I was out with the dogs just a few minutes ago, and the church bells were ringing a song that seemed familiar. As we walked through town, the tune kept resonating in my head, until we were got to our driveway and the words finally came to me: "Make me an instrument of your peace ..."
I have no idea why the church bells would be ringing at 3 PM on a Monday, or why that song was playing. But as the fall breezes blew and the last of the autumn sun shone down, hearing the song was a good reminder that in everything I do, I ought to be looking to the God who loves me, to do His will and to be an instrument for His peace. To be more concerned with understanding others than being understood myself, to loving more than being loved, to be looking out for the needs of other rather than focusing on myself.
Here are the lyrics, if you've never heard the song. I remember it being "instrument" of peace instead of "channel" but either way, it's still a lovely hymn:
Purely Hymns is a new approach to classic hymns of the church. The collection features 20 of the most recognized hymns of the church, like "Rock of Ages," "Amazing Grace," "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," and this week's free download, "Holy, Holy, Holy." Congregations of young and old alike can find common ground worshipping together, using new stylings married to steadfast proven text.
To get your free download of "Holy, Holy, Holy," head over to itickets.com. And here are the lyrics to the classic hymn:
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee, Perfect in pow'r, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Click here to subscribe to Gospel Soundcheck by email and have the Gospel Soundcheck headlines delivered daily to your email inbox. And don't forget to follow me on Twitter!
MercyMe frontman Bart Millard will make his debut appearance tonight, Friday November 21, on the Grand Ole Opry at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Friday's Opry may be heard on AM650-WSM, XM channel 11 and on the internet at WSMOnline.
MercyMe will be backing up Millard as he sings "Stand Up Stand Up for Jesus" from his critically-acclaimed Hymned Again project, as well as the band's upcoming single "Finally Home," from their best-selling CD, All That Is Within Me.
For more information, visit The Grand Ole Opry.
MercyMe has been broadcast shows from their current tour live, and while this Grand Ole Opry show isn't include, you can head over to the MercyMe TV website to check out videos.
Add to Del.icio.us
Add to Technorati
Add to Digg
Add to Newsvine
Add to Facebook
Add to StumbleUpon
Subscribe
