Friday Morning Prayer:)… April 13, 2017
April 13, 2017 - 5 minutes readJesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain—
Free to all, a healing stream—
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain
There a precious fountain—
Free to all, a healing stream—
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and Mercy found me;
There the bright and morning star
Sheds its beams around me.[1]
Love and Mercy found me;
There the bright and morning star
Sheds its beams around me.[1]
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!”[2]
__________
Beloved in Jesus,
I read that… “The cross reveals to us the character of God: His love for lost sinners and His perfect justice meet at the cross.”[3] Jesus lived in the power of the Holy Spirit completely obedient to the Father’s will, trusting even unto death on a cruel Roman cross! Good Friday, we remember Jesus, our Savior, friend, love incarnate, revealed then, now, and forever, especially to those called to his eternal glory in Christ.
The cross reminds of what Jesus did for a rebellious humankind. The Perfect sacrifice for the imperfect, proud, arrogant, and resistant. Even today, the proud are humbled! “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”[4] Good Friday prepares the way for resurrection Sunday. In Christ we celebrate the resurrection for sure! In fact, we think about, thankful and in awe, how our gracious God expressed his love and mercy for us through the crucifixion and his power through the resurrection.
I am called to the cross every day! You too! In the gospel message there is no glorious resurrection for any person without first embracing death at the cross. Therefore, I cherish the old rugged cross in the sense it is the cleansing from inherent and willful sin. Moreover, humble at the cross, where I must mortify my own selfishness! Hence, “if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”[5] May Good Friday and every day be a recognition of the cross! “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”[6]
Brother, sister, in your journey be encouraged in the message of the cross! I pray you are empowered today and always as you pursue our gracious God. Even when I do not feel like engaging, our God is faithful and pursues me, you too! Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. [7]
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadows o’er me.
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadows o’er me.
Near the cross I’ll watch and wait
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.
_________________
Sisters are meeting to pray! First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0900.
You are invited! Faithful gals in sweet fellowship and intentional prayer. Thank you sisters for you consistent meetings to pray as the Holy Spirit leads. Your obedience and love for others is a reflection of Christ in you! Indeed, strengthened through your prayers.
Brothers are meeting too! Mountain View Bible. 2710 Alpine Blvd. 0730.
Brother Jon will be leading us in communion. You are invited to join us as we remember Jesus through the breaking of bread and partaking of wine (grape juice). Yes! Jesus our Savior, friend… the brutal crucifixion, resurrection… our salvation… forever present…we rejoice together! Grace to enjoy our God in sweet fellowship and consistent prayer. Join us if your schedule allows.
Your brother in Jesus,
Randall:)…
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