January 26, 2012
January 9, 2012
Questions to ask
Last Sunday we worked through Nehemiah 8. Near the end of the sermon, I challenged everyone to ask the following questions to at least one person during the week. Here they are, so ask away.
1. What are you reading this week?
2. What is it teaching you about God?
3. How have your eyes been fixed on Jesus and the gospel?
4. How are you moving toward obedience because of it?
January 2, 2012
Why New Year's Resolutions Don't Work
1. Not all resolutions are good
2. Just do it...
3. Grace actually works
4. God gives grace to change
READ the article HERE!
December 30, 2011
Read your BIBLE!
In just a few short days we will be in a new year. Many of you will resolve to be more disciplined in many areas of life. One of the disciplines many of you may try to begin is more thorough Scripture reading. This is a good and God-honoring desire. Below are a few suggestions of plans you may want to try this year.
1. If you are a part of The Town Church and have an account on The City - you may choose to read through the bible reading plan in the "Read the Bible" section of the "GROWTH" tab on the left hand side of the page. This plan will take you through four different sections of the bible each day with the goal of reading the entire bible in 2012. If you choose this plan, you will be reading at the same pace and schedule as others who choose this plan.
2. Read through a book of the Bible in its entirety (repeat 20 times). To see this challenging plan READ HERE.
3. YouVersion.com has several Bible reading plans available for synced reading on all your devices. Find a plan for you HERE.
As we read through Scripture we must remember that God's Word is primarily about God. These Bible reading plans are not about us. They are not about what we can accomplish. These plans are simply tools to point us to our Savior.
What is your plan for Scripture reading in 2012? If you have one, share it in the comments section below. Let's encourage and challenge one another to know God in His Word in 2012.
1. If you are a part of The Town Church and have an account on The City - you may choose to read through the bible reading plan in the "Read the Bible" section of the "GROWTH" tab on the left hand side of the page. This plan will take you through four different sections of the bible each day with the goal of reading the entire bible in 2012. If you choose this plan, you will be reading at the same pace and schedule as others who choose this plan.
2. Read through a book of the Bible in its entirety (repeat 20 times). To see this challenging plan READ HERE.
3. YouVersion.com has several Bible reading plans available for synced reading on all your devices. Find a plan for you HERE.
As we read through Scripture we must remember that God's Word is primarily about God. These Bible reading plans are not about us. They are not about what we can accomplish. These plans are simply tools to point us to our Savior.
What is your plan for Scripture reading in 2012? If you have one, share it in the comments section below. Let's encourage and challenge one another to know God in His Word in 2012.
December 29, 2011
Repent & Believe (12.29.11)
Prayer on Psalm 73
Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked…Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth I desire besides you. My flesh & my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:1-3, 23-26
Father God, how I resonate with the cry of the Psalmist early in this chapter – how easily, how unconsciously I envy those around me! And the specifics are even more condemning as I daily demand in prayer that you provide me with security, financial comfort, health, & the removal of troubles from my life or relationships. Dear God – I am praying for You to give me the life of a wicked, arrogant man!
Thank you God that you are not fooled by the many ways that I cloak these requests in quasi-spiritual rhetoric. My unbelief in Your providence is disguised in an American ethic of ‘hard work’ or ‘financial stewardship’. My commitment to athletics is make paramount because I am modeling good disciplines for my children and watching my health. Eliminating troublesome situations or relationships is often justified as some form of ‘Christian discernment’. I have made idols of so many of the GOOD things that You provide. And I cannot help but believe that I am not the only one who does this.
Abba, I pray that you would show me the many ways that I, like the Psalmist, actually pray that you would give me the life of an independent – one who does not know God, one who wants stuff, but not the Father.
But God, You treat me like a Son.
I am reminded afresh of the beauty of Christ & the power of Your Gospel. You sent Jesus to suffer at the hands of the wicked so that I might live forever as one of your sons with whom you are well pleased. Because of Christ, you guide, rebuke, delight in, & care for me. I pray God that you would chase those idols away that would tempt me towards unbelief & self-dependence or that would cause me to depend on anything other than the finished work of your Son.
