Kept for the Master's Use

Frances Ridley Havergal's 'Kept for the Master's Use' is a thoughtful and inspiring Christian devotional book that delves into the idea of consecration and surrender to God's will. Written in a simple yet profound style, Havergal's book emphasizes the importance of living a fully dedicated life for Christ and allowing Him to use us for His purposes. The author's deep insights and personal anecdotes make the book both relatable and impactful, touching on themes of faith, obedience, and service. This work serves as a timeless reminder of the beauty and power of yielding our lives to God's control. Frances Ridley Havergal, a renowned 19th-century hymn writer and poet, was known for her commitment to Christian ministry and her passion for spreading the message of Christ's love. 'Kept for the Master's Use' reflects Havergal's own experiences and convictions, highlighting her desire to inspire others to live dedicated lives for the glory of God. I highly recommend 'Kept for the Master's Use' to anyone seeking to deepen their faith, explore the concept of surrendering to God, and cultivate a closer relationship with the Lord. This book will challenge and encourage readers to consider how they can be used by God in meaningful and transformative ways.

Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879) was a distinguished English religious poet and hymn writer. She was born on December 14, 1836, in Astley, Worcestershire, England, into an Anglican family with strong evangelical convictions. Her father, William Henry Havergal, was a clergyman and a hymn writer himself, no doubt influencing Frances's early love for music and literature. Well-educated and accomplished in languages and music, Havergal devoted her life to religious work and writing, embodying the Victorian era's ideals of devout Christian faith and service to God. Her literary output, characterized by its fervent piety and elegant simplicity, includes several hymn texts, religious tracts, and devotional books that were widely read in her time and continue to influence Christians today. Havergal is best remembered for her devotional text 'Kept for the Master's Use' (1879), which encapsulates her theological beliefs that Christian lives and possessions should be wholly consecrated to Jesus. Her writings often echo her personal spiritual journey and dedication, as she was known for her commitment to prayer and the memorization of scripture. Havergal's hymns, such as 'Take My Life and Let It Be' and 'Like a River Glorious,' are among the most enduring in English hymnody, their timeless messages inspiring generations of the faithful. She died at the young age of 42, on June 3, 1879, but her legacy as a key figure in Christian literature endures.