Tag Archive for Speak Your Word

from Prepare Yourself for Worship

2017-07-07 Devotional with Hymn, Prepare Yourself for Worship No comments

As You Lead

Father, as we prepare to gather for worship,
prepare each of us to act as You lead.

We want to glorify You.
We want to bless
Your people in
Your name.
Speak, Lord.
Prod us.
Use us as pleases you.

Help us to listen for Your still small voice in
the big things and
the small things.
Fill our routines with new meaning
as we pay new attention to
Your Word and
Your Spirit.

When You prompt us in unexpected ways, Father,
may we obey.
By our obedience, we know You will make today’s gathering of Your people
all You want it to be.

That is what we want too, Lord.
Use us today. 

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Hymn: Speak Your Word, My Father
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All Credit, No Blame

2015-11-18 Devotional with Hymn No comments

“The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me,
And His word was on my tongue.” (2 Samuel 23:2, NASB)

I identify with this verse, which is from “the last words of David” recorded in 2 Samuel 23:1-7. I too am conscious of Almighty God speaking through me. But sometimes I struggle with how to characterize this to others. I don’t want to claim a higher, purer inspiration for my words than the truth merits. All the blame for my stumbling words is mine and mine alone.

At the same time, I am deeply conscious that He is speaking through me. I don’t deserve the credit for anything good that comes from what I say or write. All truth comes from Him. I’m also conscious that the way I express that truth, the words chosen, also frequently comes from Him. He alone is all truth, beauty, and elegance. We cannot even affirm that “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3, NASB). Words, phrases, and lines sometimes come to me fully formed, with no “constructing” necessary on my end. Where do His perfections end and my childlike efforts begin? I don’t know, nor do I know how to properly praise Him for graciously involving me in the wonderful things He does.

Father, all good comes from You. You include me in Your work, not because I am good, but because You are good. I have no good, know no good, speak no good outside of You. Teach me how to give You all the credit but none of the blame for the magnificent truth You beautifully share and I so inadequately express. 

Listen and sing:
Hymn: Speak Your Word, My Father
Recording
Printed Music & Lyrics