Saturday, January 3, 2009

TSMSS - How to Live in 2009 (& Every Year)

I've never been one to make New Year's resolutions. For one thing, I am way too legalistic. This is not to say that I am successful in everything I make plans to do but rather, it is sometimes far too easy for me to check off the "doing" and miss the meaning.

For example, if I say "I will read through the Bible this year," I might sit there many days and run my eyes over the words for the sake of checking it off without a single truth penetrating my heart. We won't even talk about the self-condemnation and guilt when I'm not successful!

Not an easy thing to admit, but I have come a long way in this journey of learning about grace. As a "recovering Pharisee" (as I call myself!), I am learning that the quality of my spiritual walk is much more important than how fast I can slap down the miles.

And while resolutions aren't exactly vows, the Bible does tell us that it's better not to vow than to make one and not fulfill it. (Ecclesiastes 5:4-6)

But it is important to live intentionally. And the words of this song are a perfect way to think of how we should live as a result of Christ's work in us. And although the lyrics are on the video, I've also put them below in case you want to reflect on them more or print them out. Gloria Gaither wrote the words and the tune is the beautiful Finlandia, familiar to you as the melody of Be Still, My Soul. And of course, I love the rich harmony of the Gaither Vocal Band and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound!


I THEN SHALL LIVE

I then shall live as one who's been forgiven.
I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my Father;
I am His child and I am not afraid.
So, greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother;
The law of love I gladly will obey.

I then shall live as one who's learned compassion.
I've been so loved, that I'll risk loving too.
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;
I'll dare to see another's point of view.
And when relationships demand commitment,
Then I'll be there to care and follow through.

Your Kingdom come around and through and in me;
Your power and glory, let them shine through me.
Your Hallowed Name, O 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.

Amen, Amen, Amen

Words: Gloria Gaither
Music: Jean Sibelius (Finlandia)

For those of you who only stop by my blog for TSMSS, I encourage you to scroll down to or click on my New Year's Day post to hear a beautiful -- and rare -- New Year's hymn, and be inspired by the woman who wrote it. . . . and the large chunk of Scripture that she committed to memory!

Be sure to go by Amy's blog for more songs to bless your weekend!

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18 comments:

My ADHD Me said...

I like this. I too, am sometimes more intent in checking off the completed item, than doing it to the best of my ability.
Thank you for the reminder.

Deven said...

I'm on my church's praise team, and our organist introduced this song to us a few months ago. When we were practicing it, I was overwhelmed by the commitment and power in the words and harmonies. Thanks for posting it.

Mel said...

Beautiful song and while not a list maker I am very hard on myself for not following through on stuff or getting it wrong...so like you resolutions tend to cause me to freak.

Kelly said...

Yup - I too am a recovering Pharisee. I just have such a strong sense of right and wrong (unless of course I am the one doing wrong...then it is GRACE & MERCY, sister!) LOL!

Thanks for inspiration this morning.

Debra Kaye said...

Hi Linda,

The Gaither harmonic voices can make me choke up the moment they begin to sing....thank you for posting that song!

Blessings to you today!

Candy said...

The words to that song are beautiful!

Congratulations on one year of blogging! Great job!

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

You are so wise. I started reading through the Bible in April, and it is killing me.

Tammy said...

I enjoyed your post - what a powerful song. It is so easy to fall into the trap of legalism and forget WHY we do what we do. Thank you for stopping by and leaving an encouraging comment. Blessings, Tammy

Darlene said...

Love this song! Very powerful!!
Every year I start reading through the bible and then get side-tracked. This year I have signed up with accountability group...hopefully they will help keep me on track. Would love for you to join us if you like...I posted about it...when you have time come by.
Have a fabulous weekend!
Darlene

Sweet Blessings said...

I got goose-bumps while reading the lyrics. That is my only goal in 2009-to live more intentionally in everything I do to the glory of the Lord! Thanks for putting me in the right direction for the song I was trying to find! I had even linked to that site with the lyrics just because Ilove their songs-but couldn't find it. I guess I was meant to find the other song and your blog:)
Amanda

Cathy said...

Very beautiful, Linda, thanks so much for sharing it. Gloria wrote some great lyrics, and I really like that group.

Shirley said...

What a beautiful song - thanks for sharing. Have you read "What's so Amazing about Grace" by Philip Yancey? - I highly recommend it. God really got my attention in passing on grace to those He loves.

Cristine said...

Hey Linda. Yeah, I don't do New Year's resolutions either. I like the verse from Ecclesiastes you included in this post... and so true, indeed.

God Bless!

Cristine

Xandra@Heart-of-Service said...

I am a list checker as well...I like the idea of living intentionally.

Xandra

Lisa Cobler said...

This is a beautiful song. I'm not sure I have heard this one. Thanks for sharing it.

Merry said...

Great thoughts, Linda. I like the idea of living intentionally or with purpose. I think reading through the Bible is something I would like to do, purposing to find gems every day.
Beautiful song & lyrics!

Anonymous said...

Hello Linda,
Thanks for visiting my blog. I really like the song you picked. It is one of my favorites.

Tina Kay

Karen said...

What a beautiful song! The words are powerful and the harmony gives me chills!