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Some Practical Tools To Help Us Strengthen Ourselves In The Lord
I Want To Talk About Strengthening Ourselves
I’m talking about strengthening ourselves in the Lord
We all get tired
We all get depleted
Fatigue has a way of narrowing our margins doesn’t it
You understand what I’m saying here
We all get tired - worn down - sometimes weary
So How Did Jesus Deal With This Part of His Humanity ?
He withdrew
He pulled away from the pull of the crowd
He even pulled away for a time from his disciples
And He went to be with the Father
An incredible example to us
1. Get Some Rest
A little sleep - a good meal - those will sometimes go a long way
2. Get Alone With The Lord
Sometimes it’s just good to get alone with the Lord
Sometimes it’s just good to be alone - quiet
Psalms 37:7 niv
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him
Psalms 46:10 niv Be still and know that I am God
Exodus 14:14 niv
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still
3. Get Into The Word
Hebrews 4:12 niv
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 niv
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ
4. Get Into Worship
5. Get Filled With Good Things
Philippians 4:8 niv
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
6. Get God’s Perspective / The Bigger Picture
Gen 50:20 nas
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.
7. Be Positive + Thankful
We sometimes have to work at being positive
Thankfulness keeps us sane and alive
8. Be Prayerful
Q. How do you pray when you’re having a hard time sorting things out ?
Jude 20 nas
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit
9. Guard Your Heart
Proverbs 4:23 nas
Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.
Everything flows from central parking
It all ends up there
10. Stay Away From Spooks And Weirdo’s
I say this in absolute Christian love
The last thing I need when I’m struggling to trim my sails is to be bumping against another vessel with no anchor
I’m convinced Job’s friends only prolonged the agony
Practical Tools To Help Us Strengthen Ourselves In The Lord
A Prayer by Governor John Langdon
Governor John Langdon made this official proclamation to the State:
"A Proclamation For A Day of Public FASTING and PRAYER Throughout this State [1786]:
"Vain is the acknowledgement of a Supreme Ruler of the Universe, unless such acknowledgements influence our practice, and call forth those expressions of homage and adoration that are due to his character and providential government, agreeably to the light of nature, enforced by revelation, and countenanced by the practice of civilized nations, in humble and fervent application to the throne for needed mercies, and gratitude for favors received.
"It having been the laudable practice of this State, at the opening of the Spring, to set apart a day for such denomination, to assemble together on said day, in their respective places of public worship; "that the citizens of this State may with one heart and voice, penitently confess their manifold sins and transgressions, and fervently implore the divine benediction, that a true spirit of repentance and humiliation may be poured out upon all orders and degrees of men, and a compeat and universal reformation take place: "that he who gave wisdom and fortitude in the scenes of battle, would give prudence and direction to extricate us from succeeding embarrassments, build up, support and establish this rising Empire; "particularly, that he would be pleased to bless the great Council of the United States of America, and direct their deliberations to the wise and best determinations, succeed our embassies at foreign Courts, bless our Allies, and national Benefactors:
"that he would always be pleased, to keep this State under his most holy protection: that all in the legislature, executive and judicial departments, may be guided and supported by wisdom, integrity and firmness, that all the people through this State, and through the land, may be animated by a true estimation of their privileges, and taught to secure, by their patriotism and virtue, what they have acquired by their valour:
"that a spirit of emulation, industry, economy and frugality, may be diffused abroad, and that we may all be disposed to lead quiet and peaceable lives, in all godliness and honesty: "that he would be graciously pleased to bless us in the seasons of the year, and cause the earth to yield her increase, prosper our husbandry, merchandise, navigation and fishery, and all the labour of our hands, and give us to hear the voice of health in our habitations, and enjoy plenty of our borders: "that unanimity, peace and harmony, may be promoted and continue, and a spirit of universal philanthropy pervade the land: that he would be pleased to smile upon the means of education, and bless every institution of useful knowledge; "and above all, that he would rain down righteousness upon the earth, revive religion, and spread abroad the knowledge of the true GOD, the Saviour of man, throughout the world. "And all servile labour and recreations are forbidden on said day.
"GIVEN at the Council-Chamber in Portsmouth, this twenty-first day of February, in the year of our LORD, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six, and in the tenth year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America."