How 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]
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”[2]
Beloved,
In the midst of it all, through the struggles, worries of this life, compromise, burdens, temptations, loneliness, etc., it is comforting to know and even be reminded that our God deeply loves us. I read, “Even in our darkest hours, we can rest in the knowledge we are never alone, for our loving God is with us.”[3]
In Christ! Christ indwelling. Intimacy with God! “O Jesus, what friend we have in Jesus” we can sing with joy and absolute certainty. The presence of God encouraging us, loving, comforting, and prompting a song! “Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, how great thou art!” Yes! “How great Thou art!” I pray you are experiencing the love of God this week and always.
Be encouraged, especially as you “…store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”[4] This world system, politics, this agenda and that, material stuff, even religious controversies, can weigh heavily on one’s thoughts and emotions. In Christ our treasure coincides with a transformed heart. Doing righteous deeds, suffering ridicule for Christ, forgiving one another, loving consistently, even those who hate through the power of our indwelling God! This divine pursuit is good and has eternal significance.
Jesus has called me to serve him and maintain loyalty undivided. You too! “Either God is served with a single-eyed devotion, or he is not served at all.”[5] As I get this right, the pursuit of uncompromising trust, I do not have to worry about the necessities of life. God is our sustainer, provider, refuge. By design we can’t help but think about and be concerned over hurting people, harmful events, and the process of this life. We fight against carelessness, apathy, indifference, laziness, and self-indulgence. I have determined, the more I tend to worry, the more I must pray.
Sister/brother, God knows what you need, me too. Our sovereign God is the potter and we are the clay. He cares for the birds and the grass. How much more valuable are we? Therefore, we “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…”[6] a pursuit of life in full submission to the will of God as demonstrated by our Lord Jesus.
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 meeting to pray together! First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0900.
You are invited! Gals from various churches meeting week after week to pray with one another. We are thankful! How necessary for sisters to gather to pray. Pass on the invite. A safe place to be encouraged and pray.
Brothers are meeting to pray at First Baptist. Alpine. 0730.
A sweet hour of prayer! We value brothers joining together to pray. Definitely a short hour. We rely on the Holy Spirit to lead our time together. The discipline of prayer. A song of praise, a time of silence, reading of Scripture, listening and heeding to the Spirit’s call, confident that our God hears our prayers and is pleased when brothers join to intentionally pray and encourage one another. You are invited!
[2] Matthew 6:33
[3] Daily Bread. March 16, 2016 Deeply Loved by Randy Kilgore.
[4] Matthew 6:20a
[5] D.A. Carson. (1984). Expositor’s Bible Commentary. F. E. Gaebelein (ed.). vol 8.
[6] Matthew 6:33a