Friday Morning Prayer:). September 03, 2015

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.[1]

“Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.”[2]

Brothers and Sisters, In Christ:)…
Thank you for the opportunity to reflect week after week what our gracious God puts on my heart. I very much value the opportunity to encourage YOU, and I am always encouraged because of our shared faith. Therefore, I pray you are encouraged! The words of the old hymns are full of heart felt worship, reviving the soul many times over! The Psalms. I love the Psalms! God speaks to us through His Living Word, even allowing the Psalms to speak for us as we pray. The inspired psalmist cries out many times in great anguish, despair… expressing desperate need to be rescued, pleading for mercy, restoration, joy in the midst of the storm, even as he worshipped!

We too can pray our innermost feelings, fears, and hopes as we allow the inspired words of the psalms to speak for us. Your longing, mine too is to seek after God and yearn to know His heart for every circumstance, relationship, opportunity, ministry, encounter… given every day by our sovereign God.

In Psalm 86 we read a humble servant imploring God to hear him in his need. A crying out “…all day long.”[3] It is a time of feeling helpless, weak, and joyless. The psalmist asks for joy, even as he empties himself before our loving, forgiving, and good God. Therein we read the inspired recognition of God’s love, forgiveness, and goodness for you and me too! Praise our gracious God! “You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.”[4] Yes! :).

Therefore, we can’t help but to sing, “How great Thou art!” In His strength we rise above our troubles. We help one another as we pray this end for each other:). Our troubles may not immediately end, but we pray for supernatural power to rise above and glorify God through every heartache. What is our gracious God desiring to teach me, even mold and shape me through this trouble? “Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours.”[5] Moreover, like the psalmist, in light of God’s greatness, I want to be instructed, and pray continually for power to be faithful and have a strong desire for single-minded obedience. You too? “Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.”[6]

In the midst of his troubles the psalmist (probably David) leaned upon divine grace and mercy. He asked for his circumstances to change, especially against those who had no regard for God’s goodness. So too, may I lean on God’s abundant grace daily…moment by moment… and cry out mercy…pour out Your mercy O Lord… for folks who have no regard for our holy God. May I echo the words of the psalmist many times each day, “But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”[7] Empower me to accurately reflect You God! Your compassion, grace, patience, genuine love and never ending faithfulness. Amen.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:

If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Sisters are meeting to pray! Join at First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0900. Humble and faithful sisters meeting together to love and encourage one another. Moreover, to pray, pray, pray and worship our holy God. Sister, you are invited! :).

Brothers are meeting to pray too! Our first meeting at Alpine Community Church. 2225 W. Victoria Drive. Alpine. 0730. The new home of Grace Fellowship! Praise God! My faithful Brother! Join us to pray with confidence at the Throne of Grace! No pressure. Many times we pray in silence, allowing the Holy Spirit to abide and lead our time together. We may sing a song, expressing worship… our intent is to gather and pray as the Spirit leads. You are invited! Check it out:). Be encouraged, filled and overflowing!

LoVe Others! MUCH! :).
Randall

Band of Brothers! Tonight. Dinner at 6pm. Worship and teaching 7pm. You are invited!

[1] http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/t/i/itiswell.htm
[2] Psalm 86:11-12
[3] Ibid v.3b
[4] Ibid v.5
[5] Ibid v.8
[6] Ibid v.11
[7] Ibid v.15