I belong to a pretty small church. We have a habit of picking a closing hymn and staying with it for a while. I like that idea because if gives the little ones a chance to learn the words. Currently at our church we are singing "I Surrender All". I like the thought in that hymn. You know the idea of surrendering ALL to Jesus. However, I really have a problem with one of the verses of this particular song. It reads (sings), "All to Jesus I surrender, Make me Savior, wholly thine; Let me feel thy Holy Spirit, Truly know that thou art mine." Several years ago, a mentor of mine, (she knows who she is) made me aware of the words we sing. Since then I really scrutinize songs and have taught my kids to also. I don't want to consistently sing something that is not true. Here is the problem I have with this song. This verse indicates that you can "feel" the Holy Spirit and then you "truly know that thou art mine". That is absolutely contrary to God's Word. God says that "the just shall live by faith". Hab. 2:4 "We have been saved by faith". Eph. 2:8 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him....." Heb. 11:6 " the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith......" Gal. 2:20 "For we walk by faith......" 2 Cor. 5:7 There are many, many others I could quote. I am walking through a time in my life when more so than ever before, I am having to learn to lean on my faith, not my feelings. There are days, in fact most of them, that I don't "feel" like a christian. I don't "feel" like God loves me. I don't "feel" much of anything. If I were to believe the words in that song, I could really get off into error. Before long I wouldn't even think I was saved at all. That is not what it is all about. It is ALL about faith. In fact, I am learning to "surrender" the feelings. God doesn't want me to lean on feelings or anything else. He wants me to lean on HIM. Nothing else. It is not an easy lesson, but a necessary one. What's wrong with feelings? Feelings can fluctuate. They can go up or down based on the circumstances. (Ooh, that's a big one.) In other words, they can be totally wrong! Therefore, you can't trust them. There is only One you can trust. I could wrap up with many verses here, but I'll put one of my favorites. "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:10 On another note.......I didn't remember until a couple of days ago that I forgot my recipe again. It's up and it's warm and wonderful for Christmas morning. Also, there are cards being posted regularly to my gallery so you can get lots of stamping ideas. I'll try to post again before Christmas...............? Jesus loves you! (whether you "feel" like it or not)
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