HUPOMONE - Don't Quit

Don't Quit!  (a CWTW from the archives) HUPOMONE  -- I just get a kick out of saying that word - (hoop·om·on·ay). Go ahead, say it again! Hupomone! (hoop·om·on·ay) I've taken leave of my senses, maybe writing in tongues (a new gift?) you think? Actually, I just got you to say a word of Greek from the New Testament. It's a compound word of a prefix meaning 'under' and a root meaning 'remain.'   Here's the context... "since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance (hupomone) the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1, NKJV) The writer of Hebrews calls for us to take a look at the distance runner as an example of how to live as a Christian. Unlike a sprinter who explodes from the starting block, pouring everything he has into a 100 meter dash, we are called to set a pace that we can maintain, steadily and consistently, living for Jesus- with patience, with endurance, (hupomone)! The idea is holding steady even under intense pressure! All around us we can find examples of people who start something with gusto- only to collapse in the backstretch!  Marriages begin with great romance and fireworks, but too often, fizzle under the strain of kids and bills. People head into new jobs with the intent of being the 'next best' only to become a place holder, a burnt out functionary, instead of an inspiring performer.  Students go off to college intending to make the Dean's list and too easily get sidetracked into the three day weekend party life style. And.... yes, people invite Jesus Christ to become Lord and begin their Believer's journey with enthusiasm (interesting word, by the way, that comes from a compound word meaning to be full of God). When Believers gather in church or Bible class they are discovering God's will and purpose and cheerfully becoming conformed to Christ Jesus. When they pray, it is with childlike simplicity and earnest faith. Then, too often, over time the joy evaporates under the heat of temptation and pressure and they turn into pew warmers, preacher critics, with a 'form of godliness that denies the real Power.' Their Christianity becomes more of a habit than a source of joyful life. Hupomone is not about a BIG start, it's about a faithful finish! Are you a finisher?  Do you take time to think about commitments, praying for guidance - and only embrace those that you will see through to completion? Jesus told a teaching story about this.  "Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: `He started something he couldn't finish.' Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can't, won't he send an emissary and work out a truce?" (Luke 14:28-32, The Message) The implied conclusion is - FINISH what you start! That means - hupomone! Remember that it isn't "all guts, no glory." Finishers enjoy what mere starters never find: the satisfaction of a job well done, a life well lived, a victor's crown!  Need a boost to stay in the race today? Here's the way, the follow up verse to the one where we started today- "Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed-that exhilarating finish in and with God -he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God."  (Hebrews 12:2, The Message) HUPOMONE! Say through the day. People will think you're nuts. If they ask, just tell'em you're practicing a little Biblical Greek language! Have fun.

Loving you enough to be truthful?

The depth of deception and dysfunction in the person’s life was astonishing.  Choices he had made were bringing terrible problems into his life.  As we talked, he wanted me to tell him he was fine, that he could continue to do what he liked to do.  I thought, “If I am honest with him, if I call his choices what they are, will he hear me? Will he feel judged and cut off from me?   "You Christians are so judgmental!" is an accusation frequently heard these days.  "Why can't you just accept people for who they are and let them alone?"   The questions are not really questions at all. They are hurled as indictments against Christ’s church.  As a result I find myself wondering, ‘What should I say?’  Do you wonder about that, too?

David Kinnaman, author of UnChristian, writes that his research confirms that many people outside of the Church, especially those who are young, view the Church's positions as condemning.   For some, the answer is to stop being truthful.  But, is that the right one?  Kinnaman say, "Some Christians respond to outsider's negativity by promoting a less offensive faith.   The more unpopular parts of Christian teaching are omitted or deemphasized.  They hijack the image of Jesus by portraying Him as an open-minded, big-hearted, and never-offended-anyone moral teacher.  That is an entirely wrong idea about Jesus.  He taught remarkably tough truths about human beings and about sin....   Softening the message of the Gospel is an utterly wrong response to the objections that people raise." - UnChristian, Baker, 2007    We do no favor to those who are slaves of greed, promiscuity, or selfishness if we comfort them with silence. Jesus says that the Truth sets us free.   He told the Truth and He ran headlong into hatred as a result.  Why do we think that we should be different?

There are two things that we sometimes do that are offensive.   

