Friday Morning Prayer:)… May 24, 2018
May 24, 2018 - 8 minutes readBe still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.[1]
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”[2]
________________
What to do before our holy God? How do I prepare myself to commune with a holy God? Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee; Perfect in power, in love, and purity.[3]God in Christ has made known his character and purpose, and what he would have us be and do. The inspired Scriptures have always been a refuge, a safeguard from evil and a lifeline to God. The Words of eternal truth, water for the thirsty soul. Beloved, hear the supernatural calling of God to rest in him, to be empowered, to trust Jesus through all circumstances. Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.[4] I say be still my soul, commune with great effort, longing for that sense of God’s comforting presence.
With the psalmist, we pray and declare our continual need for God. Mankind is created in the image of God; therefore, even the most calloused heart entertains words of eternal truth, especially when our human fragility is so evident. In no way have we been called to a do-it-yourself life in Christ. The Scriptures are the written part of a lifelong teach-in, able to make us… “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”[5] Moreover, every regenerate heart has the assurance of God’s living presence, and an ever-increasing desire to enjoy intimate fellowship with God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Most days I am compelled by the Spirit to overflow and sing, “Blessed 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.”[6] I sincerely pray you too are moved by the Spirit over and over again to cry out with adoring worship through songs of grace.
The psalmist models what to do before our holy God. “Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.” “I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.” “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word, I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. And, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”[7] Oh the necessary balance of living in Christ. I was talking with a brother this week about the process of becoming like Christ. Be prepared in season and out, preach the word, work out your salvation. Is it performance? Am I really obedient? Is my life full of Spirit-led discipline? Do I lean on the Everlasting Arms and cry out for the Spirit to fill and overflow through me, trusting him to lead and prepare the way? Oh God, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law…. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.”[8]
This week Pastor Mark spoke about our need to pray. Oh God, help us to demonstrate genuine transforming love. Help me to recognize the daily necessity to run from, always aware of, sinful pride. That puffed up tendency I have to focus on “my” “I” and not others. Please, God, we pray, help me to serve in supernatural humility. God, lead me where you want me to go. It is hard to bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances linger. Nonetheless, the inspired words of the apostle Paul, “…as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” I can’t do this alone! I need the power of God. I need brothers around me. I need to maintain accountable relationships that do not allow me to drift into my own prideful ways. You need the family of God too. It is often, if not a continual tough interpersonal process, avoidance is an easier path. However, his design for our maturity in Christ always leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well-pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.
___________
Sisters are meeting to pray. First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine 0900.
You are invited. Invite a sister in Christ. Gals from various churches join to pray and unite around the gospel of Christ. A sweet hour of prayer and a time of encouragement among faithful gals devoted to Jesus. If you know of sisters who might enjoy reaching out and building friendships with gals who pray on Friday mornings, pass it on.
Brothers are meeting too! Alpine Youth Center. 2153 Arnold Way. 0730 Alpine.
You are invited to join brothers in Christ for a time of prayer. I am very thankful for faithful brothers living out their most holy faith. Week after week we meet to carry burdens, pray for our communities, our churches, youth, etc. as the Spirit leads. Do not hesitate, join us! It would be great to see you! :).
[1] http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Be_Still_My_Soul/
[3] http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Holy_Holy_Holy/
[4] http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Turn_Your_Eyes_upon_Jesus/
[6] http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Blessed_Assurance/
0 Comments