Friday Morning Prayer…:) February 15, 2018

February 15, 2018 - 7 minutes read
Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast,
There by His love o’ershaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.
Hark! ’tis the voice of angels,
Borne in a song to me.
Over the fields of glory,
Over the jasper sea.
 
Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast
There by His love o’ershaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.
 
Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe from corroding care,
Safe from the world’s temptations,
Sin cannot harm me there.
Free from the blight of sorrow,
Free from my doubts and fears;
Only a few more trials,
Only a few more tears![1]
 
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.  My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, by refuge.  Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”[2]
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O God I pray for the families of the murdered, help the injured, the many suffering and trying to understand this human evil.  We can understand the depravity of the human heart; we know the god of this age constantly seeks to steal, kill, and destroy.  I suppose reasoning through this calamity brings a degree of sense to a nonsensical act of evil.  My first response is to pray, O God help.  The aching heart does not long to understand or reason it through—the hurting need comfort a supernatural comfort that only God can give.  
 
Our God full of mercy and grace cares about our pain.  He understands loss, unbearable suffering, and the feeling of being forsaken.  In Christ we endure through the pain; tears flow and we cry out in fervent prayer. 
 
As the news reported many youth dead there was shock and disbelief.  With the magnitude of ammo the evil could have been far worse.  Evil behavior was further restrained when the perpetrator was apprehended and taken into custody.  We pray for mercy on this evil man’s soul. 
 
I think of my own boys and I cry.  A parent, grandparent, brother, sister, a multitude of families are mourning and trying to make sense of the nonsensical.  We mourn with those who mourn and fervently pray that supernatural comfort would break through the unbearable pain. 
 
O sovereign God have mercy on the lost, strengthen the redeemed.  May the prayers of the saints be a fortress around the hurting, even drawing many to the cross where we lay our burdens and find the God of all comfort.
 
Beloved in Christ, God alone gives rest to the burdened soul.  As you watched or heard about the tragedy in Florida, it is overwhelming.  It is sad and likely brings tears as you sit quietly and think about the magnitude of loss.  In your attempts to work through your own life burdens and heartaches, here comes another event that is impossible to bear in your own strength.   Therefore, hear the call of God; cry out for his mercy and supernatural strength. 
 
As the hymn reads, and we in Christ sing, “God sent his Son, they called him Jesus, he came to love, heal, and forgive. Because he lives I can face tomorrow.”[3]  I pray this is true for you.  Are you confident about your new life in Christ?  I pray there is no doubt or question about your salvation freely given, and accomplished through the shed blood on the cross.  The blood shed of Jesus is the new covenant which purchases for us a new heart, life, faith, and obedience.[4]   Jesus said, “…This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”[5]  Therefore, with supernatural understanding we sing, “Redeemed, redeemed, Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; Redeemed, redeemed,   His child, and forever, I am.”[6]
 
In the midst of it all, the redeemed find rest in him.
 
Be ye encouraged to diligently work out this great salvation as I highlight the words of my pastor at church this past Sunday.
·         Do not lose heart in praying.
·         Pursue and do small acts of love, nothing is too small.
·         Be Jesus in the leading of the Holy Spirit.
·         Expand ourselves in prayer.
 
Jesus, my heart’s dear refuge,
Jesus has died for me;
Firm on the Rock of Ages,
Ever my trust shall be.
Here let me wait with patience,
Wait till the night is over;
Wait till I see the morning
Break on the golden shore.
____________
 
 
Sisters are meeting to pray.  1912 Arnold Way.  Alpine.  0900
Faithful sisters who love Jesus gather to encourage one another and pray together.  You are invited. These are diverse gals from various fellowships, united at the cross, and praying together.  Truly, an act of love manifest.  Thank you sisters!
 
Brothers are meeting too.  First Baptist.  3rd Friday of the month.   0730.
You are invited.  It is necessary that brothers meet together to pray.  A time of encouragement, overflowing joy, and a supernatural love expressed.  As the Holy Spirit leads we intentionally pray.  No agenda, a time of intentional prayer.  We close at 0830.

[2] Psalm 62:5-8
[3] https://hymnary.org/text/god_sent_his_son_they_called_him_jesus
[4] https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/in-what-sense-did-christ-die-for-the-non-elect
[5] Luke 22:20