A Life of Service

Meditations on

Staying In the Grace for Today

October 2, 2025 

A Life of Service

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

Romans 12:4-5

Last evening, as we concluded our Wednesday service of Holy Communion, our congregational prayer affirmed we have been incorporated into the body of Christ which is the blessed company of all faithful people. Being in the family of God takes many forms. From worship and participation in the sacrament, we adjourned for fellowship and shared an evening meal. This was followed by our Bible study. These family of God dynamics didn’t just happen. The sanctuary was prepared for us, and the altar table was set for The Lord’s Supper. The tables in the hall were set, and the food had been prepared. The Bible lesson had been prepared, and the students were ready to learn and to participate in discussion. Many parts. One body. And because we all belong to each other, every person in attendance had a role to play.

One of the most important mile markers in our journey with Christ is the day we recognize we have a role to play in God’s kingdom, and we proactively embrace our calling. Our calling varies from setting to setting. Sometimes we are called to lead the study, or maybe even cook the meal. Last night my call was simpler: I picked up the salt and pepper shakers from the tables at the conclusion of our meeting. Belonging to one another is our primary calling.

My Takeaway: A few weeks ago, Cheryl and I were first time visitors to a church in a different city. The service was different than what we experienced week to week in our home church. Even so, we have been incorporated into the body of Christ, which is the blessed company of all faithful people, therefore we belong to each other, even to the strangers whom we joined in worship. 

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

A Daily Blessing

Meditations on

Staying In the Grace for Today 

October 1, 2025

A Daily Blessing

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources

he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.

Ephesians 3:16 

As we seek to make our life in Christ our way of life, as we seek to stay in God’s grace for each day, this blessing above from the Apostle Paul is certainly a great way to start each day!

The family structure of biblical times proactively sought God’s blessings as well as parental blessings. The family structure in the 20^th and 21^st centuries evolved into a more individualistic culture where seeking such blessings is not nearly as prevalent. It doesn’t need to remain this way. Just as Joshua calls us to choose this day whom we will serve, we can also choose this day to seek God’s blessing, and in our families being more proactive to giving our blessings.

In my life, I have found this Collect for Grace an excellent prayer to begin each day:

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

My Takeaway: We can also make Paul’s blessing our prayer: “Gracious Father, I pray that from your glorious, unlimited resources you will empower me with inner strength through your Spirit to remain faithful to your calling throughout this day.”

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Trust His Heart

Meditations on

Staying In the Grace for Today 

September 30, 2025

Trust His Heart

Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’

It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me.

Job 42:1-3 

Typically, we find it easier to thank God when He does what we want, but more difficult when He does not. Ask the authors who wrote books with titles like, Disappointment with God, Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People. Or ask Job. He had a good life, a prosperous farm, and a happy family. Then he lost it all, including his own health. He had questions, many of them, that he addressed to God. But instead of answering Job’s questions, God had His own questions He asked Job. Ultimately, Job found his satisfaction in God. What did he learn?

Joseph, the engaged to be husband of Mary, surely had questions when he learned of Mary’s pregnancy. But, instead of seeking those answers, Jospeh patterned his life on the lesson learned by Job: When you cannot see God’s hand, trust His heart. And Jesus patterned this theme for us to follow. When he was in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, ““Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me.” Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Luke 22:42) Jesus accepted God’s will to be done in his life, because Jesus trusted God’s heart.

Cynthia Clawson has a beautiful song with this theme, and I’ve included part of it below. You will be blessed if you look it up on YouTube or your music app.

My Takeaway:

God is too wise to be mistaken

God is too good to be unkind

So when you don't understand

When don't see his plan

When you can't trace his hand

Trust His Heart

Trust His Heart lyrics © Dayspring Music,

May Sun Publishing, Causing Change Music,

Word Music, Llc, Dayspring Music, Llc,

Curb Dayspring Music, Curb Word Music

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

Arise From Your Life in Christ

Meditations on

Staying In the Grace for Today 

September 29, 2025

Arise From Your Life in Christ

“Let your bearing for one another arise out of your life in Christ Jesus”

(Philippians 2:5, The New English Bible, 1961)

Soon after Charlie Kirk was martyred for Christ on September 10, Catholic Bishop Robert Barron wrote this:

“I first met Charlie Kirk about four years ago when I was in Phoenix for a speaking engagement. He reached out and invited me to breakfast. I was deeply impressed by him that day. He was a man of great intelligence, considerable charm, and real goodness of heart. 

 

I reconnected with him just last year, after I saw him debate twenty-five young people who were, to put it mildly, hostile to his views. I texted him that I was so struck by how he kept his cool and his charitable attitude in the face of some pretty obnoxious opposition. I then asked him to appear as a guest on my interview program, “Bishop Barron Presents,” and he eagerly accepted my invitation. He was scheduled to come to Rochester, Minnesota in about ten days. The last contact we had was two nights ago. After I appeared on one of the evening news shows to talk about the Religious Liberty Commission, he texted me and told me how much he appreciated what I said and then added, “I’m excited to join you on your show soon. God bless you.” 

 

That last sentence shows what was most important to Charlie. He was indeed a great debater and also one of the best advocates in our country for civil discourse, but he was, first and last, a passionate Christian. In fact, when we had that breakfast in Phoenix, we didn’t talk much about politics. We talked about theology, in which he had a deep interest, and about Christ. I know I’m joining millions of people around the world in praying that he rests now in the peace of the Lord.”

Charlie was most certainly passionate about conservative political issues, and this has caused some to conflate his political advocacy with his Christian beliefs and dismiss him as controversial. But as Bishop Barron noted above, Charlie was truly seeking to make the life in Christ his way of life.

My Takeaway: Charlie Kirk loved God, loved his family, and loved our country. He took seriously the Biblical imperative; “let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” (Psalm 107) May this imperative guide me as I seek to stay in God’s grace for today. Will you join me?

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Radical Reconstruction

Meditations on

Staying In the Grace for Today 

September 26, 2025

Radical Reconstruction

Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.

Matthew 5:12a 

Jesus’ promise above is in the epilogue to The Beatitudes, the beginning of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5-6-7) The beatitudes point to the work of God to form Christ in the followers of Jesus. Work insufficiently describes what God is doing in our lives. We are receiving, at the hand of God, a total radical reconstruction. Consider the movement of the beatitudes:

We are poor in spirit. We can’t save ourselves, no matter how hard we try. 

We mourn – we repent of our self-sufficiency. 

We are meek – we surrender control to God. 

We hunger and thirst. We are so grateful for God’s presence in our lives, we want more of Him.

We are merciful. The closer we get to God the more we forgive others.

We are pure in heart – we change our outlook by asking God to change our             heart.           

We become peacemakers – we love others, we plant seeds of peace.

We are persecuted – we endure injustice.

This is no casual change; this is radical reconstruction as foretold by the Apostle Paul:

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

My Takeaway: Is my expectation of what God wants for my life, the same as God’s plan for total reconstruction of my life? Is yours? (Max Lucado’s book, The Applause of Heaven, is an excellent study of the beatitudes.)

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

Relentless Tenderness of Jesus

Meditations on

Staying In the Grace for Today 

September 25, 2025

Relentless Tenderness of Jesus

To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it.

Revelation 2:17b-c 

I recall my children each had a special name or nickname, that I gave to each. Some of the names didn’t make much sense to anyone but me, their father, and recipients, but we knew the name.

Whatever thoughts you may have about the ‘afterlife’, have you ever pondered this new name our Heavenly Father has for you? Everything from Genesis to Revelation affirms that whatever else are the attributes of God, the Father Almighty, his relationship with His children He has received through their faith in Christ is rooted in the Relentless Tenderness of Jesus. (Brennan Manning)

The scripture above is included in Jesus’ letter to the church in Pergamum. For me, the context suggests that its promises are both present and future. Thirty years ago, I recall reading a devotion that both affirmed God has a special name for me, and that I could pray and ask God to reveal His name for me. I did. He did. The name is deeply personal to me, and its significance is only understood by me and my Heavenly Father who gave the name to me. I don’t know if He has another name waiting for me when we meet face to face, but until then His name for me, which is most assuredly rooted in the relentless tenderness of Jesus, is enough.

My Takeaway: Tonight, before you go to sleep, ponder how you will feel when your Heavenly Father whispers His name for you when you meet, face to face.

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

In The Arms of God

Meditations on

Staying In the Grace for Today 

September 24, 2025

In The Arms of God

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.  Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

John  11:25-26

Martha had been in various settings with Jesus on numerous occasions, and she had come to have great respect and appreciation for his ministry. She affirmed her faith in the final judgment of God and in Jesus: “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God” (John 11:27). Martha’s ‘if only’ statement to Jesus reveals her broken heart. I suspect we all stood in her footsteps when we had to say goodbye to someone we loved. Perhaps that person was one of those very special people for whom their love, we never doubted. It is right for us to weep and to grieve. But we also affirm with Saint Paul; we do not grieve like people who have no hope. (I Thessalonians 4:13)

The person we love may well have had pain here, but there is no pain where they are with Christ. They may have had struggles here, but there are no struggles where they are now. We may well wonder why they died, but they don’t have such wonders, they understand. We may weep and cry, but they are at peace in the presence of their Creator.

My Takeaway: Do you remember this old witticism? When we are born, we come into the world crying, and all those around us are laughing and celebrating. When we die, all those we left behind are weeping and crying, but we are laughing and celebrating. I know it is silly. But it is also true. Hold firm to the One who is our resurrection and life.

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Trust God

Meditations on

Staying In the Grace for Today 

September 23, 2025

Trust God

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”

John 14:1 

I have always had a fascination with the night sky. Since I have moved to the mountains of Western North Carolina, my fascination has increased as I have been able to observe the majestic gases in the Milky Way. My participation in a local astronomy club has deepened my understanding of the expanse of eternity. Space telescopes capture images of objects so far away, my brain hurts trying to contemplate the distance of hundreds, or thousands of light years. Our Heavenly Father steps into His parenting role in such times and simply says, “Trust me.”

Trusting God is appropriate in our efforts to understand the world, and heavens around us, and in understanding His Word. For instance, when is the Second Coming of Christ? Our Father simply says, “Trust me.” The timing of Christ’s coming again in final victory is not a riddle to be solved or a code to be broken. Rather, it is a promise to be celebrated and anticipated.

I am learning to put on the shelf much that I do not understand. Wars happen, and so do sickness and disease. People have long struggled with questions about human suffering and why bad things happen to good people. I could write a book to answer those questions, but it would be the shortest book in history: Trust God.

My Takeaway: When I receive Holy Communion, I often recall the Eucharistic affirmation that as I, by faith, receive the bread and cup, I experience anew the presence of the Lord Christ Jesus in my life as I look forward to his coming again in final victory. I have no ideas as to when, where or how, I just Trust God and know Jesus is coming again.

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

Show Us the Father

Meditations on

Staying In the Grace for Today 

September 22, 2025

Show Us the Father

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.

No one can come to the Father except through me.

John  14:6

In Jesus, the Glory of God has been revealed. In Jesus, we see the heart of God, the Father. Jesus, as the revealed Glory of God, washed the feet of his disciples, loved his disciples, and was the Passover Lamb who took away the sins of the world. Jesus is the revealed Glory of God. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Jesus shows us the way home to paradise, the way home to God, our Father. Jesus and God, the Father, are one.

Therefore, because of all that Jesus is, he can make the most comforting promise in the Bible: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:1-3).

This one promise is the tipping point of my response to all the claims Jesus has made on my life. My fidelity to Jesus’ command to go and make disciples depends on my response to this promise. My willingness to entrust my life to God so that He can use everything in my life for His purpose of transforming me to become like Jesus depends on how deeply Jesus’ promise resonates within my soul. Is Jesus’ promise to me sufficient to earn my unconditional, unqualified obedience? My truth is that I equivocated a bit and, like Phillip, I said, “Lord, show us the Father, and (I) will be satisfied.” And, as in his response to Philip, Jesus replied to me, “Have I been with you all this time, (Alex), and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?

Scripture doesn’t tell us how Philip responded to Jesus, but he is mentioned twenty-six times in the Book of Acts, so we can be assured he sorted out the truth of Christ.

My Takeaway: As for me, my equivocation is over and my faith rests securely on the Trinity; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit have my undivided loyalty.

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Eyes Up

Meditations on

Staying In the Grace for Today 

September 19, 2025

Eyes Up

You love him even though you have never seen him.

Though you do not see him now, you trust him;

and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.

1 Peter 1:8 

I read an article some time ago that discussed the emotional dynamics of mountain climbers. The article noted that when clouds eclipsed their view of the mountain peak, the climbers were downcast, even sullen. However, when no clouds covered the mountain peak the climbers were more energetic and excited about their venture.

The same emotional swing can be true of us. When our eyes are consciously on Jesus, we tend to be more optimistic, positive and filled with anticipation of how God may use our devotion. But, when our eyes are cast downward and focused on the cares of our lives, we lose our childlike wonder of being the beloved child of God. The Apostle Paul wrote about this in Colossians 1, and I think Eugene Peterson’s translation truly captures Paul’s heart:

“So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.” (Colossians 1:1-2 The Message) 

My Takeaway: My evening, bedtime prayer also captures Paul’s heart: “Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest us peace.”

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Lift Up Holy Hands in Prayer

Meditations on

Staying In the Grace for Today 

September 18, 2025

Lift Up Holy Hands in Prayer

May the Lord, who made heaven and earth,

bless you from Jerusalem

Psalm 134:3

Psalm 134 was written to encourage the priests on night watch in the Temple. The priests were in the Temple to serve the Lord 24/7. During the times of festivals, the Israelites would also be in the Temple during the night, and they would join in worship of the Lord. However, often the priest would be alone in the Temple. Nighttime can be scary, especially if we are alone. The psalmist is encouraging the priests to continually “Lift up holy hands in prayer, and praise the Lord” (v.2). Psalm 134 was good counsel for the priests then, and it is good counsel for us today.

When we are in a period of darkness, literally, or figuratively brought on by great emotional distress, praising God in the darkness will help us hold on to the truth of God’s faithfulness. In the fourth chapter of Second Corinthians, the Apostle Paul teaches us that the gift of God’s presence in our lives is a great treasure hidden within our mortal bodies, or as he refers to them, clay pots: “For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

There are times when we are so distressed, we do not know how to pray. In those times, we remember “the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will” (Romans 8:26b-27).

My Takeaway: In times of distress, I often go to this scripture for hope and comfort:

God is our refuge and strength,

    a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1 (NRSV)

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Redemptive, Covenant Names of God

Meditations on

Staying In the Grace for Today 

September 17, 2025

Redemptive, Covenant Names of God

The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;

    the godly run to him and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10 

We all are in one of three places: in a crisis, coming out of a crisis, or about to enter a crisis. In the times of our crisis, we all want to take refuge in a strong fortress. Praise God, our Lord is a strong fortress. Here are just a few ways we can experience God as our strong fortress:

He is

·         Jehovah-Ra'ah: "The Lord My Shepherd" (Psalm 23:1).

• Jehovah-Jireh: "The Lord Will Provide" (Genesis 22:14).
• Jehovah-Rapha: "The Lord Who Heals" (Exodus 15:26).
• Jehovah-Nissi: "The Lord Our Banner" (Exodus 17:15).
• Jehovah-Shalom: "The Lord Our Peace" (Judges 6:24).

Whatever our circumstance may be, let us remember the strong name of our Lord. He is our Shepherd to guide and comfort us. He is our Provider. He is our Great Physician who heals our soul. He is our Leader, our Banner as we take our stand for Him. And He brings His Peace in the storm.

Two other covenant names of God are also important for us.

·         Jehovah-Shammah: "The Lord Is There" (Ezekiel 48:35).

·         Jehovah-Tsidkenu: "The Lord Our Righteousness" (Jeremiah 23:6).

Our Lord is here with us; nothing can separate us from His love. (Romans 8) We did not make ourselves right in the eyes of God. Christ Jesus made us righteous; therefore, we are always welcome to come before God’s throne of Grace.

My Takeaway: More than thirty years ago, I wrote these redemptive, covenant names of God in the front of my Bible. There, they encourage me to stay in His grace for today because He can meet all my needs out of the abundance of His riches and glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) 

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 

An Appropriate Foundation for Our Faith

Meditations on

Staying In the Grace for Today 

September 16, 2025

An Appropriate Foundation for Our Faith

I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever!

Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.

Your unfailing love will last forever.

Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.

Psalm 89:1-2

The author of Psalm 89 had a crisis of belief. Henry Blackby’s small group study, Experiencing God, teaches that whenever we face a crisis, what we do next reveals what we believe about God. In matters of faith, the crisis can be like an earthquake rupturing the foundations of our beliefs. In the time of Jesus’ life on earth, Israel faced such a crisis of belief. The people longed for the Messiah to come, but Jesus did not fit their expectations of the Messiah. Some of the people resolved their crisis by giving their life to Christ; others crucified Jesus.

This psalm was probably written after the fall of Jerusalem (586 B.C.) when the Jews were taken away to captivity in Babylon. (2 Kings 24) The psalmist, in remembering God’s covenant, includes God’s warning that if the descendants of King David forsake their covenant responsibility, God would punish their sins. (Psalm 89: 30-37) The psalmist’s lament is not ‘why?’ --- It’s ‘how long?’

Because Jesus has already been punished for our sins (Isaiah 53:5), we need not fear God. But God will discipline His children. Sometimes our crisis is brought on by our own willful disobedience; sometimes our crisis is the result of the sins of others. Sometimes the crisis is brought on by natural disasters such as TS Helene which devastated my region almost one year ago. Whatever the cause, our times of crisis are always an invitation to plumb the depths of our faith, to make sure we are resting our faith on the bedrock of God’s Word.

My Takeaway: The psalmist ended Psalm 89 at verse 51, while he was still in the depths of despair. Later, an editor added verse 52 as a benediction to mark the end of Book Three of the Psalms. I receive this benediction as an appropriate foundation for my faith, and an affirmation of my desire to remain in God’s grace for today:

“Praise the Lord forever!

    Amen and amen!”

                                                Psalm 89:52

Sē’lah

My book on prayer,

First Think, Then Pray

is now available on Amazon Kindle.

 

(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

 

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  The meditations are published on the BLOG, http://seekingthelifeinchrist.blogspot.com/ and they are also distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com.

 

Copyright © 2025 by Alex M. Knight

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.