WATCHWORD:
21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:21-22
Meditation:
Hope and Encouragement
Billy Graham crusades are still on TBN and I fondly recall how those occasional broadcasts had fit with my own reborn faith, nearly fifty years ago. This morning the Lord ‘Loaded me up’ (pardon the expression) with His inspiration. His inspiration filtered through part Allen Jackson, part Steven Furtick, part Holy Bible and 100% my Lord. Some of it is reflected in these Watchwords, and some is applied to a bit of story writing I am doing.
Furtick was preaching that we are to go in the strength that we have for it is more than enough to accomplish what the Lord had placed on our hearts. That lead to a thought about Graham and the alter calls, with the song ‘Just as I am, without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me, and that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.’ Can’t you just hear that? Makes you want to sing along, doesn’t it? Don’t miss the meaning of the words, ‘Just as I am…’ filthy with sin, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about, with many a conflict, many a doubt
Fightings and fears within without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Then Allen Jackson stepped into my thoughts and prayers, speaking about the fact that we are in the midst of ‘Spiritual Warfare’ with legions of angels on our side fighting along with us, and giving us Hope and Encouragement. Jackson closed his message with a Proclamation of Faith drawn from God’s Word, and the Hope and Encouragement He gives to us. The Proclamation is offered as the Prayer of the Day. But first, let me break it down:
I put on the garment of praise and hope. Ephesians 6:10-17. Put on the armor of God.
I choose the joy of the Lord as my strength. Nehemiah 8:10. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
May my eyes be opened to the provision of God and my ears attentive to the sound of His deliverance. 1 Kings 18:46. Then the Lord gave special strength to Elijah.
Holy Spirit, help me; in You I find power and revelation. Romans 8:26. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.
God has restored my broken heart and set my feet on a path of victory. Psalm 34:18. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
I have hope for today and strength to complete the course You have chosen for me. Ephesians 1:18-20. I have strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.
Let the people of God arise triumphant, and may the name of Jesus be lifted up throughout the earth. John 3:14. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Just a Thought:
Think you are disabled, spiritually or physically? Think on this — Put ‘Go’ in front of ‘disable’ and what do you get? God-is-able. Yes, He certainly is able.
Proclamation of Faith – Pray This with Strength and Conviction:
I put on the garment of praise and hope. I choose the joy of the Lord as my strength. I lay aside the spirit of heaviness and raise my voice in praise of the Living God. May my eyes be opened to the provision of God and my ears attentive to the sound of His deliverance. Holy Spirit, help me; in You I find power and revelation. God has restored my broken heart and set my feet on a path of victory. I have hope for today and strength to complete the course You have chosen for me. Let the people of God arise triumphant, and may the name of Jesus be lifted up throughout the earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
