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<\/a>But if that isn\u2019t enough, what about the all-church picnic that will follow morning worship? Yep. It\u2019s going to be a great day!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
I pray that as you head out for worship this morning that you are touched by God\u2019s Spirit to be attentive to the words you\u2019ll hear, the songs you\u2019ll sing and the people you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n
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\u201cMay the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.\u201d<\/em> (Psalm 134:3 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Today\u2019s repeat blog post is one that will keep you thinking and asks the question, \u201cHow shall I live?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How Shall I Live?<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n One of my Grandpa Rich\u2019s favorite programs was the Gaither Gospel Hour. It meant so much to him since he grew up in a musical family.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Last evening was no different. The program was titled Amazing Grace<\/em>. They began with a beautiful arrangement of \u201cAmazing Grace\u201d and ended with \u201cI Then Shall Live.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I was captured by the lyrics of the last verse of \u201cI Then Shall Live.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Your kingdom come around and through and in me;<\/p>\n Your power and glory let them shine through me.<\/p>\n Your Hallowed name, oh may I bear with honor;<\/p>\n And may Your living Kingdom come in me.<\/p>\n The Bread of Life, O\u2019 may I share with honor;<\/p>\n And may You feed a hungry world through me.[i]<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Wow! Those are words to live by. Living a life in which God\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Oh, I know I don\u2019t live like this all the time. And to be honest, I couldn\u2019t live as I do without God\u2019s Spirit leading me. Without God\u2019s Words resonating within my heart and head daily. Without knowing that Jesus was willing to take my sin and pay my debt.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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\u2019t possibly hope to live a life described in this song. If I continually choose to put my needs and desires above God\u2019s, 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I\u2019m convicted by the lyrics. I\u2019m pressed to see what is missing in my life. I must be willing to make the necessary changes to live a life of honor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Galatians 2:20 (NIV) tells me how to do this. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/em> I must crucify myself and all that goes along with me. My selfishness, my pride, my earthly nature, my busyness\u2026me.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I pray that you\u2019ll 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\u2019s Kingdom receive all the glory. Amen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grace and peace be yours in abundance,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Donna<\/p>\n