Encouragement & Unceasing Prayer:). September 9, 2014

September 9, 2014 - 7 minutes read

“Out of the depths I cry out to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. Psalm 130:1-4

When all Thy mercies, O my God,
My rising soul surveys,
Transported with the view I’m lost
In wonder, love, and praise.

Unnumbered comforts to my soul
Thy tender care bestowed
Before my infant heart could know
From whom those comforts flowed

When worn with sickness, oft hast Thou,
With health renewed my face,
And when in sins and sorrows bowed,
Revived my soul with grace.

Through every period of my life
Thy goodness I’ll pursue,
And after death, in distant worlds,
The glorious theme renew

Beloved In Christ,

Yes! Our Holy, Holy, Holy God has mercy on us! In turn, we as transformed people offer this supernatural mercy to others and demonstrate grace, love, humility, a genuine concern for many through our new and evolving life In Christ:). Indeed! WE are the hands, feet, voice, embracing arms, listening ears, that our merciful God uses to equip, encourage, and energize the body of Christ. Moreover, as we build each other, love on, encourage, empathize, pray with, comfort, motivate, even admonish, and plead for repentance and a deeper intimacy with God… how desperately we need God the Holy Spirit to guide our every step, intervention, prayer, acts of love, discipline, teaching, ALL areas of my life, I desperately need the power of our God! You do too! Therefore, we can’t help but to echo the Psalmist,

“Out of the depths I cry out to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice.”

A deeper intimacy with God! A recurring and necessary theme: months ago Joseph and I talked about it, a few weeks later I brought a message to Mt. View with this title, I read an article by Francis Chan calling the transformed to a deeper intimacy… finding, making, disciplining ourselves to “cry out” pray, pray, pray intently in quiet refuge with our Holy God. Pastor Eric’s message this past Sunday, I heard the same theme: what matters the most?

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthy things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life, appears, then you will also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:2-4.

In John 17 Jesus prayed for our protection as we remain in the “world” and that by “the power of your name” so that WE In Christ would continually be “one” as Jesus and the Father are one. Through the midst of it all, in light of “In Christ” and the expectant transforming, even sustaining glory, we have JOY!:). Sing it! :).

I’ve got a joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart, down in my heart
I’ve got a joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay.

John 17:6-26 I find fascinating, energizing, empowering, motivating: our “unity” reflects our new nature bound to Christ and separate from a corrupt world system. The things of the world just aren’t perceived the same, the appeal is not as intense, especially as we maintain intimacy with our Triune God, in the Word, and through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit:). I need to be unified with brothers and constantly “crying out in prayer” to ensure my perceptions stay holy… You too! Help us Lord!

It is amazing that every person who “In Christ” has a supernatural devotion that reflects a purification of life and character consecrated to God’s service. Moreover, v. 18 “sent” highlights our mission. We have a message of reconciliation! “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 1Cor. 5:20 cf. Matt 28:18-20 Very cool!

Jesus’ prayer for You and me, diverse people joining the ranks, transformed, yet different styles, temperaments, backgrounds, interests…even still Jesus’ plea for “…that they may be one as we are one.” In Christ we are family and the supernatural transforming power of God unites family members to love the lost, worship in Spirit and truth, and glorify our Lord always in all we do! :).

Tenny (1981) wrote, “By sharing in His calling, they [we] participate in his glory and are united with him and with one another. God and man are together involved in bringing the new creation into being. The effect of this united testimony is a confirmation of the divine mission of Jesus and of God’s love for believers.” (p. 167).

Pray with us for ALL churches worship time at Bethel Assembly: Sept.13 from 6 to 8 pm. This Saturday! YOU are invited:) Let folks know in your congregations! It will be a great time of worship and prayer! The purpose is to glorify our God together and pray for a powerful move of God the Holy Spirit in our midst: churches, communities, individuals, etc. :). Feel free to contact us for details…

Persevere!

In Christ….overflow!

Randall:).

Reference: The Expositor’s Bible Commentary. (1981) Gaebelein, F.E. (ed.) Vol. 9
Music Lyrics: Fernando Ortega