Friday Morning Prayer:)…

Wonderful, merciful Savior
Precious Redeemer and Friend
Who would have thought that a Lamb
Could rescue the souls of men
Oh, You rescue the souls of men

Counselor, Comforter, Keeper
Spirit we long to embrace
You offer hope when our hearts have
Hopelessly lost our way
Oh, we’ve hopelessly lost the way[1]

O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.[2] _________________________

Beloved In Christ,

A struggling brother texted me this week, “You have no idea how bad and guilty I feel.” “…I don’t know if forgiveness is possible.” Well, Psalm 130 certainly models for each of us to cry out for mercy and rest in the assurance that our gracious God does forgive. In fact, I find it very encouraging that God calls us to put our hope (blessed assurance) in Jesus, to recognize his unfailing love and through the cross receive full redemption! The psalmist, with awe and confidence, portrays our gracious God as one who forgives sin and restores, even to life everlasting! Indeed, “This greatest of all hopes has been fulfilled in Christ.”[3] Persevere my brother!

Our brother is not alone. We all struggle with sinful ways, attitudes, compromises, etc., imperfect in every way, yet by God’s grace and overflowing mercy, I am still in process. In process, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, longing to move, grow, mature from glory to glory! The implication here is that I must engage with much diligence relying on the supernatural, transforming power of God daily. A progressive transforming process, our highest calling as sons and daughters of our heavenly Father.

I pray you are engaged in this ongoing, even daily transforming process, which can be tough, requiring self-discipline, diligence, perseverance! However, I was reminded on two occasions this week, at church and through 3 Guys radio. God has not called us to abide by “religious rules” or engage in multiple religious activities to please Him. No! Every moment of every day In Christ is a supernatural process for sure, relational, intimate, and an intentional pursuit! Most important, “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!”[4]

God has pursued me and continues to do so because of His unfailing love. In Christ, you too are known! Wow! “Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.” Experiencing the glory of God, even this progressive transformation helps us to echo the words of the psalmist and genuinely sense the reality of God’s presence. “You hem me in— behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, to lofty for me to attain.”[5]

Pastor Mark echoed this truth through the Spirit this past Sunday, “I talk to God and he loves me every day.” How similar to the psalmist, O Lord, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.”[6] Yes! Sister/brother, especially those reading who are uncertain and struggling with sin, be ye encouraged! You are loved! An unfailing pursuing love! Let us enjoy our God and pray without ceasing! At the throne of grace, with a humble and repentant heart, we experience forgiveness, restoring grace, and transformation that is never satisfied!

You are the One that we praise
You are the One we adore
You give the healing and grace
Our hearts always hunger for
Oh, our hearts always hunger for

Almighty, infinite Father
Faithfully loving Your own
Here in our weakness You find us
Falling before Your throne
Oh, we’re falling before Your throne
__________________________

Sisters are meeting to pray! First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0900.
Consistent! Precious sisters In Christ joining to pray. You are invited to pray with gals from different churches who love one another, encourage, and faithfully help one another through much prayer. Invite a friend and check it out!

Brothers are meeting too! Bethel Assembly. 1929 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0730.
Yes! Diverse brothers meeting to pray! A joy and an honor to meet with men devoted to a life with Jesus! You are invited. No pressure, no expectations, just a willingness to pray: openly, or in silence… we encourage, love, and enjoy the fellowship. No agenda, just a humble recognition that our reliance is on the Holy Spirit to lead our short time together… a definite sweet hour of prayer. Invite a friend and join us.
_____________

Your brother In Christ,

Randall:).

[1] https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=wonderful+merciful+savior+lyrics
[2] Psalm 139:1-4
[3] NIV study notes.
[4] Psalm 139:17
[5] Psalm 139:5-6
[6] Psalm 141:1-2

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