We offend if we are quick to point an accusing finger at  others without authentically dealing with our own sins!  The Pharisees loved to name the sins that they saw.  Jesus looked deeper and saw that they used their indignation to avoid dealing with their own sins.  Though less obvious than theft, adultery, or blasphemy, the Pharisee’s pride, greed, and self-righteousness were equally offensive to a holy God.  Jesus challenged them to deal with their own hearts.  "Don't just clean the outside of the cup," He said, "wash the inside, too."   If we hide our own failures behind righteous rhetoric we will find ourselves also condemned by the Lord! 

We offend if we are quick to indict people in their sin without offering hope for forgiveness and/or transformation.   In the 1980's when the issue of abortion was at full boil in the Christian church, I saw too much hatred and fear allowed into the discussion.  Pro-lifers went for the sensational, using incendiary words like ‘baby-killer’  or  ‘murderer.’  Grisly pictures were used to shock.  I  was then, and I continue to be convinced that abortion is a terrible evil, the taking of the life of an innocent and defenseless person, an act that is abhorrent in the eyes of God.   However, I refused to join the attacks on women.  Instead, I joined forces with several like-minded Christians to create a center where women could find answers, help, and practical care that would encourage them to obey God and choose life for their unborn child.   We forbade our staff from using manipulative tactics based in condemnation of fear.  Instead, we made an offer of life, based squarely on the truth.  I am convinced that when we are bold to speak truth, we must complete the story by offering the hope of redemption through Christ Jesus.

The Bible says,   "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’" From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (John 1:14-17, NIV)   Did you notice a phrase that repeats twice?   It is this one:  "Grace and Truth."   Moses brought the Law, which told the Truth.  With the Law came the knowledge of sin and guilt that separated people from God.   Jesus did not set aside the holy requirements of the Law, but He brought Grace that gives forgiveness and creates the possibility of transformation from the inside out.   Only by His grace are we restored to our Father, from Whom we receive the Spirit who empowers us to be holy.

As we represent the Lord to others,  we will inevitably run head-long into sin.  Called to be God’s voice, we cannot fall mute.  May our message include liberal amounts of the grace that is greater than all our sin.    Ponder this today.  This is the word from the Word. "God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?"  (Romans 5:20-6:2, NLT)

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Miracle In My Heart

We are called

To be prophets to this nation,

To be the word of God,

In ev'ry situation,

Change my heart,

Change my heart today.

Who'll be the salt,

If the salt should lose its flavor?

Who'll be the salt,

If the salt should lose its flavor?

Change my heart,

Change my heart today.

Lord, loose the chains of oppression.

Lord, set the captives free.

Lord, fill my heart with compassion.

Shine Your light, shine Your light,

Shine Your light through me!

Work a miracle in my heart!

Work a miracle in my heart!

Work a miracle in my heart!

O Lord, today.

Lord, take all my lies

And all of my greed,

Let me be a sacrifice

For those who are in need.

Change my heart,

Change my heart today!

Lord, without Your power,

It's all just good intentions.

Lord, without Your grace

Who could find redemption?

Change my heart,

Change my heart today.

Brian Houston

© 1998, 1999 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

CCLI License # 810055

Help Wanted - save the world

Help wanted, save the world

“Help wanted, save the world.”  Does that sound grandiose to you?  That is the calling God gives to every Christian!  Need purpose, meaning, a reason to get out of bed every day? Well, there it is. There is no question this world needs saving.  Injustice, greed, lewdness, loneliness, depression, sex slavery, poverty, and environmental exploitation are all symptoms of  the same sickness – sinfulness! God calls us to wade into the middle of all of these things to build a bridge out of that lost place into His Presence, where there is forgiveness, restoration, and life eternal.  The Scripture calls that being a ‘priest.’

When we invited Christ to be Lord of life, we also entered the holy priesthood of Believers. "Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you’ll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God. …  you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you." (1 Peter 2:8-9, The Message)  No matter what your occupation may be – plumber, lawyer, mother, teacher, pastor, or systems analyst – your calling is to the priesthood.

