Friday Morning Prayer: May 29, 2014

May 29, 2014 - 7 minutes read

Beloved In Christ,

I found myself talking about “genuine” belief today. A gracious and kind sister In Christ asked me, “to be saved, all we have to do is believe, right?” The context in which this conversation began was about my elderly grandparents. In years past, when I was in college and around them more often, I would regularly share with them the power of Christ, which they saw in my own life after a serious car accident. They watched the restoring grace of God through supernatural healing power that sustained me through a very serious head injury. From a medical perspective, my time in this life should have been over due to the nature of the cervical injury.

“O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. O Lord, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down to the pit.” Psalm 30:2-3.

Both my grandparents would agree that God saved me. In fact, they have both said they believe in Jesus: His death, burial, and resurrection from the dead for the forgiveness of their sins, hence the sins of mankind. All good so far!

So I said to our sister, yes, but to experience salvation I must have a “genuine belief” that is transforming, supernatural, and changes everything! We can’t “do” anything to earn or produce salvation. Belief, your faith alone results in justification. However, justification must and will produce “good works” that reflect your new status “In Christ.” A new creation! :). Praise God! We are saved by grace through faith, and, In Christ are His workmanship, created for good works prepared beforehand by God! Eph 2:8-10. We talked about James 2:17 “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” A necessary discussion I hope to continue many times over as we grow in God’s abundant GRACE:).

I say with a heavy heart, my grandparents “believe” yet I am not sure that they have experienced salvation. The gospel declares, “If there are no good works, there has been no real faith nor justification.” Therefore, we PRAY without ceasing for our loved ones, our friends, co-workers, many professing Christ, in light of God’s mercy and grace, to experience “genuine faith” that is supernatural, powerful, and transforming!

One other experience I’d like to share: the other night I was talking with my boy Luke about God’s grace. He was obviously preoccupied about this and that (e.g., school work, his future). I encouraged him not to be overly concerned, that we trust the Lord day by day. Plus, you are only 12, I got your back, don’t worry, we got you and Christ has us. He said the following words:

“Dad, I feel like I am punching God in the face, yet asking Him for help.”

I paused, said, “wow” that is a great insight Luke. He was obviously disturbed. I was able to assure him that our God is merciful and loves him, and me, mom, your brother, all of us very much. Yes. I too “punch God in the face” and then turn around and ask for His help. And, as I recognize my sinful ways and ask for forgiveness, God wants to restore me and love me and YES help me! Luke smiled. We are making progress:). May his conviction move him to obedience and hunger for fellowship with our merciful God through His Word:).

“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live…” Psalm 63:1-4a.

Friday Prayer: We are meeting at Alpine Youth Center. Located at 2153 Arnold Way. Alpine. YOU are invited to come pray with brothers at 0730. We seek the Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit! Come expecting to be filled and overflowing as we love and encourage each other. If you can’t make it, pray in the Spirit with us during this sweet hour of prayer:).

Women’s Prayer: Sisters are meeting at First Baptist. 0900. Located at 1912 Arnold Way, Alpine. Sisters In Christ from the various evangelical churches are strongly encouraged to attend and support this hour of prayer. Supportive and encouraging! :).

Joan McQueen Higher Ground Group, Alpine Special Treatment Center, East County Pregnancy Clinic…. Alpine Community Network: Angie and Ron

Body of Christ: Churches: Pastors, Elders, Deacons, Leaders, Teachers, Youth Groups, Men’s Groups, Women’s Groups… Praise God for faithful servants! We continue to pray for supernatural power!

Thank you much for your help through praying: Alpine residents: singles, couples, married, divorced, rich, poor, etc., may God have mercy on many many here and in the surrounding areas. We pray for opportunities to invite folks to church, share the gospel, pray with someone, love someone, serve someone at every opportunity God provides, may we adhere to the call:).

Alpine Youth Center: youth, families, outreach, strong influence for Christ within our community. Provision, wisdom, direction, workers. Christ be lifted up!

I surrender all,
I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

Love YOU much!

Randall:).