Today marks the completion of 56 years since my birth! A lot of life has transpired in that time and I earnestly pray that the time I have left will be used wisely!

As I was pondering on this earlier this morning a song I had sung as a solo several years ago came to mind. Here are the lyrics:

I Am Determined – by Tim Sheppard

Darkness around me, sorrow surrounds me;
Though there be trials, still I can sing.
For I have this treasure – my God reigns within me,
And I am determined to live for the King.

CHORUS:

I am determined to be invincible
‘Til He has finished His purpose in me.
And nothing shall shake me
For He’ll never forsake me
And I am determined to live for the King.

Hell’s gates are trembling from our prayers ascending
Darkness is crumbling from praises we sing.
Our Sovereign, victorious is marching before us,
And we are determined to live for the King.

CHORUS

When I am weary – I’ll look to His face;
And when I am tempted,
I’ll trust in His grace
Yes, I’ll trust in His grace

CHORUS:

I am determined to be invincible
‘Til He has finished His purpose in me.
And nothing shall shake me
For He’ll never forsake me
And I am determined  
I am determined
I am determined to live for My King.

I looked to make sure I had not posted this song before and when I did I found this post from my birthday 3 years ago – it still rings true today!

No matter what, Lord, I want to please You. Help me to stay strong in my faith. Enable me to continue to passionately pursue You. These times that we have together have totally changed my life. I have followed You for decades. But I have struggled; I have been defeated again and again. I am still, by no means, perfect but ever since [the spring of 2015], things are different. And all the credit goes to You! You love me so much – You never gave up on me. You pursued me – You wooed me… and here I am. I still struggle. I still lose battles but I am no longer defeated. In Your sustaining grace, I cast my failings behind me and continue to move ever forward. My strength is in You.

But Paul assures us that “Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12) In expounding upon these thoughts, my study Bible *states “Don’t give up, Continue to live as You should. God is the only one you need to please. “

Lord, may my faith remain firmly with You. May I grow in Your wisdom and discernment. Live through me. Touch others through me. I am Yours, Lord, use me as You will.

Jan 21st, 2019, Mon, 10:06 am