Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise. Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love. Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.[1]
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength…”[2] ______________________
O how I need God’s grace to truly live a life “…consecrated, Lord, to Thee.” In the midst of it all we rely on the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know our most holy God better. A never ending process under the discipline of our unique circumstances. Indeed, I can’t help but to sing, overflow in a state of controlled ecstasy, especially as I recognize, even enlightened to know, discern, and experience the depths of God. Our calling to a greater more intense desire, hunger, prompting daily, a crying out in prayer for an ever increasing inner awareness, even realization of all that God has made available in Christ.
Beloved, I truly pray you are growing in grace and nurturing “a love that never began as well as a love that will never end.”[3] Be encouraged, especially as you are daily renewed. How exciting to realize and experience greater and greater fellowship with our God! Nothing compares! A strong desire for and progressive reality of Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” The progressive character of Christ’s indwelling, especially as we keep trusting that our Lord Jesus does continue to indwell, despite ourselves. I need God’s grace to maintain this experience through intentional focus of mind, feeling, and will; to love our God with my whole being, heart, mind, soul.
Sister/brother, we are called to experience intimacy and sweet fellowship with our Lord through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. We discipline ourselves to pray, seek God through his living word, study and show ourselves approved. We be workers who are not ashamed and rightly handle the word of truth. I need to spend time with God alone, conversing and pouring out my heart with confidence before the throne. Moreover, I need pursue the saints! I have to run a good race, self-disciplined and rely on our Lord. However, I need, you do too, brothers around me! Sisters need sisters and brothers need brothers! We need fellowship, encouragement, love from our family in Christ! O man! How thankful I am that I do not have to rely on my own devices. God has designed us to sharpen, motivate, embrace, listen to, and be Jesus to one another!
Be ye encouraged through singing songs, hymns, and spiritual songs, “Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before, onward then, ye people Join our happy throng blend with ours your voices in our triumph song…”[4]
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today
He walks with me and talks with me Along life’s narrow way
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart[5]
“…How often, when trials like sea billows roll, have I hidden in Thee, O Thou Rock of my soul.”[6]
Beloved, I have had much on my mind lately regarding our walk with Jesus. I have attempted to encourage you this day. I am late I getting this out, but know I do appreciate your love and anticipation as we journey together in Christ. As your read, pray for me, our brother Joseph and our beloved pastors tirelessly serving day after day. Moreover, our sisters in Christ. Those gathering to pray week after week.
Sisters are meeting to pray! :). First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0900.
Join gals from different fellowships who join to intentionally pray with many prayers and requests. No expectations, just a freedom to be and enjoy our God in the fellowship with the saints. You be invited!
Brothers are meeting too! Mountain View. 2710 Alpine Blvd. Alpine. 0730.
You are invited to join brothers in prayer. A time of encouragement, much love, and unending worship before our holy God. A sweet hour of prayer.
________________
Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.
Persevere In Christ!
Randall:).
[1] http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/t/a/k/takemyli.htm[2] Ephesians 1:17-19
[3] The Expositor’s Bible Commentary. 1978. F.E. Gaebelein (ed.). vol. 11
[4]http://www.hymnary.org/text/onward_christian_soldiers_marching_as
[5] https://www.google.com/#q=he+lives+lyrics
[6] Hiding in Thee | William O. Cushing