Shine, Jesus, Flow!

I've spent much of my adult life in the conservative evangelical Christian "camp," so to speak. I still place myself there doctrinally but I disavow myself from the tendencies that were prevalent over the years to look at other believers as "enemy brothers and sisters," in particular, charismatic Christians. Thankfully, that trend has been changing in recent years. We now often embrace each other freely and even espouse each other's differences as our own.

I remember with fondness when this freeing realization began happening in my own life. John & I were volunteer counselors at Camp WeWoSeJe, a Christian youth camp in southern Illinois and our kids were campers. Somehow, I discovered a song (among others) by Graham Kendrick: Shine, Jesus, Shine. And it was at this very time I was also beginning to realize and experience my union with Christ through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

I remember listening to a cassette tape of Shine, Jesus, Shine on my boombox over and over during my afternoon "break time," savoring every word and thought and truth. But I had forgotten all about this treasure of a song ... until this morning in our worship service.

We were a bit late to the service this morning because of getting our four precious, visiting grandchildren deposited into their prospective classes. So as we entered, one song was just ending and then ... these marvelous words ... taking me back to a fresh time of experiencing God in warmth and intimacy and love and power:

Lord, the light of your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me, shine on me

Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father's glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light

Lord, I come to your awesome presence
From the shadows into your radiance
By the blood I may enter your brightness
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness
Shine on me, shine on me

As we gaze on your kingly brightness
So our faces display your likeness
Ever changing from glory to glory
Mirrored here may our lives tell your story
Shine on me, shine on me

So thank you, John Mohler and choir at Patterson Park Church. God spoke through you today and reminded this sister of the freshness of His working in a human heart. Amen.