Amen
Written by Nate Hines
Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked…Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth I desire besides you. My flesh & my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:1-3, 23-26
Father God, how I resonate with the cry of the Psalmist early in this chapter – how easily, how unconsciously I envy those around me! And the specifics are even more condemning as I daily demand in prayer that you provide me with security, financial comfort, health, & the removal of troubles from my life or relationships. Dear God – I am praying for You to give me the life of a wicked, arrogant man!
Thank you God that you are not fooled by the many ways that I cloak these requests in quasi-spiritual rhetoric. My unbelief in Your providence is disguised in an American ethic of ‘hard work’ or ‘financial stewardship’. My commitment to athletics is make paramount because I am modeling good disciplines for my children and watching my health. Eliminating troublesome situations or relationships is often justified as some form of ‘Christian discernment’. I have made idols of so many of the GOOD things that You provide. And I cannot help but believe that I am not the only one who does this.
Abba, I pray that you would show me the many ways that I, like the Psalmist, actually pray that you would give me the life of an independent – one who does not know God, one who wants stuff, but not the Father.
But God, You treat me like a Son.
I am reminded afresh of the beauty of Christ & the power of Your Gospel. You sent Jesus to suffer at the hands of the wicked so that I might live forever as one of your sons with whom you are well pleased. Because of Christ, you guide, rebuke, delight in, & care for me. I pray God that you would chase those idols away that would tempt me towards unbelief & self-dependence or that would cause me to depend on anything other than the finished work of your Son.
Amen
Written by Nate Hines
December 21, 2011
Bad Art (Video)
Have you ever wondered why there is so much bad "christian" art? This 10 minute video featuring Greg Thornbury, Scotty Smith and Mike Cosper, may help you understand. Watch, listen, learn and be enthralled by Thornbury's bow tie.
December 15, 2011
This Sunday
This Sunday we will be taking a break from Nehemiah to focus our attention on the One who was sent to save - Immanuel. In preparation for this Sunday, read John 3:16-21. Why did Jesus come?
Repent & Believe (12.15.11)
'But they and our fathers acted presumptuously and stiffened their neck and did not obey your commandments. They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them. Even when they had made for themselves a golden calf and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and had committed great blasphemies, you in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud to lead them in the way did not depart from them by day, nor the pillar of fire by night to light for them the way by which they should go. You gave your good Spirit to instruct them and did not withhold your manna from their mouth and gave them water for their thirst. Forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing.' - Nehemiah 9:16-21
Dear Father, as I read through this stark retelling in Nehemiah 9 of the pursuit of Your people, I am struck afresh with the contrast between our continual betrayal and Your awesome, never-ending love. From the first verse of Genesis You show yourself to be a God of unmatched power and grace, who preserves and upholds all of creation. Rightly, the host of heaven worships You.
Also in this chapter, I am cut deeply by the conviction that I am exactly like Your people who for centuries You have pursued and rescued. So often I forget and move away from You to pursue my own selfish agenda - to make myself the small god of my paltry kingdom. Just like Your people of old, I imagine that my duty-bound, joyless religious life is somehow pleasing to You. Really I have elevated my own comfort, my personal right-ness, my independence above total reliance on Your Son.
But You are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, and You reveal the tenderness that You have for Your people in this passage. I see it most clearly in the number of times it says, ' But God....' In contrast to my actions, and the historic actions of Your people, You display again and again and again Your power unto salvation. Father, in Your Son You came to earth for us, to live with us, suffer, bleed, die, and be raised again. You have sent Your Spirit to guide, teach, reprove, protect, and comfort us. From the beginning of creation You have upheld Your covenant to pursue, sanctify, and redeem Your people.
