Tuesday, September 27, 2011

in the secret of His presence

In the secret of His presence
How my soul delights to hide!
Oh, how precious are the lessons
Which I learn at Jesus’ side!
Earthly cares forever vex me,
all my trials lay me low;
But when Satan comes to tempt me,
To the secret place I go.

When my soul is faint and thirsty,
‘Neath the shadow of His wing
There is cool and pleasant shelter,
And a fresh and crystal spring;
And my Savior rests beside me,
As we hold communion sweet;
If I tried, I could not utter
What He says when thus we meet.

Only this I know: I tell Him
All my doubts and griefs and fears;
Oh, how patiently He listens!
And my drooping soul He cheers;
Do you think He ne’er reproves me?
What a false friend He would be,
If He never, never told me
Of the sins which He must see.

Would you like to know that sweetness
Of the secret of the Lord?
Go and hide beneath His shadow;
This shall then be your reward;
And whene’er you leave the silence
Of that happy meeting-place,
By the Spirit bear the image
Of the Master in your face.

http://grooveshark.com/#/search?q=in+the+secret+of+his+presence

sung by Sandra McCracken
by Ellen Goreh

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Total Devotion

Total Devotion was the name of my youth fellowship back during high school, but we always just called it TD. I had forgotten that it stood for "total devotion". I'm thankful for that reminder that life isn't about "kinda devotion", "sometimes devotion", but "total devotion". But I know that as long as I am still on earth, I won't be. This makes me long for heaven. How wonderful would it be to be totally devoted to my God - all my affections, cares, service, worship, my entire being
But much of my devotion, enjoyment, pleasure are towards things, entertainment, myself, people... apart from the Lord. Yet, God says to delight in Him, do all things for His glory, proclaim the good news, and love Him. He wants a totally devoted life.