Encouragement ~ Prayer:). January 20, 2015
January 21, 2015 - 6 minutes readI know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
But “I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
“So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him [and ‘what has been entrusted to me’ cf. RSV] for that day.” II Timothy 1:8-12
Our Daily Bread for the 19th Martin Luther King day highlighted the response of a 23 yr. old man, John Lewis who attended the “ I have a dream” speech. Today, Lewis is a US congressman. He said, “You couldn’t leave after hearing him speak and go back to business as usual. You had to do something, you had to act. You had to move. You had to go out and spread the good news.” Of course the author segued right into the power of Jesus and the supernatural, transforming power of the good news. Indeed! Brother & Sister… Truly, In Christ, you know this experience… Yes! We long for it more and more all the time! :).
“The words of Jesus compel us to act, and to move, beyond business as usual.” “So let our lips and lives express The holy gospel we profess; So let our works and virtues shine, To prove the doctrine all diveine”—Watts Moreover, “Jesus’ death forgave my past sins and inspires my present obedience.” Always! We need our courage strengthened! Paul encouraged Timothy, we need to encourage each other…. “So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord…” In fact, be prepared to suffer for the gospel… rejected, despised, made fun of, laughed at, labeled, exclusive, narrow, rigid, etc., from a world that needs Jesus! We pray for mercy! Cry out for patience, endurance, love…overflowing, even in the face of rejection.
We pray for one another… I struggle! So do you! So many times this past week I’d rather react and “I’ll show you” attitude…. Forgive me O gracious God… Like a knife to the heart… NO! My sinful ways grieve our God… The Holy Spirit convicts… I confess, repent…and choose to pursue humble, humble in every context. My witness, my wife, my boys… O Lord help me to always rely on Your inward strengthening, to surrender, and choose the way of salvation…my life in Yours evidenced by constant pursuit of a holy life—Always , Always, Always, dependent on the supernatural power of my God…Amen.
Through of our mistakes, regardless of our circumstances, even sufferings, disappointments, we trust God to be gracious according to His purpose… In Christ! A joyous confidence! I pray you know Jesus intimately and trust Him implicitly! I encourage you with the abundant mercy and grace of our God! Pursue and allow our God to embrace you with His supernatural love through all things.
Truly! We trust Him! And, faithfully with all His power maintain, nurture, grow, nourish, feed, water, encourage, love…all that He has entrusted to me…even you! Together In Christ we shine!
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
But “I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
Overflow! In Christ!
Love YOU! MUCH!
Randall:).
Sources:
The Cyber Hymnal (http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/i/k/ikwihb.htm)
Hymns for His Praise: Number 2 Revised, 1906 (19)
Daniel W. Whittle, pub.1883
Copyright: Public Domain
Our Daily Bread Jan 19, 2015 You Had To Act by David C. McCasland
NIV 1984.
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