God as we enter the Christmas season, I pray You would continue to reveal the multitude of golden calves that I have stored up - my agenda items for perfect health, great fitness, a profitable business, a well ordered family, a 'spiritual' reputation at church. May Your Spirit drive me to ever deepening repentance and dependence on Christ Jesus. Amen
Written by Nate Hines
Dear Father, as I read through this stark retelling in Nehemiah 9 of the pursuit of Your people, I am struck afresh with the contrast between our continual betrayal and Your awesome, never-ending love. From the first verse of Genesis You show yourself to be a God of unmatched power and grace, who preserves and upholds all of creation. Rightly, the host of heaven worships You.
Also in this chapter, I am cut deeply by the conviction that I am exactly like Your people who for centuries You have pursued and rescued. So often I forget and move away from You to pursue my own selfish agenda - to make myself the small god of my paltry kingdom. Just like Your people of old, I imagine that my duty-bound, joyless religious life is somehow pleasing to You. Really I have elevated my own comfort, my personal right-ness, my independence above total reliance on Your Son.
But You are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, and You reveal the tenderness that You have for Your people in this passage. I see it most clearly in the number of times it says, ' But God....' In contrast to my actions, and the historic actions of Your people, You display again and again and again Your power unto salvation. Father, in Your Son You came to earth for us, to live with us, suffer, bleed, die, and be raised again. You have sent Your Spirit to guide, teach, reprove, protect, and comfort us. From the beginning of creation You have upheld Your covenant to pursue, sanctify, and redeem Your people.
God as we enter the Christmas season, I pray You would continue to reveal the multitude of golden calves that I have stored up - my agenda items for perfect health, great fitness, a profitable business, a well ordered family, a 'spiritual' reputation at church. May Your Spirit drive me to ever deepening repentance and dependence on Christ Jesus. Amen
Written by Nate Hines
December 14, 2011
Repent & Believe
In the gospel account of Mark, Jesus says, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe the gospel. Hundreds of years later, in 1517, Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. The first of these ninety-five states: When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said “Repent,” he intended that the entire life of believers should be repentance. We believe these words are not out-dated. They were relevant then and they are relevant now. Repentance and belief are part of the daily Christian life.
Over the next several weeks, we will be posting short reflections and prayers from our elders and elder candidates - pointing us all to a life of repentance and belief.
Please check back soon to read the first installment by Nate Hines.
Over the next several weeks, we will be posting short reflections and prayers from our elders and elder candidates - pointing us all to a life of repentance and belief.
Please check back soon to read the first installment by Nate Hines.
November 27, 2011
Advent for you and yours
As a church we want to provide resources that point our attention and affection toward our Savior. Below are two resources that may be of help for you during this holiday season.
DAILY ADVENT READING: This is a daily plan to read through four portions of Scripture leading up to Christmas day. There is one reading from a psalm, one from a prophet, one from a gospel account and one from an epistle. Download the file here.
DAILY ADVENT DEVOTIONAL FOR FAMILIES: This is a daily devotion for families. There are activities associated with several days, so you may want to plan ahead. This devotional uses the Advent Wreath with candles. Each day has a very short reading from Scripture. Download the file here.
DAILY ADVENT READING: This is a daily plan to read through four portions of Scripture leading up to Christmas day. There is one reading from a psalm, one from a prophet, one from a gospel account and one from an epistle. Download the file here.
DAILY ADVENT DEVOTIONAL FOR FAMILIES: This is a daily devotion for families. There are activities associated with several days, so you may want to plan ahead. This devotional uses the Advent Wreath with candles. Each day has a very short reading from Scripture. Download the file here.
November 22, 2011
Inspecting the walls
Last week we looked at Nehemiah 2. In that chapter we learn that Nehemiah assesses the damage of the city. As we apply this, we are learning that we also need to know about the brokenness of our own surroundings so that we can move toward the brokenness with the hope of the gospel. We will not learn of the hopelessness of our surroundings by sitting on our couches. We learn these things when we do the difficult (enjoyable) work of inspecting our surroundings. If we are praying for opportunities, we also need to be acting out on our prayers. Prayer is not an excuse for inactivity.
