Friday Morning Prayer:)… December 11, 2020
December 11, 2020 - 7 minutes readTake the Name of Jesus with you,
Child of sorrow and of woe,
It will joy and comfort give you;
Take it then, where’er you go.
Precious Name, oh, how sweet!
Hope of earth and joy of Heav’n;
Precious Name, oh, how sweet!
Hope of earth and joy of Heav’n.
Take the Name of Jesus ever,
As a shield from every snare;
If temptations round you gather,
Breathe that holy Name in prayer.[1]
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.”[2]
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How are you encouraged? What spurs you on to love and good works? Are there specific behaviors and/or encounters that move your mind and affections to overflow with joy? I enjoy being encouraged and enjoy encouraging others in the way of our gracious God. You need encouragement too and encouraging one another helps us experience God’s empowering presence together. David rejoiced, gave thanks, and praised God as the ark-of-the-covenant arrived in Jerusalem. What was the ark? The ark is referenced as a sanctuary where God dwelt among his people.[3] “dwell: the root from which the term shekhinah is derived.”[4] Shekinah Glory! God’s awesome presence! The truly regenerate heart, you in Christ, and me too will be encouraged as we pursue, engage, and encounter the real, glorious, perspective-changing, empowering presence of God.
David appointed Levite priests to minister before the ark of the LORD, to make petitions, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD.[5] Asaph the chief and others were designated to play lyres and harps, cymbals, and blow trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God. Servants of the most high God, humble, reverent, and engaging in disciplined behaviors together, to God’s glory, in his awesome presence resulted in an overflow of thankfulness, joy, and encouragement. “Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him; sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!”[6] I am certain that the power of God was evident and those present were most encouraged. David was dancing and celebrating early on; imagine the joy overflowing from Asaph and his brothers as they sang the inspired words… “Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!”[7]
All the more today in Christ! “This is the new covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”[8] Through the cross of Christ, you have precious reasons to be encouraged! As we pursue God in prayer, feed on the Word of God, join together, encourage one another, fight to not be conformed to the pattern of this world, and embrace being transformed by the renewing of our minds, supernatural-heart-felt encouragement and overflowing joy follows! Today, we share in Christ the amazing glory of God, the illuminating work of the Spirit, forgiveness of sin, a cleansing of the conscience, reconciliation, justification, grace, confidence, eternal life, heaven, the daily power to persevere…etc.
A brother wasn’t feeling like joining our group Bible talk tonight. He came anyway. Doing those behaviors and pursuing those encounters when I do not feel like it. I pray for the feeling, Spirit-led motivation to engage. The regenerate mind knows God is faithful and blesses obedience. An ever-increasing disciplined life by God’s grace and power is the process. The result of our brother attending was encouragement, his, mine, and the others that attended. He admitted the struggle and the subsequent lifting in his spirit, the Spirit of God indwelling and empowering. Be encouraged to keep pursuing and enjoy our gracious God.
Oh, the precious Name of Jesus!
How it thrills our souls with joy,
When His loving arms receive us,
And His songs our tongues employ!
At the Name of Jesus bowing,
Falling prostrate at His feet,
King of kings in heav’n we’ll crown Him,
When our journey is complete.
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Sisters are meeting for prayer. First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way, Alpine, 0900
You are invited to be encouraged and encourage in the fellowship of faithful sisters. Thank you, sisters, in Jesus, for praying: bringing your petitions, thanksgivings, and praises before the throne of grace. Your prayers matter and we are thankful for the prayers of many.
Brothers are meeting too. Mt. View Bible 2710 Alpine Blvd. Alpine, 0730
Oh, the joy of brothers meeting for a time of prayer and encouragement. Yes! To God’s glory and our refreshing, renewing, persevering hearts! We rely on God to lead our time by the power of his Spirit. It is always a joy to see you. If you haven’t been, you are missed. Pray with us wherever God has you Friday morning. Thanks!
[1] https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Precious_Name/
Take The Name Of Jesus With You
Take The Name Of Jesus With You
[2] Philippians 2:1-2
[3] Exodus 25:8
[4] International Bible Commentary. (1986) FF Bruce (ed).
[5] 1 Chronicles 16:4
[6] Ibid v. 8-9
[7] Ibid v. 10-11
[8] Hebrews 10:16
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