Friday Morning Prayer:). December 31, 2015

Every morning mercies new
Fall as fresh as morning dew;
Every morning let us pay
Tribute with the early day:
For Thy mercies, Lord, are sure;
Thy compassion doth endure.

Still the greatness of Thy love
Daily doth our sins remove;
Daily, far as east from west,
Lifts the burden from the breast;
Gives unbought to those who pray
Strength to stand in evil day.[1]

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Listen! The Lord is calling to the city—…”[2]

Beloved In Christ,

I am thankful for the persistence of God! We echo the words of Micah, “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”[3] In Christ, hence, Christ In YOU reflects His eternal sharing of Himself. God seeks us out! He pursues us! It has been said, God has “an unselfish interest in us for our sake.”[4] Indeed! Moreover, His persistence includes a withholding of judgment and continually, even persistently offering salvation. God’s delay is merciful!

As God is persistent in His love for us, we too are called to be persistent in our love for others. As the new year approaches, only hours away, I resolve to love more, show much concern for others, be tenderhearted, pray more often, unceasing prayer about everything! O God, empower me and those reading today, “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God….” God is love and the basic dimensions of His love: benevolence, grace, mercy, persistence… are active reflections of God and I pray will be characteristic of my life… yours too… every moment of everyday this new year!

Finally, it is clear from Scripture, for those who persistently refuse to heed the gospel message, ignoring the grace of God… “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.”[5] Yes, we pray “come Lord Jesus” but we also recognize there remains “…a fearful expectation of judgment and raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.”[6] Therefore, we pray, pray, pray for mercy and abundant grace to overflow through us! May my kindness, hence our indwelling God, His love and kindness through us… genuinely reflect God’s mercy, and through God’s sovereign will lead many toward repentance.

Let our prayers each morn prevail,
That these gifts may never fail;
And, as we confess the sin
And the tempter’s power within,
Every morning, for the strife,
Feed us with the Bread of Life.

As the morning light returns,
As the sun with splendor burns,
Teach us still to turn to Thee,
Ever blessèd Trinity,
With our hands our hearts to raise,
In unfailing prayer and praise.

Sisters are meeting in Julian this week at Calvary chapel.
0800. 3731 Wynola Rd., Julian, CA 92036 YOU are invited! :).

Brothers are meeting to pray! First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0730.
Go be encouraged with faithful brothers! In fact, brothers and sisters will be praying all over San Diego County New Year’s Day: Alpine, Julian, Mt. Soledad, Mt. Helix, South Bay. Join with family In Christ. If you’d like to join, but not sure where, send me an email. I’ll get you tied in! :).

LoVe Others! MUCH!

Randall:).

[1] http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/e/v/r/evrymorn.htm
[2] Micah 6:8-9a
[3] Ibid. 7:18
[4] Christian Theology. Erickson, M.J. 1985
[5] 2 Peter 3:10a
[6] Hebrews 10:27