Some of you may be at a loss of what to do to carefully inspect your surroundings. Let's start by getting to know our neighborhoods. Let's start by simply getting to know our neighbors. You may be asking, "how am I supposed to get to know my neighbors?" That's a great question. Below is a list of 100 ideas to get your mind turning. Read through the list. Print out the list. Pray through the list - asking God to show you how to put action to your prayers.
Neighbors – Your Immediate Neighborhood
1. Stay outside in the front yard longer while watering the yard
2. Walk your dog regularly around the same time in your neighborhood
3. Sit on the front porch and letting kids play in the front yard
4. Pass out baked goods (fresh bread, cookies, brownies, etc.)
5. Invite neighbors over for dinner
6. Attend and participate in HOA functions
7. Attend the parties invited to by neighbors
8. Do a food drive or coat drive in winter and get neighbors involved
9. Host a music share party in your home (everyone brings 5 favorite songs and discusses)
10. Offer to mow someone’s yard who needs it on your street
11. Have a garage sale
12. Organize a tasting tour on your street (everyone sets up food and table on front porch)
13. Cook Out with gate open, or even in the front yard and let neighbors know they are welcome to join. 14. Have a game night (yard games outside, or board games inside)
15. Art swap night - bring out what you’re tired of and trade with neighbors
16. Grow a garden and give out extra produce to neighbors
17. Have an Easter egg hunt on your block and invite neighbors use their front yards
18. Start a weekly open meal night in your home
19. Do a summer BBQ every Friday night and invite others to contribute
20. Create a block/ street email and phone contact list for safety
21. Invite your neighbors to serve along with you for a local cause in your community
22. Organize a backyard movie night for kids on your block
23. Prayer walk and talk to people you come across
24. Jog outside instead of on the treadmill
25. Pull their trash back in when you notice its out
26. Cook an extra casserole and give it to a neighbor
27. Buy an extra dozen donuts and give them to a neighbor
28. Start a compost pile and allow neighbors to dump their compost and take
29. Host a sports game watching party
30. Host a coffee and dessert night
31. Organize and host a ladies craft night
32. Organize an effort for neighbors to help take care of elderly in neighborhood
33. Become a regular at your neighborhood pool/park
34. If you have a skill, let neighbors know that you can use it to help them for free
35. Host a movie night and discussion afterwards
36. Start a walking/running group in the neighborhood
37. Start hosting a play date weekly for other stay at home parents
38. Organize a carpool for your neighborhood to help save gas
39. Collect good will store items and offer to take them to goodwill
40. Have a front yard ice cream party in the summer
41. Start a sowing group
42. Go Christmas caroling in your neighborhood (invite neighbors in on it)
43. Throw a July 4th block party
44. Start a neighborhood Facebook/Twitter/Google + group
45. Ask longtime residents to help you learn about the neighborhood
46. Offer to babysit neighbors kids so they can have a date night
47. Find out your neighbors birthdays and take them a card and baked goods on it
48. Setup a meet your neighbors night with drinks in your driveway/front yard
49. Ask your HOA or apartment complex if they need help with anything
50. Host a regular Saturday morning breakfast potluck
