“With the Time I Have Left” // Storytellers

“With the Time I Have Left” is one of my favorite songs from the “Stand Firm” project.

The song started with 1 Peter 4:1-11 as we studied through 1 Peter.

The Scripture

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

As we studied the passage, we saw how Peter was instructing to abstain from sin while also being aware that we don’t have that much time left.  Using this line of thinking, we made the song have the verses start with the line “with the time I have left.”  The verses spoke to forsaking sin.  The chorus really focused on the good things to do in verse 11 since we only have a limited time left.  “Let me speak with your words, let me serve with the strength you provide, so that in all things, you may be glorified.”

The bridge used the end of verse 11 as a prayer.  We just simply sang the verse.  I would rather sing God’s Word over my words any day.

Arrangement

The song has a 3/4 Delta blues feel.  With that type of song, we got to utilize some very fun chords.  Peggy McHugh did a fantastic job of bringing such class and style to the song.  The words are powerful, but her vocalization on it makes you believe the song.

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