Only the Lord's Touch

Every soul like an instrument doth play, Yea, each unique in appearance and array.  Describing a bleeding sunset or a ranting sea,  Only some can obtain perfect harmony. Would you give thyself each day? Or on the shelf foolishly stay?  Some though not a sight to behold,  Tuned they sing fine as Heav'n's gold! For only the Luthier's touch, Can enable a sound like such! Where doth thy diligence dwell? For what price wilt thou sell?  Who composes thy melody?   What inspires thy tone? Give thy soul unto the Lord, In His hands thyself poured.  By His strength daily withstand;  For the song of eternity's land. For only the Lord's touch, Can enable a soul like such! By Rachel C. Weller

~Love That Availed Much

• “And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had... and I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.” Genesis 24:1-4

• Abraham, known in this chapter as a greatly blessed master (verses 1;35), was concerned about his son's future spouse. He called his eldest servant to go find a wife from his own kin for Isaac. This servant was a wise choice for Abraham's mission -he was his most trusted servant- having rule over all Abraham's possessions. This servant had gained his master's favor throughloyal submission. 
• Abraham was compassionate,  and understood  the servant's fear of possible unwillingness in the woman's heart; he suffered him not to pursue the mission if so. (verses 5-6;8) Abraham also encouraged  him by assuring him that God would send his angel before him. (v.7) In doing God's will, He is always before us; He is always protecting --and providing. Notice in verse 10 that the servant obediently departed with all his master's goods in his hands. God gives us all provision to do His will. “ And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work, (2 Cor. 9:8).”  Be encouraged!
•  The servant prayed from a believing heart because of his love for his master, and his plea of faith availed much! “And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth....” (verse 45)  God was instant in reply and lovingly gave the servant the desire of his heart. “Delight thyself also in the LORD: and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart, (Psalm 37:4).”
• The servant was filled with great thankfulness and assuring peace. “And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me...” (verse 26-27) Having that assurance, he was filled with a determination to complete his mission. “But he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand...” (verse 33) The next morning he eagerly requested to continue. God gave Rebekah a willingness to go, and she trusted the servant.
• The servant finally was home with his master. “And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done.” (verse 66) So what had he done? The servant loved  his master. Because of this love he was willingly obedient. Because of this love, his prayer of faith availed much: Isaac loved her, and she was a comfort to him. (verse 67) “...God gave the increase, (1 Cor. 3:6)." 
• Satisfaction of doing your best for your Master brings unspeakable joy. “His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the JOY of thy lord, (Matthew 25:23).”"...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much, (James 5:16)."  If we truly love someone, we will have a desire to please and obey them-- "God-loving people will have no trouble loving God's law since His laws are a reflection of His nature." ~Jim Berg 

" For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love, (Gal.5:5-6)."