I Then Shall Live

This has been a wild, emotionally charged, and politically divided week.  And quite frankly, I'm over the hoopla.  I've said my peace about the chicken controversy.  I was struggling with the words to express my thoughts on the underlying theme I saw emerge from all of this:  Christians sharing the love of Christ.  It seems the Body of Christ can't even agree on the "right" way to share the glorious message of Christ.  A song I dearly love came to my mind tonight and it's words are so powerful and if lived out, so capable of reaching the world with the love, compassion, mercy, and grace that Christ reached me with.


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.


If you're so moved by music as I am, please watch the Gaither Vocal Band/Ernie Haase Signature Sound performance of this song.  It is truly beautiful. 

http://youtu.be/cxyBMQJuTuc


This is my daily prayer.  I want to reach a hungry world with the Bread of Life.  I want to reach them right where they are.  After all, that is where Christ meets me every day.  Right where I am.  Not where I should be.  Not where I want to be.  Right where I am.  Some days find me full of compassion, empathy, love, and mercy.  Other days find me filled with resentment, questions, frustrations, and an ugly heart.  Life is messy.  But my merciful Father meets me in my mess.  And He wants to use me to meet the rest of the world in their mess.