The Bible teaches us that being a priest means we live in such a way that our daily actions cause others to think of God and His goodness.  Our lives lift others, shed light into darkness; yes, even cause people to become acutely aware of their own sinfulness.  No, it isn’t necessarily that we point out their sins or accuse.  It the life of the Spirit in us that creates a longing for something better.  Being a priest also involves standing between heaven and earth, holding out our hands to God in prayer on behalf of those who need His grace, and then turning to extend our hands to invite the world to join us at the Cross of Christ.

If that all sounds overwhelming, it is. That is why we must not attempt this Christian life on our own. We cannot fulfill the calling of the priesthood without the empowering of the Spirit.  The very first disciples were told of their mission to go into all the world and preach the Good News, but Jesus told them before they went, they had to wait.  Wait? For what?  "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49, NIV) "In one of these meetings as he was eating a meal with them, he told them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you what he promised. Remember, I have told you about this before." (Acts 1:4, NLT)  "But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  (Acts 1:8, NLT)  "On the day of Pentecost, seven weeks after Jesus’ resurrection, the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm in the skies above them, and it filled the house where they were meeting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability." (Acts 2:1-4, NLT)

Those people went from that place newly empowered priests!  Their lives and message transformed the world within a generation. What does God want to do with you in your family circle as you represent Him as His holy priest?  Are you faithfulness to carry your friends and family members, your neighbors and the world before Him with priestly prayers that seek His grace?  

Yes, we can change the world. Could there be any higher purpose?

"Lord, You owe me!"

Pain and fear punched me; one after the other and I cried out – “Lord, I’m one of the good guys. I don’t deserve this.”  As soon as I heard those words, my spiritual pride became obvious to me.   Without realizing it, I had started to play, “Let’s Make a Deal” with God, trading my goodness for His favor.  The subtle shift in focus from His grace to my religion undermined real faith. Instead of crying out, “Lord, I trust You to keep me,” I was complaining, demanding even.  I am so grateful that in that moment, the Spirit revealed my heart, I confessed, and He forgave me.  From that moment, there was grace that kept me through the rest of that trial.

Are you in a difficult situation, a time of suffering? Is there a simmering anger at God that comes from an unspoken sense, “You, Lord, have failed me. I deserve better.”?  Habbakuk is a companion on this road. He, too, experienced disappointment. The opening words of his book reveal his struggle to keep faith: "How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence!” I cry, but you do not come to save." (Habakkuk 1:2, NLT) That is one gutsy prayer, isn't it? "Hey, God, what up with this? I thought you would answer my call and it feels like you hung up the phone on me instead." Habbakuk saw the growing threat of the Babylonian Empire and thought God would step in to deliver His people. Instead, God revealed that He would allow that nation to conquer Israel.

How does one deal with that kind of disappointment? It's what we struggle with when we pray to be healed and God says, "I'll be with you but I won't take away the illness."  We must reject spiritual pride that brings a sense of entitlement as we pray for release from temptation.  We are taught to ask boldly, but always with humility.  Sometimes the Spirit will not bring us the answer we want! Instead of delivering us out, He decides to take us through.  He says, "We'll walk together through the fiery trial."  Unlike some of the prophets who thunder with certainty about the power of the Lord, Habbakuk gives us a prayerful voice that waits and wonders at God's often inscrutable ways. Ultimately, he comes to the place where he says, "God hang onto me. It's the only hope I have."  "Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains. " (Habakkuk 3:17-19, NLT)

Many times when my faith is stretched thin I claim this prophet's prayer and make it my own desperate plea. If you're in a hard place today, broken-hearted, fearful, disappointed, confused - do not let the Enemy of God and good make you believe that you are just weak, or that you are a terrible Christian. Don’t demand or complain.  Know that testing and temptation is the common experience of those who love Jesus. When we put one foot in eternity while we still live on earth, we invite a certain tension into our lives! We keep hoping when others give up and live small, hopeless lives. We keep working to make the world brighter and better when others settle for 'what is' and accommodate themselves to the emptiness a life with no other purpose than "eat, drink, and be merry!"

“Yet, I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!”  That, my friend, is the stuff of faith! "Whatever comes, whatever my disappointment - Lord God, I will keep on trusting You." When He fills our vision, He becomes our strength and He makes us sure-footed in treacherous territory.

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Whom Shall I Fear God Of Angel Armies

You hear me when I call,

You are my morning song,

Though darkness fills the night,

It cannot hide the light!

Whom shall I fear?

You crush the enemy

underneath my feet.

