Encouragement In Christ:): April 8, 2014

Beloved Brothers and Sisters In Christ,

I pray you have a song in your heart and can’t help but to overflow this week!

“I love to tell the story… twill be my theme in glory… to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love! Or, “when we a..a..all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be… when we all see Jesus… we will sing and shout the victory…!” This morning I heard and hummed most of the morning…”I need thee every hour most gracious Lord, no tender voice like thine can peace afford…”

And, “He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own and the joy we share as we tarry there…none other has ever known…He speaks and the sound of His voice is so sweet…!” :).

In Christ! You are “His own” and joy, a supernatural joy… is the result of an intimate relationship with our gracious Lord:). This “joy” experienced in knowing Christ is based in relationship: with Jesus and each other.

Jesus prays…, “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” Jn 17:13 Moreover, Jesus prays the unity of believers, “I pray also for those who will believe in me…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us…” WHY? “…so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” v. 20b-21

In writing to the church at Philippi 4:1 Paul tells us to “stand firm” together in our understanding that “…our citizenship is in heaven, we eagerly await a Savior from there… [He] …will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Phil 3:20-21. Moreover, he calls us to work through conflicts, reconcile and stand firm in unity. And, help each other accomplish this end:). Euodia and Syntyche, “I plead…to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, HELP these women…” 4:2-3a

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERYTHING by PRAYER and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And, the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds IN CHRIST Jesus.” v. 4-7

To genuinely experience this “joy” is supernatural! Only “In Christ” can we possibly rejoice always: through attacks, personality clashes among believers, persecution from the world, or even threat of imminent death, we can maintain a spirit of joy in the Lord. Many of you know, even this day, that we are not immune to sorrow nor are we insensitive to the troubles of others… No! We pray: ask, seek, knock and count the will of our gracious God the highest joy….Again, YOU “In Christ” are capable of knowing inner peace and joy in every circumstance:).

Brothers and sisters, if you are struggling, let’s get you connected to the body and love you through your struggle! If your are rejoicing, share your joy In Christ with anyone and everyone who will listen, especially those in the family of God!:). I need you! We need each other!

Call to pray: we continue to pray for Alpine: our evangelical churches here and in surrounding communities. Our Servant leaders: Pastors, Elders, Deacons, Teachers, Directors, Youth Leaders, Men’s ministries, Women’s ministries, para-church ministries: And, as we diligently pray and are empowered, we cry out for salvation and ongoing transformation: Alpine residents, youth, families, singles, couples…may many be drawn to Christ and get connected to a local church where they can grow and mature in our shared faith:).

Pray without ceasing for our Alpine Youth Center: Joseph and Jessica and the leadership: Jonathan, Kevin, and many others who volunteer. They faithfully minister to our youth day after day and need our ongoing prayers:).

Bind us together in joy!

Pray! Pray! Pray!

Love you much!

Randall:).