Friday Morning Prayer:)… March 10, 2016
March 10, 2016 - 6 minutes readTroubles and trials often betray us
Causing the weary body to stray
But we shall walk beside the still waters
With the Good Shepherd leading the way
Those who have strayed were sought by the master
He who once gave his life for the sheep
Out on the mountain still he is searching
Bringing them in forever to keep[1]
“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.”[2]
Beloved,
God does not owe me anything. He is not obligated to his creation. Not one person is entitled to God’s favor. God is sovereign and transcends creation and mankind, yet he loves us and has mercy. The psalmist helps us understand our God. “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion [mercy] on all he has made.”[3]
The general mercy of God extends to all people and creation. This past Sunday I was conversing with a fella. He said, “God helps those who help themselves.” I understood his position that folks need to be responsible and make healthy choices. Yes, the gospel calls us to repentance and a holy life, daily trusting our God and choosing to walk in humble obedience. In reality, before God’s sovereign mercy I was pursuing what came naturally, the pleasures of sin and suffering the consequences.
Truly, in my suffering is where God helped me when I could not help myself. In the pursuit of selfishness, worldly things, pleasure, certainly God’s mercy allowed me to escape physical death many times over. I was spiritually dead already, but special mercy sustained my life. Pink (1975) calls it “…a special mercy of God, which is exercised toward the children of men, helping and succoring them, notwithstanding their sins.”[4]
“But I tell you: Love you enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.[5] The necessities of life flow from our merciful God to all people.
Jesus calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute. This behavior flowing from a genuine desire for sovereign mercy to transform the hearts, open the eyes, bring to life, those unable to understand their need for salvation. “…there is a sovereign mercy which is reserved for the heirs of salvation, which is communicated to them in a covenant way, through the Mediator.”[6] It has been said that our prayers are an integral part of God’s sovereign mercy.
I am not suggesting that God needs us or our prayers. Luke wrote, “And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.”[7] However, he does call us to pray for the lost, share the gospel, make disciples. I am reminded of James, as I get past quarrels, selfishness, factions, and religious controversies, “…You do not have, because you do not ask God.”[8]
As I examine myself, desiring to be motivated by the love of God, I fervently ask for sovereign mercy on the lost. More specifically, may I be and you too, a humble vessel, empowered by our gracious God to present his divine mercy.
Sister/brother, I pray you are encouraged and truly know and experience the joy of God through the Lord Jesus! It weighs heavy on my heart those who do not know, who have not experienced the sovereign mercy of God. Therefore, we pray as long as we have breath.
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Sisters are meeting to pray! First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0900.
You are invited. It is powerful when sisters get together to pray. Join faithful sisters from different churches gathering to pray and encourage one another.
Brothers are meeting too! Mt. View Bible. 2710 Alpine Blvd. Alpine. 0730.
Humble fellas who love Jesus and care about Alpine and the surrounding communities. We pray for our local churches, pastors, and the body of Christ throughout, as the Holy Spirit leads. You are invited. A sweet hour of prayer. We intentionally pray.
Going up home to live in green pastures
Where we shall live and die nevermore
Even the Lord will be in that number
When we shall reach that heavenly shore
We shall not heed the voice of a stranger
For he will lead us onto despair
Following on with Jesus our Savior
We shall all reach that country so fair
Going up home to live in green pastures
Where we shall live and die nevermore
Even the Lord will be in that number
When we shall reach that heavenly shore
Abundant Grace!
Randall:).
[1] http://www.wofamedia.net/lirik-lagu-rohani-kristen/fernando-ortega/fernando-ortega-green-pastures-lyrics.html
[2] Psalm 116:1-2
[3] Psalm 145:8-9
[4] The Attributes of God. (1975). A.W. Pink. BakerBooks.
[5] Matthew 5:44-45
[6] Ibid. A.W. Pink.
[7] Acts 17:25
[8] James 4:2
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