Encouragement and Prayer:): May 12, 2014

May 18, 2014 - 6 minutes read

Beloved Brothers and Sisters,

Everyday, may we cry out with the Psalmist, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”[!] Psalm 126:3

There are those days or even weeks when many of us just don’t feel the joy and have a hard time experiencing being supernaturally enveloped and absorbed into the presence of our gracious God. As I was reflecting about this difficult journey that we all have to take, I kept hearing over and over “pray through the darkness.” “Pray through the darkness.”

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

I can’t do it! I read, I pray, “I can’t do it! Now we can begin. Beloved, ONLY Christ In me in you:). As we journey down this inevitable dark path, eventually the end of our “self” is reached. In fact, self is quite forgotten and all that matters is experiencing, hence entering into the peace and supernatural presence of God. I have found myself continuously longing to discover our powerful God near me, especially during times of struggle, to supernaturally experience His presence through the dark storm.

The continuous problem: My sin. God is Holy, Holy, Holy, and it seems many times that the distance is great between us. Tears begin to flow. I prayed, even this week, “shorten the distance Lord, help me experience you to the fullest as you determine Lord. I need you! Your empowering, discernment, wisdom, lead me because of your mercy and grace. Richard Foster, in his book titled “Prayer” said, “As best I can discern, tears are God’s way of helping us descend with the mind into the heart and there bow in perpetual adoration and worship.”

Moreover, Foster highlighted, “the old writers….They saw it as a gift to be sought after, the ‘charism of tears.’ For them the people most to be pitied are those who go through life with dry eyes and cold hearts. They actually called this inner heart turmoil ‘deep joy.’ ”

“Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” Psalm 126:5 Lord, help us to pray through the darkness with the grace of tears.

We pray: asking, seeking, knocking continuously to effectively discern “…this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me…. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? [YES! YES!] THANKS be to God–through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Rom 7:21, 24. :).

Finally, not only do I want to experience the grace of tears for my own sins, but the sins of others. A professing Christian brother called me Sunday. He had relapsed on crack cocaine some five hours before calling. I paused, experiencing disgust, anger, how could you!! were my silent emotions. Then God intervened. His Grace! His Mercy! I wasn’t feeling it at that moment! Thank you Lord for allowing words to come out that did not reflect my heart!

As I reflect about this, and seeing this guy today, I can’t help but to weep. I embraced him today. He wouldn’t even look me in the eyes. Christ In me assured him that we’d work through this, for now rest and recover brother… I’ll check on you tomorrow is all I said that was important and full of God’s grace.

Jesus wept for those suffering and grieving. Jn 11:35 Moreover, O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.” Matt 23:37

Lord, through us demonstrate your compassion for all people. Your divine wrath is just and coming for all who are not found “In Christ.” Give us your divine love and empower us to share your indiscriminate grace for all who are willing. God, powerful, mighty, holy, sovereign God, grant a willing heart to many many lost people in Alpine and the surrounding areas. Give us a sensitive and willing heart to share Christ with those You put onto our path. Give us grace of tears for those lost in sin. Amen.

Thank you folks! Your prayers are special and serve a purpose in the sovereign plan of God:). Pray continually for our local fellowships: Pastors, Elders, Deacons, Teachers, Youth Leaders, etc.,

Moreover, we pray fervently for the lost in Alpine. We pray many will experience salvation and attend one of the gospel preaching, Bible teaching, disciple making churches! :).

We pray pray pray for the youth, especially those not knowing Christ, and enjoy the Youth Center. Pray for Alpine Youth Center: Jonathan, Kevin, and the many volunteers. Ongoing financial support. Partnership with churches to reach many youth and families with the gospel. Our brother Joseph: empowerment and discernment, wisdom… In the Name of Jesus and the Power of the Holy Spirit….EVERYDAY! :).

Love YOU! MUCH!

Randall:).