Extended Neighborhood – The Regular Spots In Your City
51. Frequent a local gym or recreation center
52. Find a park that you consistently spend time with your community at
53. Pick a few restaurants to frequent getting to know the staff and regulars there
54. Go to the same coffee shop when you can
55. Start a regular ultimate Frisbee game in your city
56. Take the kids to story time at your local library
57. Let your kids play in the city sports leagues
58. Attend your city council meetings and get to know what’s going on in your city
59. Attend your local school board meetings to know what is going on in the schools
60. Participate in the local festivals, parades and celebrations of your city
61. Invite a neighbor to a local sporting event
62. Start a guys night at your local pub/eatery
63. Get involved in your kids school PTA
64. Connect with other home school kids through local coop events
65. Be a part of your local genealogical society
66. Tip generously at your regular restaurant spots
67. Participate in local film viewings and discussions
68. Attend your local High Schools sporting events
69. Coach a local little league sports team
70. Offer to teach free computer training sessions at your local library/public venue
71. Start a Study Group at a local place that needs business
72. Be a regular with your kids at the same playscape/restaurant during the day
73. Ask your local college how you can help serve international students
74. Get involved with your local lions or rotary club to learn about the community.
75. Find a local tweetup group to meet with regularly
76. Frequent a live music night at your local coffee shop or bar
77. Make a routine of taking the family to a evening recreation spot (pool, jump zone, etc.)
78. Find a local philosophy/theology discussion group and become a regular participant
79. Find a baking meet up group and be a part of their activities
80. Go to the same hair stylist/barber and get to know them
81. Find your local bank representative and get to know them
82. Be a regular at your local farmers market
This list was taken from Josh Reeves and may be read in its entirety HERE.
Some of you may be at a loss of what to do to carefully inspect your surroundings. Let's start by getting to know our neighborhoods. Let's start by simply getting to know our neighbors. You may be asking, "how am I supposed to get to know my neighbors?" That's a great question. Below is a list of 100 ideas to get your mind turning. Read through the list. Print out the list. Pray through the list - asking God to show you how to put action to your prayers.
Neighbors – Your Immediate Neighborhood
1. Stay outside in the front yard longer while watering the yard
2. Walk your dog regularly around the same time in your neighborhood
3. Sit on the front porch and letting kids play in the front yard
4. Pass out baked goods (fresh bread, cookies, brownies, etc.)
5. Invite neighbors over for dinner
6. Attend and participate in HOA functions
7. Attend the parties invited to by neighbors
8. Do a food drive or coat drive in winter and get neighbors involved
9. Host a music share party in your home (everyone brings 5 favorite songs and discusses)
10. Offer to mow someone’s yard who needs it on your street
11. Have a garage sale
12. Organize a tasting tour on your street (everyone sets up food and table on front porch)
13. Cook Out with gate open, or even in the front yard and let neighbors know they are welcome to join. 14. Have a game night (yard games outside, or board games inside)
