November 16, 2010
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“To keep the lamp alive with oil we fill the bowl”
Dear friends in Christ,
I’d hoped to update you last night, but didn’t have opportunity to do so. I do want to let you know I’m about to leave for a couple day retreat, and I would appreciate prayers for me, in particular for clear leading regarding the opportunity I have at our church (for more on that, please see the end of my last post).
William Cowper’s hymn “Dependence” wonderfully expresses my heart this morning, and I hope yours at well. May we always see that we are wholly dependent on the Lord so we might continue to ask for Him to fill us with His fullness and His Spirit to overflowing – and then once we are filled, that we might return and again and again and ask again and again. He will in no wise cast us out! We are but poor beggars but He welcomes us as His sons and daughters and delights to lavish His unsearchable riches on us! We live from grace to grace. Let us continue to avail ourselves of His grace poured out through Jesus Christ at the cross and now through His Spirit who dwells within us.
LXII. DEPENDENCE.To keep the lamp alive,
With oil we fill the bowl;
‘Tis water makes the willow thrive,
And grace that feeds the soul.The Lord’s unsparing hand
Supplies the living stream;
It is not at our own command,
But still derived from him.Beware of Peter’s word,
Nor confidently say,
“I never will deny thee, Lord,”
But, “Grant I never may!”Man’s wisdom is to seek
His strength in God alone;
And e’en an angel would be weak,
Who trusted in his own.Retreat beneath his wings,
And in his grace confide;
This more exalts the King of kings
Than all your works beside.In Jesus is our store,
Grace issues from his throne;
Whoever says, “I want no more,”
Confesses he has none.Along with Charles Wesley, I continue to find myself lost in wonder, love and praise, and with George Whitefield I cannot comprehend His love for me but only adore!
All by His grace and of His grace, all to His glory and His praise alone,
Karen
