Preparing Our Hearts For Sunday

Today I'm going to be talking about a song we're doing Sunday morning called "I Then Shall Live." The tune is pretty old; it's one that actually interchangeable in a lot of different hymns on a lotta diff'ent hymn books— da-da-da-dah! Da-da-da-dah! So there's nothing new or original about this piece at all. It comes from an older church music book by Richard Leigh-James . There's nothin' uh... newer or originall 'bout the hymn tune. But it is a beautiful tune, and the words to it though are what make this song to me so powerful. The words were written by Gloria Gaither, who if you ask me, just personally, the opinion between who's the better writer lyrically between Bill Gaither or Gloria Gaither, I think probably 9 times out of 10 I'm gonna go with Gloria. I just think she's an amazing poet, has a wonderful way with words. I enjoyed getting to go to her shop in Indiana before. Just even the things that she picks as far as things that she reads, I have been very impressed with. So I am very impressed with this song, "I Then Shall Live," and I want to share these words with you. If you have never taken time to hear or understand the words of this song, it is incredible. We are singing it this Sunday as we talk about care on Sunday morning and what it means to be a part of the Kingdom of God, caring for other people. The lyrics are: 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, oh, may I bear with honor. And may your living kingdom come in me. The bread of life, oh, may I share with honor. And may you feed a hungry world. Through Me. So it's kind of an older song, but you know, back from 1980, but it's fantastic. I hope that you can join us this Sunday. Also, I do lead a podcast called Voices in My Head, and you can find it at rickleejames.com, or you can go on iTunes and look at Voices in My Head. The reason I mentioned that this week is it is a guided prayer and worship episode this week, so if you're able to get over there and be a part of that. I used some readings from a website called sacredspace.ie. So lots of opportunities that we're trying to help to give you this week to prepare your heart as you come into worship. I then shall live as one who's been forgiven. Let's live that way this week. Easy for me to say. And we're gonna have a great day today on Sunday morning whenever we get together. So I hope you can join us. Sunday morning this week. First Church of the Nazarene, 901 East Home Road, Springfield, Ohio. Thanks so much and God bless.