I was pleased with my striving
– with what I had laid down
but, when I met my Father's gaze
I drew from Love, his frown
The truth was that
my offering was much
like that of Cain's –
my own ideas
and my own will
and sacrifices vain
I thought God would be eager
to receive my gestures grand
But, they were morsels meager
once I placed them in His hand
The offering
God desires
is not a bended knee
It isn't money
song or deeds
The offering
is me
My inclinations
half my life
is not what Christ paid for
It's my whole heart
the things that hurt
Yet, He deserves far more
Sacrifice that's costly –
that makes the flesh to sting
is a freedom fragrance rising
pleasing to my King
Whatever I most want to stay
is what I must give away
for that is where my heart has strayed
and where Christ brings His better way
Whatever I most want to keep
is the point I lose, that which I seek
God's kingdom is sweet life
through death –it's riches
to have nothing left!
God wants to make me able
despite my brother's wrath
to give away my life to him
with a grateful heart, that's glad
For every fading thing I love –
good things and even treasure
can't compare to Love above
and God's now and eternal pleasures
-- Abandon
"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." Matthew 16:25
"Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."
Joel 2:13