Friday Morning Prayer:)… December 1, 2016

December 1, 2016 - 7 minutes read

Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

We are Thine, Thou dost befriend us, be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.[1]

“Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing.  Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.”[2]

_________________________

Family in Jesus,

You know those days when it is hard to pray.  The complexity of our created minds, the mental, psychological aspect of our being.  Some days!  Those overwhelming feelings, desires, and longing for my will to be consistent with God’s will.   I know prayer is necessary and to really pursue God is going to relax the racing thoughts, fill the emptiness, nurture and comfort the heart that aches.  Our God brings an all surpassing peace.

My spirit is willing, yet the flesh!  I must fight! You too! I know God is present despite feelings.  Humbly, I must cry aloud, God help me.  “To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill.”[3]  I know God has brought me thus far and will continue to deliver me.  The psalmist knew and expressed his inspired thoughts for us to cherish and even apply to our own life circumstances, even predicaments of the soul.

“Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God.   Give me relief from my distress be merciful to me and hear my prayer.”[4]  Rest assured beloved, like the psalmist we too can be confident that God, through Jesus hears our prayers and sets the godly apart for himself.   My flesh, that sinful nature satisfied with anger, bitterness, pride, even the omission of love, kindness, and settling for complacency or neutrality.  No!  These tendencies pulling day after day.  Aware and we pursue our gracious God!

“In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.”  We are called by the Most High to do what is right “…and trust in the Lord.”[5]   Like the psalmist, we want the light of God to shine upon us and the result is an overflowing heart “with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.”[6]

A brother recently expressed concern about the lack of joy he perceived, even the absence of joy from those teaching the Bible and leading the flock.   My heart broke a little as I heard these words.  I pray as you read, pray, and seek our gracious God, JOY!   “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.”[7]  We sing and proclaim, “How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be: How marvelous! How wonderful is my Savior’s love for me!”[8]

Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse and power to free.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.

Early let us seek Thy favor, early let us do Thy will;
Blessèd Lord and only Savior, with Thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.

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Sisters are  meeting to pray together!  First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0900.

Yes!  Another Friday to join in prayer!  Diverse gals meeting to encourage one another, show love and kindness, listen and enjoy sweet fellowship with Jesus.  You are invited to join.  No expectations, no requirements, just humble gals intentionally praying before the throne of grace.  Check it out!  Invite a friend, go visit family in Jesus.

Brothers are meeting too!  Grace Fellowship at ACC 2225 W. Victoria, Alpine. 0730.

That’s right!  Diverse men, truly from different walks of life, varied experiences, even ages… our common bond is Jesus.  Brothers in Christ!  We unite at the cross, cherish the gospel and seek to love more and more, especially as God empowers!  Join us for a time of prayer and encouragement.  We intentionally rely on the Holy Spirit to lead our time.  What does that mean?  Well, by faith we believe God indwells each believer and directs as we earnestly seek him in humble weakness.  Therein his strength is manifest and we pray effectively.  You are invited.

Please continue to pray for Alpine Youth Center.  If you are a volunteer or want to get involved, join us this Saturday at 11 am for a time of questions, direction, and humble prayer for the body of Christ, our youth, and all involved in this ongoing process of living out the gospel.  No compromise!  Appreciate your prayers, much!

Alpine Youth Center

2153 Arnold Way, Alpine.

Your brother In Jesus,

Randall:)…

[1] http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/l/slaslus.htm

[2] Psalm 5:1-2

[3] Psalm 3:4

[4] Ibid 4:1

[5] Ibid v. 4-5

[6] Ibid v. 6-7

[7] Psalm 5:11

[8] http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh371.sht