You are my sword and shield

Though troubles linger still.

Whom shall I fear?

I know Who goes before me.

I know Who stands behind.

The God of angel armies is always by my side.

The One who reigns forever,

He is a friend of mine,

The God of angel armies is always by my side.

My strength is in Your name

For You alone can save.

You will deliver me

Yours is the victory!

Whom shall I fear?

Whom shall I fear?

 (And) nothing formed against me shall stand,

You hold the whole world in Your hands.

I'm holding on to Your promises,

You are faithful. You are faithful.

Chris Tomlin | Ed Cash | Scott Cash

© 2012 Worship Together Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

CCLI License # 810055

Ripples through Time

“Hello, Jerry, this is Jack Winters.”  An image of a man with a smile, a sweet, loving demeanor filled my mind as I heard the voice of that old friend on the telephone yesterday.  He went on to tell me that it was his spiritual birthday, that 40 years ago on that day, my Dad had knelt beside him in church and led him to open his life to Christ Jesus.  A tough, not so nice man, whose marriage was in shambles, became new and whole.  Jack’s voice trembled with emotion as he told me that the previous Sunday night two of his granddaughters were baptized.  “I’m so glad your Dad wouldn’t give up on me,” he said.  That is how Christianity works!  The Gospel is like a seed planted, then grows, matures, and bears fruit.  It is replanted and the effect ripples outward through the world.   Occasionally we get to connect some lines, as I did yesterday, but often only God in Heaven knows what our choices today will produce a generation from now.

What effect will ripple through time from your life? Who are you pursuing with the Gospel, persistently but not offensively, quietly, prayerfully, gently; and above all, with Christ-like love?
Influence that ripples out into the lives of others does not require that we shout our message or overwhelm the world! Salt is a critically importance ingredient in so much of our food, but it doesn’t take much! Light is a powerful influence. Put a brightly colored rug in front of a sunlight filled door. It will fade quickly! Plants bend toward the source of light. Jesus reminds us to be like "salt and light." He says, "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:13-16, NLT)
Keep in mind that what you do is creating a culture. Make it one of excellence! Here’s a word from the Word.  I accept the Lord’s challenge. Will you? "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit— just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:1-6, NIV)

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“Heavenly Father,  the wake that follows my passing in life today

Be one of grace.
Let my conversation be full of faith, my words marked by compassion.
Create a wholeness in me that lifts up those I pass by.

Thank you for those who have influenced me.
Be honored by my thoughts, words, and actions.
Christ Jesus, I pray in Your Holy Name.”

Report cards, measuring progress?

I used to be all about ‘report cards.’  Let me see those “A’s!”  Time has shown me the limitations of measuring the quality of an education with grades in a folder. Sure, teachers need some way to determine how much of the course content a student is grasping, but a 100% on the test is not proof positive. Some people are just recorders of information. They can focus and file dates and facts in their brain. Good for them! But, can they reassemble that data using it to learn new things, create conclusions not provided by the lecturer?  A truly educated person is not just a walking encyclopedia, he is a person fully developed using the information he learns to build a productive life. 

How do you measure spiritual progress?   How do you know if you are meeting Peter’s challenge to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18, NIV)?  

The easy and obvious way many Christians measure their spiritual formation is by recording minutes spent reading the Bible, time spent in prayer, Sundays in church, dollars given in the offering, or even offices held in the church.  Some do really well, and that is good since each of those choices can return real benefit. But, a perfect record in them may indicate nothing at all if no depth of faith exists, no love commands, no evidence of Christ’s life is visible. There is only one true measure of spiritual progress – fruitfulness.  

The Christians in Galatia received the good news of Jesus with joy. They were transformed by God’s love, eager to learn of Christ’s ways, and accepting the Spirit’s guidance.  Then, along came some teachers who turned their new walk of faith into a system of religion. They were taught a wrong way to measure and started to compete with each other to prove how many “God-things” they could do.  The Spirit’s life disappeared and an ugly parody of Christianity emerged.  Pastor Paul was infuriated and wrote them a letter that we read as Galatians.  He called them back to Christ. Then, told them the true signs of spiritual formation.  “What happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.  Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified. Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. (The Message Galatians 5:22-26)

Christian, there are choices to be made if you desire to become a Christian of greatness.  Nobody becomes a well-educated person by sleeping through class. Nobody grows in grace by just wishing it to happen.  However, it’s not your ability to hit the metrics, to please the pastor, or gain the church’s admiration that drives the process.  It’s living in the Spirit.  Each day, we are presented with situations that allow us a choice – to control or to surrender.  We can work hard to make ourselves and life what we think it ought to be, or we can give ourselves away to the loving Leadership of Christ Jesus, inviting the Holy Spirit to flow into, through, and out of us.  When He waters the dry places of our lives, we are growing.  It’s evident, as plain as the apples hanging on a fully fruited tree.

