What an exciting Sunday morning in July! We have a guest joining us for service at Rocky Mountain Christian Church today. Head Coach MacIntyre from Colorado University will be joining us to share his thoughts on how God uses him in his work with young people. We are looking forward to hearing his message.

But if that isn’t enough, what about the all-church picnic that will follow morning worship? Yep. It’s going to be a great day!

I pray that as you head out for worship this morning that you are touched by God’s Spirit to be attentive to the words you’ll hear, the songs you’ll sing and the people you’ll be with. I pray that a message will be placed in your heart and that transformation will take place as you meditate and learn from the message.

“May the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.” (Psalm 134:3 – NIV)

Today’s repeat blog post is one that will keep you thinking and asks the question, “How shall I live?”

How Shall I Live?

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. If you’d like to listen to this beautiful hymn, click here.

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 me. 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

[i] “I Then Shall Live” (Finlandia), Composer Jean Sibeius (1899), Copyright: Music © Breitkopf & Härtel; Lyricist Gloria Gaither (1981), Copyright: Words © 1981 Gaither Music Company.