Things Learned

For some reason yesterday worship really struck me. Obviously it always strikes me since I get the priveledge of worshipping my God but yesterday was special-- and particulary interesting since Pastor Allen was preaching...

One particular verse from the Epistle Lesson from Paul's first letter to Timothy really stood out because it describes my opinion of this crazy profession I've chosen:

I thanks Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. (1:12)

Then we sang a hymn that I love. (Yes, I used the words "hymn" and "love" in the same sentence. Get your jaw off the floor.) There are many reasons why I like this song. For one it continually reminds me how horrible I am but how wonderful God and His love for me. It's strangely comforting to know that, as in the final verse, we can ask God for His grace and His direction in our lives. This also in my opinion is a great eye-opening song of witness...

Chief of sinners though I be,
Jesus shed his blood for me,
Died that I might live on high,
Lives that I might never die.
As the branch is to the vine,
I am his, and he is mine.

Oh, the height of Jesus' love,
Higher than the heav'ns above,
Deeper than the depths of sea,
Lasting as eternity!
Love that found me-- wondrous thought--
Found me when I sought him not.

Only Jesus can impart
Balm to heal the wounded heart,
Peace that flows from sin forgiv'n,
Joy that lifts the soul to heav'n
Faith and hope to walk with God
In the wasy that Enoch trod.

Chief of sinners though I be,
Christ is all in all to me.
All my wants to him are known,
All my sorrows are his own.
He sustains the hidden life
Safe with him from earthly strife.

O my Savior, help afford
By your Spirit and your Word!
When my wayward heart would stray,
Keep me in the narrow way;
Grace in time of need supply
While I live and when I die. LW285