Friday Morning Prayer:)… July 28, 2016
July 28, 2016 - 6 minutes readBlessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.[1]
“Be Joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire;[2]
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Beloved,
The gospel brings joy! God has appointed us to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus. “He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, [live or die], we may live together with him.”[3] Yes! In Christ we rejoice! I pray you are encouraged as we strive to build each other up with gospel truth.
We are called to lovingly esteem our elders/brothers in leadership over us. I must say I value much week after week my brothers who live and speak the gospel! I see and experience the work they do. Ideally, you do too, growing in grace as a member of the body of Christ, devoted to the authority in your local gospel preaching church!
The goal is to please our God with our lives! Yes! Moreover, our indwelling God accomplishes his will through us! Therefore, we heed, “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”[4]
The joy is Christ indwelling! The grace to understand mercy and forgiveness, to live out our faith in supernatural power. God’s purpose is behind all our circumstances, even my failures, disappointments, and sufferings. God intimately knows your pain, loss, and struggles, especially as we rest In Christ. In the power of the Holy Spirit we pray unceasing. Wow! I can cry out to our holy God, you can too, and know he engages, comforts, encourages, empowers. As I get haughty, self-centered, arrogant, etc., he reminds me to redirect, brings conviction and discipline for my good and his glory.
“…be made new in the attitude of your minds; and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”[5]
It has been said that unceasing prayer is the key to continual joy. Moreover, thanksgiving is realized from the insight gained in prayer that God’s purpose is indeed behind all of our unique circumstances.[6]
Sister/Brother, I pray that the Spirit’s fire is burning ever so bright, deep, with incomparable power through your life! I know I have to be on guard that my conduct doesn’t stifle the Spirit’s working in my life. Paul said, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”[7] Therefore, let’s pray continually for one another, especially for those God has graciously placed in your life. I am one those if you are reading this brief reflection. I very much value your prayers!
“… I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”[8]
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
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Sisters are meeting to pray! First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0900.
Join faithful sisters In Christ representing various gospel preaching churches around our community. We are united at the cross! Feel free to drop in and expect to experience the love of Jesus through his faithful followers :)… No expectations or requirements. Humble we pray before the throne, yet with confidence we enjoy our God in worship and prayer. You are invited!
Brothers are meeting too! Fifth Friday! We too go to First Baptist. 0730.
You are invited to join guys who love Jesus! How cool is that! Men who choose to be humble and love one another. Diverse guys with varied experiences, insights, hang-ups, and habits :)… ordinary men really who need much courage through our Lord Jesus. On Friday mornings all that matters is we pray earnestly together. As always, we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to direct our sweet hour of prayer. Join us.
Your brother In Christ,
Randall:)….
[1] http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Blessed_Assurance/
[2] 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
[3] Ibid. 5:10
[4] Philippians 2:12-13 NASB
[5] Ephesians 4:23
[6] Zondervan Bible Commentary. 2008. FF. Bruce. (ed). 1 Thes 5:1
[7] Ephesians 4:30
[8] Ibid. 4:1-2
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