A Deeper Intimacy: Prayer:). July 7, 2014
July 8, 2014 - 8 minutes readI am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be!
Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.
When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy Kingdom shore, to Thy shore.
Beloved IN CHRIST,
The more I listened and read the words of this anonymous hymn I found myself crying out to our gracious God! Please Lord, hear my plea, I so desperately need a closer walk with Thee. “Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.” [!] The writer knew weakness and temptations, but “Thou art strong” and walking close with our Mighty God satisfies:).
I found the second stanza more moving my heart to tears. It reflects a lonely, isolated, probably depressed soul. Even so, “Through this world of toil and snares” our Lord cares! My plea as I pray and journey “In Christ,” May I more and more CARE, and LOVE those hurting, especially those who need to experience Jesus through me. In comparison, however, none can care and love as much as Thee.
“Grace and peace be yours in ABUNDANCE through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our LORD. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature ‘since you have’ escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:2-4
Wow! IF you are “In Christ” God has called you “by His own glory and goodness!” His grace and mercy allowed us to desire His glory and goodness. Our knowledge of Christ, i.e., God incarnate, our Savior and Lord Who is recognized and appropriated as redeemer! We accept and proclaim forgiveness of sin, POWER to overcome trials, supernatural LOVE, and eternal life, YES! “…his very great and precious promises” to be completely realized when our Lord Jesus returns in all His glory!:).
Peter wrote, The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 3:9. Moreover, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” v. 13. John wrote, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1 John 3:2-3.
Our Blessed Hope! For sure! What I really wanted to highlight is “…so that through them you may participate in the divine nature since you have escaped the corruption…”
God’s divine power supplies us with everything we need for life and godliness! Praise God! His Indwelling! To be “In Christ” emphasizes His life actually flows into ours, renewing our inner nature and imparting spiritual strengths. Moreover, as I co-participate (reading, praying, studying the Living Word) in coming to know God through Christ, I escape the corruption of sin! However, although I am “In Christ” at salvation, hence know Jesus as my Savior, I have to choose daily to pursue Jesus as my Lord!
Peter is likely talking about the work of the Spirit of God “In us.” God indwelling us through the Holy Spirit and providing gifts and enabling, empowering, renewing, especially as we “cry out” through unceasing prayer we plead with our Holy God for more grace, love, faith, to glorify Him through our lives.
I pray YOU are choosing daily, even moment by moment in response to the prompting of God the Holy Spirit, to experience Jesus as Lord of “all things” in my life:). YES! Our gracious God pursues us! As many of us intentionally live as empowered Spirit filled Christians, supernatural happens! People are attracted to our great God and Savior, Jesus! Jesus is lifted up and more folks are supernaturally drawn and experience salvation! As we fervently pray for the lost in Alpine and the surrounding communities, we wait in expectation. May our prayers move the sovereign arm of God!
Again and again, we proclaim, loudly encourage because of “Christ In us” our participation in the “divine nature” compels us to cry out for mercy for those not “In Christ.” Gracious, compassionate, merciful, God, grant repentance, saving faith for many in our sphere of influence. Amen. Yes! We believe that God is merciful and draws sinners to Himself because of Grace! He transforms, renews, and empowers! Holy Spirit stir us up and keep us excited, Amen.
Does God expect this from us? Yes! You, Me, “In Christ” are now, because of His supernatural power, “fishers of men!” And, called by the grace of God to “make disciples.”
Lord, help me to live up to my calling. Forgive me for my complacency and lack of sensitivity to Your lead in reaching out to others. Help me to take up my cross and follow You Lord daily. Help me to long for deeper and greater intimacy with you Jesus. I need Your power to pray more diligently, intentionally, effectively, and to love my brothers In Christ and encourage them always. Amen.
Persevere In Christ:).
LoVe YOU much!
Sincerely,
Randall:).
0 Comments