV) We will think clearly, with a view of life that is godly and true only if we choose the right brain food. And, if we are deceived in our thinking, we will not live in a way that leads to an abundant, Spiritually fruitful life.
Change takes time. If potato chips, hotdogs, fries, and cheeseburgers are a person’s steady diet for 25 years, there will be a discernible effect on their physical health. Turning things around will require re-training their taste to appreciate healthier fare, so they will continue to consume a diet that is balanced and full of healthful foods. A week on a good diet won’t change a thing! Only a real, sustained commitment produces weight loss, lower cholesterol levels, and better energy. Likewise, in our spiritual lives, a burst of concern lasting only a few days or weeks, will not produce the desired effect! A holy life, filled with the fruit of the Spirit, will only emerge as we continue to strengthen our heart and mind with the Truth over time.
Here’s a word from the Word that points the way to peace (that is, soundness and wholeness) with God. "Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."
(Philippians 4:8-9, The Message)
_____________
Fill all my vision, Savior divine.
'Til with Thy glory, my Spirit shall shine.
Fill all my vision that all may see,
Thy holy image reflected in me.
Fill all my vision, Savior I pray.
Let me see only Jesus today,
Though thro' the valley Thou leadest me,
Give me Thy glory and beauty to see.
Fill all my vision,
Every desire keep for Thy glory.
My soul inspire with Thy perfection,
Thy holy love flooding my pathway
With light from above.
Fill all my vision, let naught of sin.
Shadow the brightness, shining within.
Let me see only Thy blessed face,
Feasting my soul on Thy infinite grace.
Fill All My Vision
Christiansen, Avis B. / Hammontree, Homer
© 1940 John T. Benson Publishing Company (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067)
CCLI License No. 810055
Most of us are aware that diet is a big part of the general health of our body. Constant consumption of foods that are loaded with saturated fats will not only increase our likelihood of becoming overweight, it also increases, exponentially, our risk of heart disease. We know that. We also have been taught that good health requires a balanced diet including carbs, proteins, fruits, and vegetables – and some of us have reached the age where we realize the value of fiber, too.
But, I fear we are much less aware of the quality of food that we feed to our mind and spirit! We are foolish if we believe we can consume a steady diet of ‘junk’ and remain spiritually healthy. Disciple, if you’re spending 3 or 4 a day watching the usual television programming that glorifies casual sex, materialism, and violence – it will affect your life! No question about it. What plays as the background music in your home or office, will most certainly enter your brain and change your thoughts. How many times have you found yourself singing a line from a song almost unconsciously, only to realize it just played on the radio or from your PC?
A basic life principle is this: Right thinking always precedes right living. Jesus alludes to that fact when He observes that “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6: 43, 45-46, NIV) We will think clearly, with a view of life that is godly and true only if we choose the right brain food. And, if we are deceived in our thinking, we will not live in a way that leads to an abundant, Spiritually fruitful life.
Change takes time. If potato chips, hotdogs, fries, and cheeseburgers are a person’s steady diet for 25 years, there will be a discernible effect on their physical health. Turning things around will require re-training their taste to appreciate healthier fare, so they will continue to consume a diet that is balanced and full of healthful foods. A week on a good diet won’t change a thing! Only a real, sustained commitment produces weight loss, lower cholesterol levels, and better energy. Likewise, in our spiritual lives, a burst of concern lasting only a few days or weeks, will not produce the desired effect! A holy life, filled with the fruit of the Spirit, will only emerge as we continue to strengthen our heart and mind with the Truth over time.
Here’s a word from the Word that points the way to peace (that is, soundness and wholeness) with God. "Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."
(Philippians 4:8-9, The Message)
_____________
Fill all my vision, Savior divine.
'Til with Thy glory, my Spirit shall shine.
Fill all my vision that all may see,
Thy holy image reflected in me.
Fill all my vision, Savior I pray.
Let me see only Jesus today,
Though thro' the valley Thou leadest me,
Give me Thy glory and beauty to see.
Fill all my vision,
Every desire keep for Thy glory.
My soul inspire with Thy perfection,
Thy holy love flooding my pathway
With light from above.
Fill all my vision, let naught of sin.
Shadow the brightness, shining within.
Let me see only Thy blessed face,
Feasting my soul on Thy infinite grace.
Fill All My Vision
Christiansen, Avis B. / Hammontree, Homer
© 1940 John T. Benson Publishing Company (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067)
CCLI License No. 810055
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