MERRY MONDAY BY PARRIS BAILEY-
“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God” ROM.1:1
1. a servant δοῦλος * doulos * slave (literally or figuratively, involuntarily or voluntarily; frequently therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency): – bond (-man), one who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another, his will altogether consumed in the will of the other.
I love writing out the definition of the bondservant. Paul, loved to give himself “that title” and with it came so much meaning. In today’s world, we do everything we can in life to free ourselves from all authority and headship. But when we are in Christ, our lives takes on a new dimension. Recently a small community in Louisiana not far from where we live faced tragedy and lives were taken way before their time. One cannot just walk away and not be affected. I pray all of us use this tragedy and so many others to pause and evaluate our lives. “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” Matt. 10:39
Expositor’s Bible says it like this, “You are, with infinite rightfulness, the bondmen of your God. You see your deed of purchase; it is the other side of your warrant of emancipation. Take it, and write your own unworthy names with joy upon it, consenting and assenting to your Owner’s perfect rights. And then live out your life, keeping the autograph of your own surrender before your eyes. Live, suffer, conquer, labour, serve, as men who have themselves walked to their Master’s door, and presented the ear to the awl which pins it to the doorway, each in his turn saying, “I will not go out free.” With eyes open, and fixed upon the face of the Master who claims us, and with hands placed helpless and willing within His hands, we will, we do, present ourselves bondservants to Him; for discipline, for servitude, for all His will.”
Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”
C.T. STUDD