Friday Morning Prayer:). January 21, 2016
January 21, 2016 - 7 minutes readIf He hears the raven’s cry, if His ever watchful eye
Marks the sparrows when they fall, surely He will hear my call:
He will teach me how to live, all my sinful thoughts forgive;
Pure in heart I still would be—let my Savior dwell in me.[1]
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”[2]
Beloved In Christ,
I am so thankful for the Scriptures, “…living and active. Sharper than any double- edged sword…”[3] our Bible. Therein we learn how to live a life worthy of the calling we have received. A divine call from our merciful God unto salvation through Jesus, the cross! Yes! God stirs the heart in pursuit of sin broken people. Amazing grace regenerates brokenness, hence a new creation supernaturally granted and continual transformation ensues. In Christ we echo the words of the old hymn:
More like Jesus would I be, let my Savior dwell with me;
Fill my soul with peace and love—make me gentle as a dove; More like Jesus, while I go, pilgrim in this world below; Poor in spirit would I be; let my Savior dwell in me.
We are saved by grace through faith. Through heavenly mercy and sacrificial love, our God calls us to Himself. My call unto salvation and yours was not acquired by self-effort. However, my “life” In Christ now has to be “lived.” Every day I have to make choices. To “…live a life worthy…” and “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”[4]
Living the Christian life is tough! The flesh, the world, the Devil all enticing a less than worthy lifestyle. It is not the lifestyle, but the moments, my reaction to circumstances, people, and even less than desirable reactions toward those I dearly love. It takes great effort to love well! I am encouraged that I am not left to my own efforts! You neither! We rely on God, a co-participation with our sovereign God, through the indwelling Holy Spirit we cry out for power to truly “Be imitators of God…” to “live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”[5]
We are encouraged by God through Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. God is able “…to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” Like Paul we kneel before the Father and pray for ourselves and others, “…out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”[6] Only as we rely on God, through His power granted through the indwelling Holy Spirit, by faith, crying out, desperately longing for holiness, a continual manifestation of love, even in the midst of turmoil, frustration, uncertainty inherent in this life, will we then have the power to, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”[7]
Brother/Sister, God has given us each other to love one another and encourage persistence in our shared faith…. I strongly encourage you to fellowship with like-minded brothers or sisters In Christ. “Those who share such a divine call constitute the church, the called-out company.”[1] Your local church is a great place to get involved and build solid supportive relationships where Christ is center. If you don’t have a fellowship, or just need help in identifying a gospel centered church, feel free to email and we can help. Excited In Christ! :).
[1] The Expositor’s Bible Commentary. (1978). F.E. Gaebelein, (Ed).
More like Jesus when I pray, more like Jesus day by day,
May I rest me by His side, where the tranquil waters glide. Born of Him through grace renewed, by His love my will subdued, Rich in faith I still would be—let my Savior dwell in me.
Sisters are meeting to pray! First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0900.
Gals from various fellowships join to pray week after week. A great place to connect with supportive Christian gals who love Jesus! You are invited! No pressure, no requirements, just a sweet hour of prayer humbly before our mighty God!
Brothers In Christ are meeting too! Bethel Assembly. 1916 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0730.
You are invited! Join faithful brothers as we continually ask, seek, and knock at the throne of grace. Humbly we encourage one another, we pray and allow the Holy Spirit to direct us. We intentionally pray for our pastors, leaders, local churches, our communities, schools, Youth Venture/Youth Center, etc., always crying out to God to have mercy on the lost through each of us in our sphere of influence. Look forward to seeing you! :).
Amazing Grace! Overflow!
Randall:).
[1] http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/m/o/r/morelikj.htm
[2] Ephesians 2:4-5
[3] Hebrews 4:12
[4] Ephesians 4:3
[5] Ibid 5:1-2
[6] Ibid. 3:16-17
[7] Ibid. 4:2
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