15. Art swap night - bring out what you’re tired of and trade with neighbors
16. Grow a garden and give out extra produce to neighbors
17. Have an Easter egg hunt on your block and invite neighbors use their front yards
18. Start a weekly open meal night in your home
19. Do a summer BBQ every Friday night and invite others to contribute
20. Create a block/ street email and phone contact list for safety
21. Invite your neighbors to serve along with you for a local cause in your community
22. Organize a backyard movie night for kids on your block
23. Prayer walk and talk to people you come across
24. Jog outside instead of on the treadmill
25. Pull their trash back in when you notice its out
26. Cook an extra casserole and give it to a neighbor
27. Buy an extra dozen donuts and give them to a neighbor
28. Start a compost pile and allow neighbors to dump their compost and take
29. Host a sports game watching party
30. Host a coffee and dessert night
31. Organize and host a ladies craft night
32. Organize an effort for neighbors to help take care of elderly in neighborhood
33. Become a regular at your neighborhood pool/park
34. If you have a skill, let neighbors know that you can use it to help them for free
35. Host a movie night and discussion afterwards
36. Start a walking/running group in the neighborhood
37. Start hosting a play date weekly for other stay at home parents
38. Organize a carpool for your neighborhood to help save gas
39. Collect good will store items and offer to take them to goodwill
40. Have a front yard ice cream party in the summer
41. Start a sowing group
42. Go Christmas caroling in your neighborhood (invite neighbors in on it)
43. Throw a July 4th block party
44. Start a neighborhood Facebook/Twitter/Google + group
45. Ask longtime residents to help you learn about the neighborhood
46. Offer to babysit neighbors kids so they can have a date night
47. Find out your neighbors birthdays and take them a card and baked goods on it
48. Setup a meet your neighbors night with drinks in your driveway/front yard
49. Ask your HOA or apartment complex if they need help with anything
50. Host a regular Saturday morning breakfast potluck
Extended Neighborhood – The Regular Spots In Your City
51. Frequent a local gym or recreation center
52. Find a park that you consistently spend time with your community at
53. Pick a few restaurants to frequent getting to know the staff and regulars there
54. Go to the same coffee shop when you can
55. Start a regular ultimate Frisbee game in your city
56. Take the kids to story time at your local library
57. Let your kids play in the city sports leagues
58. Attend your city council meetings and get to know what’s going on in your city
59. Attend your local school board meetings to know what is going on in the schools
60. Participate in the local festivals, parades and celebrations of your city
61. Invite a neighbor to a local sporting event
62. Start a guys night at your local pub/eatery
63. Get involved in your kids school PTA
64. Connect with other home school kids through local coop events
65. Be a part of your local genealogical society
66. Tip generously at your regular restaurant spots
67. Participate in local film viewings and discussions
68. Attend your local High Schools sporting events
69. Coach a local little league sports team
70. Offer to teach free computer training sessions at your local library/public venue
71. Start a Study Group at a local place that needs business
72. Be a regular with your kids at the same playscape/restaurant during the day
73. Ask your local college how you can help serve international students
74. Get involved with your local lions or rotary club to learn about the community.
75. Find a local tweetup group to meet with regularly
76. Frequent a live music night at your local coffee shop or bar
77. Make a routine of taking the family to a evening recreation spot (pool, jump zone, etc.)
78. Find a local philosophy/theology discussion group and become a regular participant
79. Find a baking meet up group and be a part of their activities
80. Go to the same hair stylist/barber and get to know them
81. Find your local bank representative and get to know them
82. Be a regular at your local farmers market
83. Take a regular stroll at your local park
84. Take your dog to the dog park in your city
85. Start a local art collective blog and organize around different themes
86. Have gospel discussions in public places where others can listen in
87. Check your areas craigslist for community service needs
88. Ask a local restaurant owner how you could bless their employees
89. Frequent the same gas station and make an effort to get to know the workers there
90. Watch sporting events at the same local sports bar/restaurant in your city
91. When you can, support local businesses and get to know the people in that business.
92. Visit your cities visitors center to learn about the it’s history
93. Start a storytelling group at your local coffee shop
94. Organize a kids fun day at your city park
95. Offer free computer/technology help for elderly citizens in your area
96. Start a bike repair coop
97. Cook out at your local park and invite the people there to eat with you
98. Start a sowing class at your local community center
99. Organize a coworking time at your local coffee shop for people who work at home
100. Join a city softball, soccer, football, basketball league. This list was taken from Josh Reeves and may be read in its entirety HERE.
November 14, 2011
Example
As we work through Nehemiah as a church in combination with our discussions about the purpose of our Townships, we thought this video would be helpful as an example for us. It is 14 minutes but well worth the time to see how others are carrying out a very similar vision.
Songs we sing
Our vision as a church is to see the gospel transform everything. On Sunday afternoon when we gather, our desire is to sing songs that point to the transformative power of the gospel of Jesus. Yesterday we sang a song originally written by Isaac Watts. The updated melody was written by Jamie Barnes. Below are the lyrics to this song.
ABSENT FROM FLESH
Absent from flesh, O blissful thought
What joy this moment brings
Freed from the blame my sin has brought,
From pain and death and its sting.
Absent from flesh, O Glorious day!
In one triumphant stroke
My reckoning paid, my charges dropped
ABSENT FROM FLESH
Absent from flesh, O blissful thought
What joy this moment brings
Freed from the blame my sin has brought,
From pain and death and its sting.
Absent from flesh, O Glorious day!
In one triumphant stroke
My reckoning paid, my charges dropped
and the bonds 'round my hands are broke.
Absent from flesh! then rise,my soul,
If you are interested in listening to more of the album from which this song was taken CLICK HERE. You may also purchase the album at the same link.
Absent from flesh! then rise,my soul,
Where feet nor wings could climb,
Beyond the sky, where planets roll,
And beyond all keep of time.
CHORUS:
I go where God and glory shine,
To one eternal day
This failing body I now resign,
For the angels point my way.
For the angels point my way.
