Friday Morning Prayer:). May 19, 2016

May 25, 2016 - 6 minutes read

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner condemned, unclean.

How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me![1]

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ “[2]
_________________

Beloved,

Yes! How marvelous! How wonderful! Amazed in the presence of our God every morning, noon, and night! In Him we move and have our being. Even now, we pray Spirit of the living God fall afresh on me… melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God fall afresh on me.[3] Indeed, “I stand, I stand In awe of you… Holy God to whom all praise is due, I stand in awe of you”[!][4] Isn’t Jesus our Lord wonderful? Yes! Sing hallelujah to the Lord, sing hallelujah, sing hallelujah, sing hallelujah to the Lord!

“There’s within my heart a melody, Jesus whispers sweet and low,
‘Fear not, I am with thee – peace, be still,’
In all of life’s ebb and flow….

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, and Sweetest name I know,
Fills my every longing, Keeps me singing as I go.”[5]

My sister/brother, I sincerely pray you are experiencing our God as marvelous and wonderful every moment of every day. I know God is my refuge and my fortress, especially as I trust him through every trial and tribulation. Do I trust him alone through every trial? Depending on the crisis, how often I find myself seeking safety outside of the shadow of the Almighty. I see the signs of rebellion, self-sufficiency, arrogance, selfishness, pride, etc., wanting to direct away from the only adequate and effective refuge. No! “A sinner condemned, unclean” now righteous in Christ despite my sinful tendencies. Yes! We cry out, help Lord! I need Thee every hour… forgive me Lord, empower me to remove distractions and those flesh desires that oppose making you my sole deliverer, refuge, and fortress through all life’s struggles.

Be encouraged, especially as you trust our Lord to take care, protect, teach, empower, comfort, and in essence love you through all your unique and sometimes painful circumstances. I pray for you and me, a supernatural rest and sweet confidence in our Lord Jesus. He is our sufficiency and only superabundance of help.

Yesterday, I met with a fella who was struggling with this and that. Knowing he trusted our Lord as Savior, I encouraged him and reminded him of his great salvation. He in turn encouraged me by recalling from memory Psalm 23 and 91 accurately and completely. He needed to be reminded of the word planted in his heart. I too was reminded to always hide in Divine protection under the shadow of God. Our gracious God always pursuing us, reminding us of his presence. Thank you Lord.

For me it was in the garden,
He prayed: “Not my will, but Thine.”
He had no tears for His own griefs,
But sweat-drops of blood for mine

In pity angels beheld Him,
And came from the world of light
To strengthen Him in the sorrows
He bore for my soul that night.

He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calv’ry,
And suffered, and died alone.

When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.
_____________________

Sisters are meeting to pray together! First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Ave. Alpine. 0900.
You are invited. Join faithful gals approaching the throne of grace with confidence. Diverse ladies from various fellowships united at the cross and united in prayer for each other, Alpine, our pastors, churches, etc., as the Holy Spirit leads. Go and be encouraged, invite a friend.

Brothers are meeting too! First Baptist. Third Sunday of the month. 0730.
You are invited! Brothers gathering to encourage and be encouraged as the Holy Spirit directs our sweet hour of prayer. No agenda, no requirements, just a desire to pray and seek our God. Consistently we pray as God leads our time together. We know our prayers matter and do have a role in the sovereign plan of God. Therefore, let’s pray, humble before our holy God.

Your brother In Christ,

Randall:).

[1] https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/290
[2] Psalm 91:1-2
[3]http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-spirit-of-the-living-god
[4] http://www.lyricsfreak.com/h/hillsong/i+stand+in+awe+of+you_20800675.html
[5]http://jgospel.net/faith/hymns/carman-isn-t-he-wonderful._gc65886.aspx