Two Great Needs

I confess I am dry and needy of grace and a deeper reality of the Lord in my life, and these 2 subjects I ran across today in looking at some good blogs:

Two great needs for Christians:

1. The Power of the Holy Spirit in our lives and ministry - Acts 1:6-8; Galatians 5:13-26; Ephesians 5:18; Acts 4:31. I don't know if Paul Washer used these passages in his sermon, but these are ones that hit me with conviction. Paul Washer exhorts us to cry out in fervent prayer and dependence on God and spend time with God in His word for His power to work in our lives and ministry. This is not something charismatic or goofy or emotional. Reformed folks - we believe this and need Him.

2. Realizing that when we cry out in prayer shaped by the Word, for this power and reality, the way God works it in us is usually by pain and trials. (hence the hymn below, "I asked the Lord", words by John Newton) (James 1:2-5; Romans 5:3-5; I Peter 1:6-7)

HT: defending, contending

http://defendingcontending.com/2011/09/28/crying-out-for-the-power-of-the-holy-spirit/

I had read this Hymn before by John Newton (author of Amazing Grace), I cannot remember where, but I saw it again at the Reformation 21 blog today.

http://www.reformation21.org/blog/2011/09/a-hymn-that-would-not-be-writt.php

I Asked The Lord

1. I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith and love and every grace
Might more of His salvation know
And seek more earnestly His face

2. Twas He who taught me thus to pray
And He I trust has answered prayer
But it has been in such a way
As almost drove me to despair

3. I hoped that in some favored hour
At once He'd answer my request
And by His love's constraining power
Subdue my sins and give me rest

4. Instead of this He made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart
And let the angry powers of Hell
Assault my soul in every part

5. Yea more with His own hand He seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Cast out my feelings, laid me low

6. Lord why is this, I trembling cried
Wilt Thou pursue thy worm to death?
"Tis in this way" The Lord replied
"I answer prayer for grace and faith"

7. "These inward trials I employ
From self and pride to set thee free
And break thy schemes of earthly joy
That thou mayest seek thy all in me,
That thou mayest seek thy all in me."

©2004 double v music (ASCAP).
Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The song is found at Indelible Grace Music. words by John Newton, music by Laura Taylor
http://www.igracemusic.com/hymnbook/hymns/i11.html