Encouragement and Prayer:). July 15, 2014

Pass me not, O gentle Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

Savior, Savior,
Hear my humble cry,
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

Let me at Thy throne of mercy
Find a sweet relief;
Kneeling there in deep contrition,
Help my unbelief.

Trusting only in Thy merit,
Would I seek Thy face;
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
Save me by Thy grace.

Thou the spring of all my comfort,
More than life to me,
Whom have I on earth beside Thee,
Whom in Heav’n but Thee.

Beloved In Christ,

Fanny Cosby wrote this hymn while serving in the city rescue missions. In fact, she wrote over 8k hymns and gospel songs: Blessed Assurance, To God be the Glory, etc., Moreover, she suffered blindness shortly after birth. Fascinating Servant! The power of God manifest through this jar of clay! :). In reference to her religion, “Later Crosby’s understanding of the Christian faith could be described as “rooted in Puritanism, developed by Methodism, warmed by the Holiness movement, and nourished by her Congregationalism”.Fanny Crosby – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.”

When asked about her process, she said, “It may seem a little old-fashioned, always to begin one’s work with prayer, but I never undertake a hymn without first asking the good Lord to be my inspiration.” YES! It is not old-fashioned, but an absolute necessity to experience the POWER of God through our lives! Fanny knew this and reading about her life, real and motivating:).

She proclaimed in similar fashion through her hymns and poetry, the inspired proclamation of the psalmist David, “The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The Lord watches over ALL who love him, but all wicked he will destroy.” Psalm 145:17-20

Psalm 145 is considered “a solo hymn intended to stimulate the congregation [body of Christ] to appreciate and praise God’s kingship.” (International Bible Commentary, FF Bruce, ed.) So we sing!

“I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” v. 1-3.

The verses 17-20a are reassuring and encourage us to cry out and call on the Lord in prayer for all our needs, desires, longings, to comfort us when suffering, save us through our trials… however, v. 20b “but all the wicked he will destroy.” What does that do to your heart? It hurts mine! I feel a sense of urgency to share the gospel with those destined to be destroyed! Our God is HOLY< HOLY< HOLY! In sin people die eternally! Christ is Savior, even 'O gentle Savior' for now. However, a time is coming! It will be to late...with tears we pray, pray, pray. Please Lord, our merciful God, grant repentance and faith, oh such a great salvation! We ask over and over again for salvation to be experienced by many many lost souls right within our sphere of influence. Amen. I need courage! So do you. Courage to move beyond our comfort zone and truly love others, resulting in a bold willingness to share Jesus. The cross is the only way to salvation. We believe the Scripture, therefore we share. May my life be such that "in every way they [I] will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive." Titus 2:10b. Fanny knew the pain felt for the lost, yet she understood Jesus saves, she wrote, Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave; Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen, Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save. Though they are slighting Him, still He is waiting, Waiting the penitent child to receive; Plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently; He will forgive if they only believe. Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter, Feelings lie buried that grace can restore; Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness, Chords that were broken will vibrate once more. Rescue the perishing, duty demands it; Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide; Back to the narrow way patiently win them; Tell the poor wand’rer a Savior has died. Brothers and Sisters, May this simple reflection encourage you to pray more and more! All the time! Use us Lord to bring many to the cross, those You are stirring and calling to Jesus. We pray without ceasing for our local churches and those in the surrounding communities proclaiming the gospel. Empower them Lord! Moreover, we pray for residents, families, youth, young adults, couples, singles, elderly, rich, poor, popular, unpopular, ALL we cry out for their redemption through our merciful God In Christ. Thank you for praying! LoVe YOU much! Randall:).