Friday Morning Prayer:)… September 5, 2019
September 5, 2019 - 7 minutes readO soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
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.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conqu’rors we are![1]
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”[2]
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Am I aware of God’s presence in everyday tasks, contacts, interactions, phone calls, and those quiet moments? Do I look for God in the everyday routine? Yesterday morning, I was definitely encouraged by God’s presence through a standard interview. I asked, “What are your thoughts on the purpose of life?” The response was, “To praise the Lord, to love my neighbor, and do better.” “Do you follow a particular religion or philosophical belief?” Without hesitation, he said, “I am a Christian and follow the Lord.” I’ve been tracking this person for years. A quiet non-assuming disposition now expressing words of grace reflecting a truly regenerate heart! God was present and glorified through the interaction! Later that afternoon, moments after sending an email out updating about our brother’s successful surgery, I get a text: “I was praying for John Lutz and prayed for rain. Both prayers were answered! God is so good! I am filled with so much joy right now and wanted to share it with you. Literally, right after my prayer, I got your email; while I was reading it, I hear the rain falling. God’s presence manifest! Love you, brother Randall.”[3]
God’s presence is a supernatural reality that is as real as the everyday tasks, yet so much more! We, truly in Christ are “…filled with inexpressible and glorious joy!” Since we have been raised with Christ, we set our hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.[4] “And, whatever [we] do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”[5] My constant pursuit in Christ is to experience and enjoy God, even as we engage our ordinary day to day tasks given in this life. God’s holy presence directs comforts, connects, disciplines, tests, and prompts us to submit to him and resist the flesh and all its evil desires. The never-ending goal for you and me is to “crave the unadulterated spiritual milk of the word,”[6] and mature to solid food. By constant use, we train ourselves through the word of God to distinguish good from evil.[7] Christ is our life! Therefore, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”[8] Moreover, “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.”[9]
Our everyday Christ-life is marked by continuous growth: filtering our ideas, perceptions, worldview, cultural norms, etc., through the living word of God. We co-participate with the Spirit of Jesus and keep the fire burning by nurturing, listening in prayer, longing and asking God for his holy desires, pursuing, reacting, rejoicing, overflowing and truly enjoying our God every moment of every day. I struggle! You do too. I need you and you need me, we need each other, the body of Christ loving and encouraging one another to keep this supernatural life in Christ vibrant and exciting! Truly meaningful lyrics in a Christian context, “Lean on me, when you’re not strong, And I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on, For it won’t be long, ‘Til I’m gonna need, Somebody to lean on…”[10]
His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
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Sisters are meeting to pray. First Baptist, 1912 Arnold Way, Alpine, 0900
You are invited! Go join gals in Christ for a sweet hour of prayer. Be encouraged and encourage sisters in Jesus to stay the course by God’s love and abundant grace.
Brothers are meeting too! Alpine Youth Center, 2153 Arnold Way, Alpine 0730
Join us! It is always a joy to meet with the family of God! Brothers in Christ, loving and praying together by God’s grace every Friday morning. No expectations or requirements, just humble before the throne of grace we ask the Spirit of God to lead and empower our time together.
[1] https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Turn_Your_Eyes_upon_Jesus/
[2] 1 Peter 2:9
[3] Brother Carl
[4] Colossians 3:1
[5] Ibid v. 17
[6] The expositor’s bible commentary, 1981. Gaebelein, F.E. (ed.) vol. 12
[7] Hebrews 5:14
[8] 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
[9] Ibid v. 19
[10] https://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/b/bill_withers/lean_on_me.html
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