Friday Morning Prayer:)… March 9, 2017
March 9, 2017 - 7 minutes readOnward Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.
Christ, the royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See, His banners go!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.
Christ, the royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See, His banners go!
Onward, Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus,
Going on before.
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus,
Going on before.
At the name of Jesus
Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers,
On to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
At the shout of praise:
Brothers, lift your voices,
Loud your anthems raise![1]
“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”[2]
_____________
Family in Jesus,
It has been said, “even though victory is secure, it has to be won through battle. Onward we are called to endure and overcome evil. Thankfully, I do not rely on myself, in Jesus, nor do you! We march together with the cross of Jesus going on before. “Christ [our] royal Master Leads against the foe; … Satan’s host doth flee; On then, Christian soldiers, On to victory!” In whatever circumstances God has placed you, and me, we “…can do everything through him who gives [us] strength.”[3] I have to choose daily, and that by God’s mercy, to clothe myself with the Lord Jesus and resist thinking about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
The devil’s schemes are to get you and me to falter, to compromise, to neglect prayer, to avoid fellowship, to rely on my own strength and fail. No! When the battle is tough, “take up, assume.” Stand! In co-participation with our indwelling Lord, through the power of the Spirit, we are prepared for battle and continually pursuing greater degrees of preparedness as we mature in our shared faith. Protection from evil forces, the sinful nature, this world system is not sought through my own works, but only what Jesus has completed and continuing to complete through me.
A man came into my office smiling, letting me know he would make me laugh. I very much appreciated the joy! As we spoke it became apparent that this man had suffered much. The youngest of nine siblings. Most of his siblings killed or in prison, as a child he suffered molestation, abuse, neglect. As a young adult heavy drug addiction, attempted suicide. I said to him, “Because of the preventative grace of God, you are sitting here with me.” He continues to battle mental illness, yet he presented as stable and joyful! Now indwelt by our risen Lord, he acknowledged our gracious God! No evidence of hate, bitterness, or seeking revenge. Humble.
A battle of humility. Be encouraged brother! Sister! We be encouraged because we are united with Christ and find daily comfort from his love; there is supernatural fellowship with the Spirit resulting in tenderness and compassion toward others. Our goal is not selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in the battle, we strive in his strength to be humble, even considering others better than ourselves. Yes! “[My] attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus….”[4]
Humble we pray. Help me Jesus to pursue humble in relationships and in every context. Jesus, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross!”[5]
Like a mighty army
Moves the Church of God:
Brothers, we are treading
Where the saints have trod;
We are not divided,
All one Body we—
One in faith and Spirit,
One eternally.
Crowns and thrones may perish,
Kingdoms rise and wane;
But the Church of Jesus
Constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never
’Gainst the Church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise,
Which can never fail.
Kingdoms rise and wane;
But the Church of Jesus
Constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never
’Gainst the Church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise,
Which can never fail.
Onward, then, ye people!
Join our happy throng;
Blend with ours your voices
In the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor
Unto Christ, the King;
This through countless ages
Men and angels sing.
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Sisters are meeting to pray! First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0900.
You, sister in Jesus, are invited to join gals to encourage one another and pray together. Week after week faithful sisters gather to pray for the body of Christ represented throughout Alpine and surrounding areas. Thank you! Through the prayers of many, we are strengthened!
Brothers in Jesus are meeting too! Mt. View Bible. 2710 Alpine Blvd. Alpine. 0730.
Join faithful brothers representing the body of Christ from various gospel centered churches. We meet to intentionally pray. A time of encouragement, expressions of love, and allowing the Holy Spirit to prepare our hearts for prayer. Before our holy God we humbly ask, seek, and knock as the Spirit leads. You are welcome! A short, but sweet hour of prayer.
Peace.
Randall :)…
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