Filed under: RECENT POSTS
This Morning’s Meditation
C. H. Spurgeon
“Blessed be God, which hath nor turned away my prayer.”—Psalm 66:20.
N looking back upon the character of our prayers, if we do it honestly, we shall be filled with wonder that God has ever answered them. There may be some who think their prayers worthy of acceptance—as the Pharisee did; but the true Christian, in a more enlightened retrospect, weeps over his prayers, and if he could retrace his steps he would desire to pray more earnestly. Remember, Christian, how cold thy prayers have been. When in thy closet thou shouldst have wrestled as Jacob did; but instead thereof, thy petitions have been faint and few—far removed from that humble, believing, persevering faith, which cries, “I will not let Thee go except Thou bless me.” Yet, wonderful to say, God has heard these cold prayers of thine, and not only heard, but answered them. Reflect also, how infrequent have been thy prayers, unless thou hast been in trouble, and then thou hast gone often to the mercy-seat: but when deliverance has come, where has been thy constant supplication? Yet, notwithstanding thou hast ceased to pray as once thou didst, God has not ceased to bless. When thou hast neglected the mercy-seat, God has not deserted it, but the bright light of the Shekinah has always been visible between the wings of the cherubim. Oh! it is marvellous that the Lord should regard those intermittent spasms of importunity which come and go with our necessities. What a God is He thus to hear the prayers of those who come to Him when they have pressing wants, but neglect Him when they have received a mercy; who approach Him when they are forced to come, but who almost forget to address Him when mercies are plentiful and sorrows are few. Let His gracious kindness in hearing such prayers touch our hearts, so that we may henceforth be found “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.”
Filed under: RECENT POSTS
Were you blessed today in service? Did God reveal to you something inside that is holding you back from a full commitment to serve Him with confidence? I sure hope so. The manifest presence of God is often revealed in a service through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Experienced pastors have described to me times of gently weeping in the congregation or spontaneous prayer occurring. We saw both today. By the authority of Christ, the Holy Spirit directly ministered to our church this morning. Praise God! I was reminded once again that the most effective invitation to the Spirit of God is through confession to God. When we are real with our worship and prayers, He is faithful to meet us at our deepest level.
I also want to share a necessary clarification from our prayer time. My words may have caused some to be confused about the role of sin as it pertains to our issues of fear, low-self esteem, self-doubt, etc… My heart was to impress on you the incredible gift that God has bestowed in every believer, to offer encouragement and hope. I am confident that our Lord heard that plea and graciously responded. However, in attempting to focus on issues of self-worth, I spoke as if these feelings are not related to sin. The Scriptures are clear that the existence of fear, self-doubt, and the like are rooted in sin. To ignore the promises of God is to deny His sovereignty and to declare our feelings above His truth (Phil 4:6-9). Please forgive any misunderstanding.
To think of self-doubts and fears as sin may be a difficult concept for some. The beauty of this perspective is God’s provision for healing. As we confess these feelings that are not from him, we empty ourselves to be filled by His Holy Spirit. We are reminded that His Spirit is not one of fear and self-doubt, but one of power, love, and discipline (2Tim 1:7). It is our sovereign Lord who has opened our hearts, but it is our job to empty out the junk that prevents His filling. This morning was just a taste of what He can do during any prayer time, individual or corporate. I look forward to sharing more “filling times” with all of you.
Pastor Robb
Matthew 12:34b “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” This verse was our key focus during care group. It was very obvious that this was relevant to everyone present. We encouraged each other with different ways to fill our hearts with the gospel so that when we speak the gospel will shine forth. Many ways to fight this battle were shared: staying in the Word, memorizing the Word, singing the Word and praying for strength when the difficult times come. It is our desire as a group to grow in the Image of Christ.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ESV
We joyfully announce the birth of Emma Rose Taylor to Ben and Amanda Taylor. She was rushed into the world Saturday Morning. Mom and baby are doing fine and are scheduled to appear at Care Group tonight. Come join us as we Care for one another!
Filed under: Prayer
Last Thursday, I had the wonderful opportunity to take part in a local prayer service that took place in a park in our small town for the National Day of Prayer. While contemplating my part, I was quickly reminded of the deceitfulness of my heart. At times during my preparation, the sinful fear of man replaced the holy fear of God. This did not last long and was quickly repented of, however, it struck me that this fear is the constant challenge of our lives. We need to recognize that our need for recognition can be a deep sin of pride. Let us look to the Holy Spirit ti illuminate our hearts and root these things out of our lives.
Walk with the King today and be a Blessing,
Eric
- When: Every Other Wednesday
- Where: The home of the Horners
- Time: 6:30 PM
Dinner will be provided
We look forward to seeing you then 
The Horner Care Group meets at the Horner’s home every other Wednesday
God has blessed us abundantly with Himself. It is my prayer that we will seek after Him continually. Charles Spurgeon is affectionately referred to as “the Prince of Preachers”. Read this devotion and you will understand why. Have a blessed day.
In His Grace,
Eric
Thursday, May 03, 2007
This Evening’s Meditation
C. H. Spurgeon
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“A very present help.”—Psalm 46:1.
COVENANT blessings are not meant to be looked at only, but to be appropriated. Even our Lord Jesus is given to us for our present use. Believer, thou dost not make use of Christ as thou oughtest to do. When thou art in trouble, why dost thou not tell Him all thy grief? Has He not a sympathizing heart, and can He not comfort and relieve thee? No, thou art going about to all thy friends, save thy best Friend, and telling thy tale everywhere except into the bosom of thy Lord. Art thou burdened with this day’s sins? Here is a fountain filled with blood: use it, saint, use it. Has a sense of guilt returned upon thee? The pardoning grace of Jesus may be proved again and again. Come to Him at once for cleansing. Dost thou deplore thy weakness? He is thy strength: why not lean upon Him? Dost thou feel naked? Come hither, soul; put on the robe of Jesus’ righteousness. Stand not looking at it, but wear it. Strip off thine own righteousness, and thine own fears too: put on the fair white linen, for it was meant to wear. Dost thou feel thyself sick? Pull the night-bell of prayer, and call up the Beloved Physician! He will give the cordial that will revive thee. Thou art poor, but then thou hast “a kinsman, a mighty man of wealth.” What! wilt thou not go to Him, and ask Him to give thee of His abundance, when He has given thee this promise, that thou shalt be joint heir with Him, and has made over all that He is and all that He has to be thine? There is nothing Christ dislikes more than for His people to make a show-thing of Him, and not to use Him. He loves to be employed by us. The more burdens we put on His shoulders, the more precious will He be to us.
“Let us be simple with Him, then,
Not backward, stiff, or cold,
As though our Bethlehem could be
What Sinai was of old.”
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