August 31, 2005

Have faith in God –
With His ark in the home;
Have faith in God –
In morning or gloam;
Have faith in God –
Wherever you roam.
Have faith, dear friend, in God.

Only One Life

Avis Marguerite Burgeson Christiansen, 1895-1985

    For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.  2 Corinthians 5:14, 15.

Find your purpose and fling your life out into it;
and the loftier your purpose is, 
the more sure you will be to make the world richer
with every enrichment of yourself!
~Philips Brooks~

    Since it was published in 1937, this thoughtful hymn by Avis B. Christiansen and Merrill Dunlop has been widely used of God to challenge scores of young believers with the importance of committing their lives completely to God's glory and service. Both Mrs. Christiansen and Mr. Dunlop have made other notable contributions to gospel hymnody with their many fine hymns.
    These words reinforce and amplify the oft-quoted statement: "Only one life, 'twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last."

Only one life to offer--
Jesus, my Lord and King;
Only one tongue to praise Thee
And of Thy mercy sing;
Only one heart's devotion--
Saviour, O may it be
Consecrated alone to Thy matchless glory,
Yielded fully to Thee.

Only this hour is mine, Lord--
May it be used for Thee;
May ev'ry passing moment
Count for eternity;
Souls all about are dying,
Dying in sin and shame;
Help me bring the message of Calv'ry's redemption
In Thy glorious name.

Only one life to offer--
Take it, dear Lord, I pray;
Nothing from Thee withholding,
Thy will I now obey;
Thou who hast freely given
Thine all in all for me,
Claim this life for Thine own to be used, my Saviour,
Ev'ry moment for Thee.

Have Faith in God by H.M.S. Richards, Used by Permission