Encouragement In Christ:): May 25, 2014
May 25, 2014 - 7 minutes readI need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee
“…I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain; Come quickly and abide, or life is vain. I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will; And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.”
What motivates and empowers us to pursue extraordinary lives of service, devotion, self sacrifice, love for others, PRAYER, etc.? There is nothing in me or my background that readily points to this evolving lifestyle. In fact, the opposite is true. The opposite is true until supernatural love grabs a hold of you! Yes! That’s it! In Christ, you know what I am talking about! I was lost, blind, spiritually dead, depravity running its course. Then God, In Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit changed my life forever!
NOW, we can sing the song “I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back…” A powerful song, and an even more powerful story behind the song! Look it up on YouTube. May I have the grace to decide everyday to walk in the Spirit:).
This is what motivates and empowers YOU and me to pursue our In Christ life! The power of God the Holy Spirit…. “I need Thee every hour…” We long for “Thy will..” and “Thy rich promises in me fulfill.”:).
Beloved In Christ, today I pray you know in your mind and are experiencing Christ in your heart as a very real presence indwelling and among us: to heal, to forgive, to change and to EMPOWER us! Every hour, no, every moment of every hour: we seek God, we need Him to direct us as He determines! I have been called to life-transforming obedience through encounters with the living, mighty, holy, holy, holy God:). Not just me,YOU too! :). Praise Him! Thank you Lord.
The problem: I am prone to wander. Do my prayers reflect more of “help me” vs “direct me?” Today’s message was clear and full of grace:). How much do I strive in my own strength? Too much! “I need Thee every hour…” in every context, relying on His lead and not my flesh. Therefore, we pray without ceasing, hunger for clear direction, especially from the living Word, and we engage with others in Christ and love each other, comfort, encourage, motivate, as God the Holy Spirit directs and empowers!
A dear sister In Christ asked me today, “how to have the courage to speak to others about Christ?” I know of no other way than, “I need Thee every hour…” We PRAY PRAY PRAY, Asking, Seeking, Knocking continuously for Mercy for our loved ones and the many we come into contact with who are resistant to Christ. I need the Power of God the Holy Spirit and so do You! Old or young, outgoing, or introverted, social, or more withdrawn, eloquent or loss for words, we all are dependent on God the Holy Spirit to prepare the way and empower us to overflow! :).
Direct us Lord Jesus, help me to surrender… to die daily to “me” and allow YOU to love others through me. Amen.
“Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. You hem me in–behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, to lofty for me to attain.” Psalm 139:4-6
Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works thy hand hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed;
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Sing it! Overflow! You know and I do too, “We can’t live the same anymore!” In Christ, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? v. 7. I can wander! Not for long! Forgive me Lord. Through my weakness manifest Your power and glorify Yourself. Amen.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” v. 23-24
Beloved, pray with me for Alpine and the surrounding communities: residents, families, couples, singles, we pray for God’s mercy and manifest grace in the lives of many. People need what you have! So, we ask, seek, and knock continuously! :). If you are weary, let’s hook up! We be encouraged by our shared living faith! May many attend your church and grow In Christ!
Body of Christ: Churches, parachurch ministries, prayer groups, Bible studies, men’s groups, woman’s groups, etc., Pastors, Elders, Deacons, Teachers, Leaders, Worship teams, Youth Leaders…we pray for the Gospel to be clearly preached, taught, lived and cherished in our midst and beyond:).
Alpine Youth Center: Jonathan, Kevin, Peter, and many volunteers who love and supervise our youth day after day…they need our ongoing prayers! Joseph is back from Israel, keep our brother in prayer as he overflows…a hedge of protection around him and his family… wisdom, vision, and clear direction from our gracious God as we serve many throughout Alpine and beyond.
Stay excited IN CHRIST!
LOve you MUCH!
Randall:).
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