I go where God and glory shine,
To one eternal day
This failing body I now resign,
For the angels point my way.
For the angels point my way.
If you are interested in listening to more of the album from which this song was taken CLICK HERE. You may also purchase the album at the same link.
October 16, 2011
Puritan Prayers
Resting on God
O God, most high, most glorious,
the thought of Thine infinite serenity cheers me,
for I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed,
but Thou art for ever at perfect peace.
Thy designs cause thee no fear or care of unfulfilment,
they stand fast as the eternal hills.
Thy power knows no bond, Thy goodness no stint.
Thou bringest order out of confusion,
and my defeats are Thy victories:
The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
I come to Thee as a sinner with cares and sorrows,
to leave every concern entirely to Thee,
every sin calling for Christ's precious blood;
revive deep spirituality in my heart;
let me live near to the great Shepherd,
hear His voice, know its tones, follow its calls.
Keep me from deception by causing me to abide in the truth,
from harm by helping me to walk in the power of the Spirit.
Give me intenser faith in the eternal verities,
burning into me by experience the things I know;
Let me never be ashamed of the truth of the gospel,
that I may bear its reproach, vindicate it,
see Jesus as its essence, know in it the power of the Spirit.
Lord, help me, for I am often lukewarm and chill;
unbelief mars my confidence, sin makes me forget Thee.
Let the weeds that grow in my soul be cut at their roots;
grant me to know that I truly live only when I live to Thee,
that all else is trifling.
Thy presence alone can make me holy, devout, strong and happy.
Abide in me, gracious God.
This was taken from The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions. If you don't own a copy - you should.
O God, most high, most glorious,
the thought of Thine infinite serenity cheers me,
for I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed,
but Thou art for ever at perfect peace.
Thy designs cause thee no fear or care of unfulfilment,
they stand fast as the eternal hills.
Thy power knows no bond, Thy goodness no stint.
Thou bringest order out of confusion,
and my defeats are Thy victories:
The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
I come to Thee as a sinner with cares and sorrows,
to leave every concern entirely to Thee,
every sin calling for Christ's precious blood;
revive deep spirituality in my heart;
let me live near to the great Shepherd,
hear His voice, know its tones, follow its calls.
Keep me from deception by causing me to abide in the truth,
from harm by helping me to walk in the power of the Spirit.
Give me intenser faith in the eternal verities,
burning into me by experience the things I know;
Let me never be ashamed of the truth of the gospel,
that I may bear its reproach, vindicate it,
see Jesus as its essence, know in it the power of the Spirit.
Lord, help me, for I am often lukewarm and chill;
unbelief mars my confidence, sin makes me forget Thee.
Let the weeds that grow in my soul be cut at their roots;
grant me to know that I truly live only when I live to Thee,
that all else is trifling.
Thy presence alone can make me holy, devout, strong and happy.
Abide in me, gracious God.
This was taken from The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions. If you don't own a copy - you should.
October 11, 2011
4 Ways to Pray the Gospel
J.D. Greear wrote an article at TheResurgence.com about praying the gospel over yourself. This would be a good set of prayers to put into practice on a daily basis.
1. “In Christ, there is nothing I could do that would make you love me more, and nothing I have done that makes you love me less.”
Pray about this “gift righteousness” of the gospel (2 Cor. 5:21) and go to war against the incipient works-righteousness hardwired into our hearts.
2. “Your presence and approval are all I need today for everlasting joy.”
Pray about this value of God’s presence in our lives. It’s one thing to know that Jesus is your possession; it’s another for that approval to have such weightiness in our hearts that our captivity to other idols is snapped.
3. “As you have been to me, so I will be to others.”
Pray about and consider the extravagant generosity of God toward us. His generosity toward us leads us to radical generosity toward others.
4. “As I pray, I’ll measure your compassion by the cross and your power by the resurrection.”
Pray that God would help you view the world through the lens of the gospel. Seeing the compassion and power of God revealed in the gospel produces bold, audacious faith in our hearts.
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