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!