12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Frances Havergal (1836-1879) created one of the classic hymns of Christian commitment. Referred to as the “consecration poet,” Havergal strived to live a life fully dedicated to Christ and to those she saw in any physical or spiritual need.
We know that Havergal’s spiritual journey began early in her life, memorizing passages in the Bible at age 4 and writing verse by age seven. She was nurtured by her father, an Anglican clergyman, also devoted to Christian hymnody. Though Havergal’s health was frail and she lived barely 43 years, she learned several modern languages as well as Hebrew and Greek. She was also a singer of some note and known as an accomplished pianist.
This hymn of total dedication to Christ seems to cover every aspect of submission to him. Each line begins with the compulsory verb “Take,” giving the sense of a continual prayer of petition.
1 Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Take my moments and my days; let them flow in endless praise, let them flow in endless praise.
2 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, swift and beautiful for thee.
3 Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King. Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from thee, filled with messages from thee.
4 Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect and use every power as thou shalt choose, every power as thou shalt choose.
5 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, it shall be thy royal throne.
6 Take my love; my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store. Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee, ever, only, all for thee.
3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.[b]
Living for Jesus, a life that is true, Striving to please Him in all that I do; Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free, This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee, For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me. I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne. My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.
Living for Jesus Who died in my place, Bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace; Such love constrains me to answer His call, Follow His leading and give Him my all.
Living for Jesus, wherever I am, Doing each duty in His holy Name; Willing to suffer affliction and loss, Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
Living for Jesus through earth’s little while, My dearest treasure, the light of His smile; Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem, Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Do you ever get those days where all you long for is a bit of ‘Me time or Quiet time’. I know I do.
In my case, on Saturday night we had my daughter, her husband and 2yr old granddaughter round for tea, and let me tell you granddaughter takes after her mum. (A real live wire).
Sunday we attended our local Salvation Army in the morning but managed to grab a bit of ‘ Me time or Quiet time’ before heading to mother in law’s for tea that night
Please listen to The International Staff Songsters and follow the words of In this Quiet moment
In this quiet moment, still, before your throne, Conscious of your presence, knowing I am known, In this quiet moment, set my spirit free, In this quiet moment, make a better me.
I’m bursting with God-news; I’m dancing the song of my Savior God. God took one good look at me, and look what happened— I’m the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten, the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others. His mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before him. He bared his arm and showed his strength, scattered the bluffing braggarts. He knocked tyrants off their high horses, pulled victims out of the mud. The starving poor sat down to a banquet; the callous rich were left out in the cold. He embraced his chosen child, Israel; he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high. It’s exactly what he promised, beginning with Abraham and right up to now.
In her song, Mary acknowledges her humble state as a servantof God and recognises that from that humble position, God has done great things for her. This reminds us that Christianity is not about exaulting ourselves but rather lifting others up, empowering them to reach their fullest potential. Just as God has been mindful of Mary’s humble state, we, too, must be mindful of these needs, aspirations and challanges.
Mary’s song also emhasises God’s mercy, which extends from generation to generation. As Christians we can lead with compssion & understanding, creating an enviroment where individuals feel valued and supported. Just as God’s mercy is everlasting, we should nurture the growth and wellbeing of those we meet through our journey
Luke 1:38 New International Version 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Mary’s humble acceptace of God’s plan teaches us the importance of humility in leadership. Mary’s response “I am the Lord’s servant”, demonstrates a willingness to submit to God’s will & purposes. As Christians our humility allows us to recognise that our abilities & achievements come from God, not our own efforts. Embracing humility allows us to lead with grace, acknowledging our dependence on god’s wisdom and success.
Prayer
Father, we thank you for the example of Mary, who embraced humility & submission to your will. As Christians help us to lead with humble hearts, acknowledging our dependence on you. Keep us from pride and self reliance, and help us to always seek your wisdom & guidance in our leadership. May our humility be a testimony of your grace & love. Amen
45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Elizabeth’s words to Mary highlight the importance of believing in God’s promises. As Christians we may encounter seasons of waiting and uncertainty. Elizabeth’s faith in God’s promise encourages us to trust in His timing and remain steadfast in our belief. Just as Mary’s faith was rewarded, we can find hope knowing that God is faithful to fulfil His promises with reliance on him
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your faithfulness in fulfilling your promises. As Christians help us to anchor your trust in you, especially during times of uncertainty. Strengthen our faith, O Lord and grant us the patience yo wait upon your perfect timing. May our lives be marked by unwavering trust in your promises, knowing that you are faithful to fulfil them. Amen
When they had gone, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said. “Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him
Joseph’s obedience in fleeing to Egypt teaches us the importance of being obedient to God’s guidance. As Christians, we face decisions that may require us to step out of our comfort zones or face unforseen challenges. Joseph’s Immediate response to the angel’s warning shows us the significance of acting obediently and courageously in the face of uncertainty. Our obedience to God’s leading brings us into alignment with His plan, even if it leads us through uncharted territory.
Prayer
Gracious Father, we thank you for the example of Joseph, who acted obediently and couragously in the face of uncertainty. As Christians help us to trust in your leading and be obedient to your guidance, even when the path seems unclear. Strengthen our faith to step out in courage, knowing that you are with us every step of the way. May our obedience bring glory to your name. Amen.
11 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The prophecy of the shoot from Jesse’s stump speaks of the emergence og new and unexpected leadership. Just as the seemingly lifeless stump produced new growth, God has the ability to raise Christians from unexpected places. As Christians, we should be open we should be open to recognising and empowering emerging members of our church fellowship. By nurturing and empoweringthem we participate in God’s transformitive work in the world.
Prayer
Father, We acknowledge that you are the one who raises up Christians from unexpected places. Help us to nurture the potential in those around us. May they grow and flourish with your guidance. Use us, O Lord, to be instruments of your work in the lives of others. Amen
4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Final Exhortations
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Whilst Sharing this reading with you I am reminded in verses 4 – 7 that thanksgiving in the USA is coming to an end, a time where the American’s give thanks for the harvest i’m told.
We must remember though that giving thanks to God doesn’t just apply to a certain time of the year, it applies all the year round. So today if you have something to thank God for, no matter what it is THANK HIM!
Christian Devotions, Health and General issues of the day 