Friday Morning Prayer:). July 2, 2015
July 2, 2015 - 7 minutes readGod hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.[1]
Faithful In Christ,
Paul writes to the church at Ephesus and even to us today,
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that 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. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.[2]
How cool and comforting it is that we… In Christ…yes we can pray to God our Father with humble confidence. You know this life has difficult seasons, overwhelming days, sleepless nights…. Indeed, we are not promised “Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.” May my struggles, heartaches, disappointments cause me to pray for strength from the abundance of God’s glorious riches!
I need to experience supernatural power daily, you too… crying out daily for God the Holy Spirit to empower, direct our thoughts, actions, speech… always reflecting Jesus abiding in us through all our circumstances. Lord, help me to know you better, draw me closer, through the pain and sorrows of this life.
Our lives, In Christ, are full of meaning and purpose. A faithful brother recently encouraged a question we should ask: what does this mean Lord? In other words, what are You teaching me, or how are You molding me through these seemingly meaningless and overwhelming trials. We know our God provides all we need, even a continuous provision through the Holy Spirit…supernatural eyes to see and ears to hear what the Spirit is doing in my life.
We pray without ceasing because an inward daily renewal is necessary! You know what I’m talking about! We need relief and healing from, and renewed strength to endure, even overcome pressures, irritations, the flesh, selfishness, our kids being kids! Challenges at work, home, personalities, overbearing people, our own insecurities, defensiveness, etc., We cry out with the Psalmist, “I lift my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”[3] Moreover, “I call to the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.”[4]
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…” Paul prayed that our roots would go deep into the soil of love. What I really cherish here is “together” with all the Lord’s holy people. Brother! Sister! Love binds us together and we do not have to go at it alone! We are indwelt by God the Holy Spirit and called to love and support one another in and through this supernatural power! Praise God!
Therefore, be encouraged! When you are struggling through the pains of this life, whether circumstances, emotional pain, physical discomfort, etc., our God cares and often uses us together to love one another through the storm. “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”[1]
God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.
God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain rocky and steep,
Never a river turbid and deep.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
Sisters are meeting at First Baptist for prayer! :). 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0900. Gather with a sense of expectation… “Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgements he pronounced… his chosen ones. He is the Lord our God.”[1] We very much appreciate sisters In Christ who meet to pray for each other, Alpine and the surrounding areas, our churches, etc., Thank you! If you can’t make it, pray wherever the Lord has you during this AM time:).
Brothers In Christ are meeting too! Alpine Youth Center/Venture, 2153 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0730. Brother! Join us for a time of encouragement and a time to intentionally pray together. We always hunger and thirst for God’s lead through the power of the Holy Spirit. Powerful! Devoted brothers gather to intentionally pray… a necessity! Bring your overflowing heart… if you are carrying a burden… bring it! May we live out carrying each others’ burdens and genuinely rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. You are invited! No pressure, no expectation on YOU, only a time of joining in prayer, song, silence…trusting our gracious God to leads us!
LoVe Others! MUCH!
Randall:).
Oh yes! Band of Brothers TONIGHT! 6:00 dinner. 7:00 worship and fellowship. YOU are invited!
[1] Pslam 105:5-7a
[1] Psalm 105:4
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