Here is a word from the Word.  May the Spirit water your life with it this day and bring fruit.

"Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers.
But they delight in doing everything the Lord wants; day and night they think about his law.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail.
Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper.

But this is not true of the wicked. They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly.
For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction." (Psalm 1, NLT)

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Pushing Wheelchairs, changing lives

       

Bill stepped through the door of my hospital room and in a few moments changed the entire day. He is a looming presence, 6’3” at least, a man of ample dimensions, all around.  He is as gentle as he is big. Thursday morning he was totally focused on caring for me, making certain to do his part in helping me to heal.  I soon found out that he wasn’t just ‘at work;’ he was ‘at life,’ doing what he does with joy, with complete engagement.  I watched him interact with other members of the hospital staff. He spoke their name, offered a word of praise or encouragement. I noted that faces brightened when Bill entered the corridor.  Bill changes the environment of that hospital, but not from the top.  What do he do?  He is a transporter, moving people in wheelchairs or on gurneys from place to place!

People who bring joy and experience joy are those who embrace who they are and what God offers them at that moment – fully. They are not waiting to live or love. They may have greater dreams, they may not be in a place that fulfills every desire, but they are choosing contentment and living in the Spirit. Many of us, even who claim to belong to Christ and to be filled with His Spirit, only live there occasionally.  Can you identify with any of these?

·         The beauty of a sunset captivates us and, for a moment, time stands still. 

·         A child looks us straight in the eye and the purity of their gaze melts our self-consciousness, washing us with delight.

·         We rise above the need to express our anger and encourage another instead, and hear the Spirit’s ‘atta-boy.’  Heaven’s hug is palpable.

·         Love finds us; in a song, with a tender word, and we know why we exist.

We can live in that kind of wholeness much more consistently, Christian. The full life promised by Jesus is not found in the perfection of a religious system, nor in the exemplary performance of our daily responsibilities. It is found when, as He said, “rivers of living water from within!”  We become who we are meant to be and experience the deepest joy when we faithfully believe and receive a life gifted to us in grace, not one achieved by strenuous discipline.  The Gospel says that "Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “If you are thirsty, come to me! If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within.” (John 7:37-38, NLT)  The offer stands! Today, we can live as children of God and know the delight of His love.

Imagine if Bill, the hospital transporter, only thought that doctors could help people and just showed up to push wheelchairs to earn a paycheck? Would I have felt the same kind of care, observed the same kind of interactions? No way.  Imagine if Bill envied each nurse he saw, knowing that they were compensated at least 3 to 4 times more than he is? Would he have be-friended them, noting their life’s situations and offering hopeful words? No, again.  He had made a choice – whether consciously or not – to be all that Bill, the transporter could be.  This made it possible for one of the people lowest on the organizational chart to enjoy an out-sized influence on a community!

Today will bring you opportunities. Will you miss them while you’re waiting for a different set of circumstances, envying another’s education, wishing for more of something, longing to be somewhere? Or, will you offer yourself, right where you are to God, the Holy Spirit, asking that a river of living water would pour through you bringing life?

Here’s the word from the Word.  Lord, help us to believe it, receive it, and live it. Amen.

"For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10, NIV) "God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!" (Ephesians 3:20-21, The Message)

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Spirit Of God Descend Upon My Heart

Spirit of God descend upon my heart.

Wean it from earth, thro' all its pulses move.

Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art

And make me love Thee as I ought to love!

Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh.

Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear,

To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh.

Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.

Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love,

One holy passion filling all my frame.

The baptism of the Heav'n Descended Dove.

My heart an altar and Thy love the flame!

Frederick Cook Atkinson | George Croly

Public Domain