Friday Morning Prayer: April 23, 2014

Faithful In Christ,

The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.” (Psalm 116:5-6). Moreover, “Let those who fear the Lord say: ‘His love endures forever.’ In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.” (Psalm 118: 4-6a).

“I am doing fine, thanks.” A common response by most of us when asked, “how are you doing?” Today, I asked that question and got a different response. A brother whom I haven’t seen in a while responded, “not good!” I then asked, “how’s your walk with Jesus?” “It’s not” “I pray, read the Word, go to church and NOTHING!.” Oh God! I could feel the despair. He said, “I am not feeling God” can’t find Him was his very serious response.

He, (Mark) was leaving the gym and I was walking in. It was awkward, but I attempted to encourage him, “lean brother on what you “know” and not on how you feel.” I have served with this brother, he attends a strong Bible teaching church. From his heart, out of his mouth he has readily spoken the gospel. And, other brothers have spoken of his strong faith. Nonetheless, he is going through the valley!

My heart was broken as I prayed and cried out to our gracious God on his behalf. I thought of Romans 5:3-5. Yes! I “know” God has a purpose. It doesn’t feel good though to experience a brother in such despair. Later, I texted him, offering to meet and listen and love him as I should.

Brothers and Sisters, pray for Mark and may we be available to those “In Christ” who are struggling through similiar feelings of despair. I love to rejoice! Joy is a feeling I pray you experience more and more In Christ! I am very thankful for the power of God the Holy Spirit active in our every day experiences! On other occassions, we just need to cry with our brothers and sisters through their and our trials. This too is powerful and God’s compassionate means to bring healing.

I encourage us to genuinely love each other, especially through our trials. And, pray, pray, pray, with and for each other. I need you, you need me IN CHRIST! A lost and dead people in our communities need Christ! Together we make a difference:).

Friday Morning: we are meeting at First Baptist Church 1912 Arnold Way, Alpine. We meet at 0730 for a time of sharing, encouragement, or just hanging out as you feel comfortable:). At approximately 0745 we pray together, relying on God the Holy Spirit to direct us. We may sing a song, read a Psalm or just be silent. Humble, before our awesome God is our absolute intention.

You are invited to come and pray and experience the love of brothers In Christ. If you can’t make it, please consider praying with us during this time, wherever you may be. God knows where you are and the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective!

Friday Morning Women’s Prayer: sisters In Christ are praying together! At 0900 at First Baptist, following the brothers time of prayer:). Keep our sisters in prayer! And, pass on this evolving meeting of prayer. Sisters In Christ are invited!:). May their gathering demonstrate love for each other and their prayers result in supernatural transformations in our midst!

Prayer: Our local fellowships: Pastors, Elders, Deacons, Teachers, Worship Leaders, Youth Leaders, Body of Christ.

Higher Ground Christian Group at Joan McQueen. Alpine Special Treatment Center and those who faithfully serve through these ministries.

Alpine residents: youth, families, singles, couples, poor, rich, businesses and those we come into contact with every day during our shopping, eating out, we patron with the hope of sharing Christ! Lord prepare the way, and may we, especially me, listen to Your clear prompting to share the love of Christ. Amen:).

Alpine Youth Center: Joseph, Jonathan, Kevin… our brothers are faithful and need our ongoing prayers. I was by the youth center today. I very much appreciate our staff who tirelessly labor for our youth here in Alpine. Thank you! Prayer for ongoing support and partnership with local churches. Our shared faith and common goal to make disciples and get folks established in a local church:).

“Shouts of JOY and VICTORY resound in the tents of the righteous: The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” Psalm 118:15

Love you MUCH!

Randall:).