Encouragement~Prayer:). October 7, 2014.

October 7, 2014 - 5 minutes read

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
2 Cor. 4:7

To You be the glory, forever
To You be the glory, Lord, amen
To You be the glory, forever
To You be the glory, Lord, amen

A great worship song! To You be the glory, our Lord, FOREVER… Amen!

Brothers & Sisters,

My prayer, even now, is that your week is full of rejoicing, especially as you journey, in the power of the Holy Spirit, through this life’s ups and downs. As I come to recognize my sin, hence inadequate, broken, unworthy disposition, especially in my own natural insufficiency, it is this sobering reality that keeps me humble.

Indeed we are jars of clay. In fact, Paul, the unlikely Apostle was shown mercy and empowered, inspired to proclaim a principle, hence a supernatural biblical truth for all of us who carry around in our body the death of Jesus. God’s power is made complete, evident, effective, transforming through our weaknesses. Furthermore, he described “… great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure…” Why? “…that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” 2 Cor 1:8-9 Moreover, Paul goes on to say that God will continue to deliver, especially “as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” v. 11

Supernatural! We need God’s supernatural intervention all the time! We can easily go to church, read the Word, even pray, yet miss God’s power! Allow me to encourage you brother and sister. As we live out our Christian life, may patterns of behavior constantly be examined, crying out to our gracious God for supernatural power to truly “put off” the “old self” and diligently pursue behaviors that reflect our “new Christ life,” especially toward our family In Christ and those needing supernatural transformation.

By grace you have been saved through faith! Supernatural grace continues in our Christ lives: to equip, comfort, illuminate, empower, etc., Yes! We rely on God, yet there is a co-participation. I have to engage! My choice. I need to pursue relationships, rely on my broken brother, intentionally pray without ceasing, use my gifts, highlight others’ gifts, love others, make mistakes, ask for forgiveness, etc.,

“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.”
Psalm 116:1-2

I love Psalm 115:1 “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” Grace! Grace! Grace! How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?” We can’t! However, we can follow the example of the psalmist’s “I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.” 116:12-14 He alone has delivered us from eternal death and continues to empower us everyday! 🙂 Praise God!

Who has known the mind of God?
Who has counseled Him?
Who has given gifts to God
That He might be repaid?

For from Him, through Him, to Him are all things
From Him, through Him, to Him are all things

To You be the glory, forever
To You be the glory, Lord, amen
To You be the glory, forever
To You be the glory, Lord, amen

Overflow!

Please keep the Alpine Youth Center in your prayers: we are in need of workers, especially the 2-7 shift.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers!

LoVe You! Much!

Randall:).