Friday Morning Prayer:). May 7, 2015
May 7, 2015 - 7 minutes readHow deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss –
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.[1]
“Do not withhold your mercy from me, O Lord; may your love and your truth always protect me. For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head and my heart fails within me. Be pleased, O Lord, to save me; O Lord, come quickly to help me.”[2]
Beloved In Christ,
Truly! How deep the Father’s love for us…always protecting, even through our trials that overwhelm and break our hearts. David had experienced the mercy of God. Our gracious God “lifted him out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire, and set his feet on a rock.” He sang praises to our God! Yes! Blessed are we who trust the Lord! Why? “Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.”[3]
It was because of God’s mercy that He lifted us out of the slimy pit of sin and corruption…making a wretch His treasure through the cross. God’s mercy and His abundant, amazing grace brought salvation! I once was lost, but now I’m found In Christ! Eyes opened, and we echo with David, “I said, O Lord, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you.”[4]
Indeed! We are saved through the cross, imputed righteousness, a new creation, supernatural regeneration, and ongoing transformation into the image of Christ. However, I continue to struggle with sinful ways… “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do….What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord.”[5] Yes! His wounds have paid my ransom! And, His wounds keep paying, saving me, and YOU from recurring, even besetting sins.
We, In Christ, know the power of the cross and have confident assurance of our salvation! Therefore, like David, we too continue to pray for God’s mercy. His abundant grace carries us, refines, molds, shapes through our trials. This holds true even when our own sin precipitates God’s divine intervention. The reality of God’s saving goodness through our present afflictions! How cool is that?! Before our holy, holy, holy God we confess our sins, Christ In us through the Holy Spirit reveals, convicts, prompts our cry for forgiveness… and, as we yield we confidently affirm, “But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, ‘The Lord be exalted!’.”[6]
Cry out to our merciful God! Not only when the trials come and the burdens are overwhelming, but we pursue Him always! O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”[7]
Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life –
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart –
His wounds have paid my ransom.
Sisters are praying together! First Baptist Church. 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0900. You are invited! Join faithful sisters to pray for one another. Pray together and individually for our churches: pastors, elders, leaders, workers, the body of Christ! Thank you for praying for the surrounding communities, Youth Center/Venture, Joan McQueen, Alpine Treatment Center. We are lifting Guatay up in prayer all this week for the 40 days of Hope…unceasing prayer.
Brothers are meeting at Mt. View Bible. 2710 Alpine Blvd. Alpine. 0730. You are invited! Join brothers to ask, seek, knock together. Humbly we join in prayer. A constant recognition of our dependence on our Holy God! It is a joy to gather with brothers week after week. We intentionally pray and strongly desire to allow the Holy Spirit to direct our every praise, petition, supplication, song… to God be the glory!
Band of Brothers TONIGHT! Bethel Assembly. 1929 Arnold Way. Alpine. 6:00 pm dinner. 7:00pm worship and teaching. Men from various churches joining to worship and fellowship together. Unite! May many others know we are Christians because of the love we have for one another. You’re invited! Consider checking it out! Bring a friend.
Overflow! Humble we go In Christ!
Thank you for your unceasing prayers!
Your brother,
Randall:).
[1] – See more at: http://www.stuarttownend.co.uk/song/how-deep-the-fathers-love-for-us/#sthash.NXpqLz3e.dpuf
[2] Psalm 40:11-13
[3] Psalm 40:2, 5
[4] Psalm 41:4
[5] Romans 7:15, 24-25a
[6] Psalm 40:16
[7] Psalm 63:1
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