And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:5
The first time I heard this verse, Pauline and I were scooting around while listening to Corrie Ten Boom’s Audiobook The Hiding Place. The book had such a strong impact on us that we’ve often shared it with friends and family members as a great example of a plain old lady with no extraordinary ability, who accomplished the extraordinary by the work of the Holy Spirit. Without any particular skill, she was able to save more than 800 Jews during WWII. This effort eventually led to her entire family dying at the hands of the Nazis. But! That was part of God’s perfect plan, specifically for Corrie and her family. (Romans 8:28)
As the only survivor, Corrie quoted this verse when she was confronted by the Nazi officer who had abused her and been partially responsible for the death of her sister. The officer asked Corrie for forgiveness after the war was over, and in response, Corrie felt the Holy Spirit remind her of this Rom. 5:5 verse. And just like that, the perfect work of God was completed as Romans 5:5 went from words on a page to an amazing encounter with God Himself. Corrie experienced the Holy Spirit shed abroad into her heart when she turned to God for help!
As a result, I’ve always applied this verse in my life with someone I considered “difficult”. I would pray something like “Father, by the love of God, shed abroad in my heart, help me to love this person the way that You love them…”
Praise God that He always meets us wherever we are in our relationship with Him and then He calls us higher!
These days, I’m seeing this verse taking place in my life with people who I WANT to love more! I never knew that this verse would help me experience a far superior love, a glimpse of the perfect love of God with any and everyone in my life.
Often I wake up and am in complete shock at the love the Holy Spirit has placed in my heart. First, it was with my wife. I remember telling her one day, “It’s so crazy, and I don’t know how, but I can honestly say that I am loving you more and more each day!” Of course, that’s easy to write off as “well that’s what’s supposed to happen, it’s your wife.” But I’m seeing the amazing work of the Holy Spirit across my entire family! My wife’s family! My NCCF brothers’ families! And I’m absolutely blown away!
This week, I edited some of the vocal tracks on previous songs where the voices were either too loud or too quiet. I’m still learning how to use the software, so any feedback is welcome! If there is a song that you think can be edited to work better on your speakers, please let me know what you are using to listen so I can try and get the sound right on something besides my computer.
The new song below is a simple prayer that has been on my heart for several weeks. I hope it encourages you to worship God in all areas of your life. He will not forget your heart’s desire to honor Him.
For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name… Heb 6:10
(Try refreshing the page if you do not see the player above.)
Lyrics:
