Free Range Preacher on Prayer

We will pursue season 9 and finish our October surprise over time, too. Other things are cropping up, and I am getting into a rhythm little by little so that we will forge ahead on both tracks. Prayerfully, we are following the Holy Spirit.

I was fascinated by the title of the child born to us, Wonderful Counselor.

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Wonderful Counselor sets the tone for the Messiah's ministry, and it begins with His words.

“And all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips; and they were saying, 'Is this not Joseph’s son?” Luke 4:22

Wonderful, in the Hebrew, contains several amazing to me shades of meaning: Supernatural, impossible, the realm of the terrific, meaning great, but a little scary, and something of an obstacle. And no wonder when His first words call us to be poor in spirit, mourning, gentle, hungry and thirsty, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, persecuted for the sake of righteousness, insulted, and treated as false. Yet rejoicing and be glad. Taking this counsel further into the frightful and unnatural realm, what if He said, forgive and love your enemies and pray for them?

The fulness of “wonderful” is magnified for our nature is to in part:

Be at enmity, in strife, be jealous, have outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, and factions, from Galatians 5:20

Our So What?

Become besotted with our Savior and His wonderful - divine, beautiful, scary, and impossible yet gracious counsel; they bring peace which passes all comprehension.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Brethren, let us pray for one another.

"What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more.

Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Donation link:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64

Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab.

"Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard

www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com

[email protected]

Facebook - Free Range Preacher Ministries

Instagram: freerangeministries

All our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.

For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at [email protected]

Our podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on Instagram

Season 008

Episode 052

“Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In His arms He'll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear

May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.

Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer

Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.”

“What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

I promise I will not sing this!

We all have confidants and give them our attention because we know them and have learned to trust them. Implicit in bringing them our troubles is that we will listen and consider their words seriously.

“That friend is Jesus Christ. The way to be happy is to be always open our hearts to him. Oh, that we were all like that poor Christian who only answered, when threatened and punished, ‘I must tell the Lord.’”

“Jesus can make those happy who trust him and call on him, whatever be their outward condition. He can give them peace of heart in a prison, contentment in the midst of poverty, comfort in the midst of bereavements, joy on the brink of the grave.”

J.C. Ryle

Our So What?

May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.

"What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more."

Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard

www.frponprayer.com

[email protected]

Facebook - Free Range Preacher Ministries

Instagram: freerangeministries

All our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.

For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at [email protected]

Our podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on Instagram

Season 009

Episode 002

One key error mankind makes, and even often we, Christians, make, is seeing God as limited. Typically, we struggle with this because we misunderstand our Creator’s nature, or because our desires are not met.

A very arrogant scientist said, “I have heard that God is all-powerful and all good;” then he gave several categories of tragedies and said, “I conclude from this that God is neither all-powerful nor good.”

He has no hint that perhaps a Creator, Savior, and Sustainer has other attributes working in tandem with these in a way he may not fully understand. Neither does he understand the nature and purpose of creation.

God’s person is not limited to two things, ten things, or our perception of Him.

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

How many ways in this passage alone do you count God has revealed Himself?

Humanly speaking:

You have a policeman friend and know him well, love him.

He catches you doing 30 miles an hour.

When you are despondent, he comes alongside, listens, and gives you gentle counsel. Perhaps you are walking together, and you are attacked. Your friend is there to defend you.

Would these events present your friend the same light?

How would you perceive that man?

Is he…

A meanie, in giving you a ticket?

Merciful, in his kind words?

A protector, as he put his body on the line for you?

It would be pure hubris to judge him for ticketing you, and even worse if you presented him only in that light.

Our So What?

In October, we will be challenged with God’s revelation of Himself. It's my prayer that we marvel at who He. Wrestle with His majestic, mysterious being, and believe, “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1 John 3:2-3

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Brethren, let us pray for one another.

"What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more.

Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Donation link:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64

Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab.

"Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard

www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com

[email protected]

Facebook - Free Range Preacher Ministries

Instagram: freerangeministries

All our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.

For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at [email protected]

Our podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on Instagram

Season 008

Episode 052

Long-time listeners will not be surprised by this, but we have a twist. We are making an estuary of season 8 and season 9. Explanation in the episode.

There are seven passages of scripture I would love my grandbabies to memorize. They have anchored my soul for most of the last 30 years; without them, I would have lived in hopelessness. The passages:

Hebrews 6:20

1 Corinthians 15:10a

Psalm 139:13-14

Thessalonians 5:16-18

Genesis 50:20

John 17:3

Once again, I prove I can't count, six passages!

Our So What?

As you might think it a worthy activity. (And I pray my grandkids do.) Consider these passages and think of the hardest times in your life. Meditate on how they might have been different if you had memorized these verses.

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Brethren, let us pray for one another.

Donation link:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64

Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab.

"What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more."

Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard

www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com

[email protected]

Facebook - Free Range Preacher Ministries

Instagram: freerangeministries

All our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.

For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at [email protected]

Our podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on Instagram

Season 009

Episode 001

In my culture, forgiveness and its importance grow every day.

This episode is a repeat of our episode on forgiveness. This episode was well received, and as you will hear, praying that 2023 will be a year of Jubilee and Forgiveness, and revisiting just how serious God is about His children forgiving as we have been forgiven, seems like a good idea.

Thank You, Jesus!

The host is weak, faltering, and wholly inadequate for the task, but the word of God is none of those.

The call for the children of God to forgive is serious, and the Bible uses:

Serious Command as witnessed by:

Commands

Matthew 6:14

Mark 11:25

Allusions:

Matthew 5:43-45

Philippians 2:3ff

Exhortations:

Ephesians 4:29-32

Romans 13

Serious Discipline:

David was disciplined through

Embarrassment; 2 Samuel 2:12

Physical Pain: Psalm 32 & 38

The regret of others paying for his sins: 2 Samuel 24:17

We have only updated the introduction.

Donation link:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64

Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab.

"What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more."

Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard

www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com

[email protected]

Facebook - Free Range Preacher Ministries

Instagram: freerangeministries

All our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.

For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at [email protected]

Our podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on Instagram

Season 008

Episode 050

Edited addition: If you’ve been around at all, you can tell from my mic discipline to the wildly incomplete edited version that we are not back inlisten again the swing of our routine. For that, I am sorry. I couldn’t fix the mic discipline for this episode, but I did clean up the edits. So if you didn’t make it through the episode, you might want to give it another listen. Thank you for your indulgence. - Fred.

As long as you don’t look at your calendar, it is October 2nd, and we are here with Day 2 of our October Surprise.

All timing aside, we are back through the gauntlet of the last few weeks, and working our way through “Who God has revealed Himself to be.

Today, an intriguing theme woven throughout the Bible is that God is our Rock. He is our Rock: flowing real water for the thirsty chosen in Exodus, the Rock cut out without hands in Daniel, the Stone the builders rejected in Psalm 118:22, and “a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:4

In Matthew 21:44, Jesus gives the hinge point of eternal destiny: “And he who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust.”

This unequivocal statement boldly asserts the only two ways. We either fall on the Chief Cornerstone and are saved in the only name given among men able to save, or we fall on Him and are consigned to eternal destruction. The meaning is clear and restated in Romans 11:22: “Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.”

Our So What?

Our prayer lives are enhanced with our gratitude for our Savior who called us: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30 “For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

And

Our sincere prayers for our beloved:: they will not reject the Cornerstone as the builders have, and will be brought to humility that leads us to eternal life.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Brethren, let us pray for one another.

"What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more.

Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Donation link:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64

Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab.

"Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard

www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com

[email protected]

Facebook - Free Range Preacher Ministries

Instagram: freerangeministries

All our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.

For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at [email protected]

Our podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on Instagram

Season 008

Episode 049

Having counseled two young men facing the end of their passionate pursuit of a dream, my counsel was simple. The end of their dreams would be the same no matter when it came. It will feel like the end, and seem like a loss, and a loss never recovered. Which is why I wanted to begin with the God of all comfort. Sorrow and loss are universal, even for God’s children. When we feel we have no refuge, and empty worldly comfort is no comfort, where do we go?

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Passages like Romans 15:13, John 14:16-18, Matthew 11:28-30, and Isaiah 25:10-12 are illustrated for us in the lives of Elijah and Hannah.

Our So What?

“Man is born for trouble as the sparks fly upward,” Job 5:7

Where do we go when the earthly comforts are but trifles? The cries of Elijah and Hannah point the way. God of all comfort is our ultimate victory.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Brethren, let us pray for one another.

"What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more.

Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Donation link:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64

Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab.

"Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard

www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com

[email protected]

Facebook - Free Range Preacher Ministries

Instagram: freerangeministries

All our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.

For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at [email protected]

Our podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on Instagram

Season 008

Episode 048

Introducing our October Surprise theme: “Who God has Revealed Himself to be. In October, we will answer two questions.

How do you eat an elephant?

Who is our Creator?

In today’s episode, we explore the definition of the word “besotted.”

We also illustrate the lifestyle of a Christian besotted with God.

“Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! 5 “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 “And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; 7 and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8 “And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 9 “And you shall write them on the doorposts.” Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Our So What?

As you strive to develop Holy conversation with the Holy God of the universe, let the behavior commanded in Deuteronomy 6 be your intention and goal.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Brethren, let us pray for one another.

Donation link:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64

Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab.

"What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more."

Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard

www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com

[email protected]

Facebook - Free Range Preacher Ministries

Instagram: freerangeministries

All our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.

For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at [email protected]

Our podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on Instagram

Season 008

Episode 047

In my culture, forgiveness and its importance grow every day.

This episode is a repeat of our episode on forgiveness. This episode was well received, and as you will hear, praying that 2023 will be a year of Jubilee and Forgiveness, and revisiting just how serious God is about His children forgiving as we have been forgiven, seems like a good idea.

Thank You, Jesus!

The host is weak, faltering, and wholly inadequate for the task, but the word of God is none of those.

The call for the children of God to forgive is serious, and the Bible uses:

Serious Command as witnessed by:

Commands

Matthew 6:14

Mark 11:25

Allusions:

Matthew 5:43-45

Philippians 2:3ff

Exhortations:

Ephesians 4:29-32

Romans 13

Serious Discipline:

David was disciplined through

Embarrassment; 2 Samuel 2:12

Physical Pain: Psalm 32 & 38

The regret of others paying for his sins: 2 Samuel 24:17

We have only updated the introduction.

Donation link:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64

Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab.

"What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more."

Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard

www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com

[email protected]

Facebook - Free Range Preacher Ministries

Instagram: freerangeministries

All our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.

For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at [email protected]

Our podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on Instagram

Season 008

Episode 045

We are back to John 5, examining Jesus and His conversations. We are confronted again with a conversation Jesus started that took a turn the man by the pool of Bethesda did not expect!

Not only did Jesus subvert the expectations. He illustrates through His power for our good, displaying His glorious lovingkindness, two truths that impassion our faith and worship.

“Therefore do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him.” Matthew 6:8

“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

When asked, “Do you wish to get well?” The man answered, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” John 5:7

He seems to be looking for sympathy, or some alms for his daily support, but what he got was total healing.

Our So What?

Take God seriously, listen to the word, believe the Holy Spirit when our inner man is agitated, shaken, or ever troubled by a promise in Scripture, believe, pray, and glorify God boldly! Our Father who resides in the heavens hears and answers by His power, purpose, and eternal wisdom, and gives us the perfect answer!

Glory to our Creator, Savior, and Sustainer.

Brethren, let’s pray for one another,

Donation link:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64

Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab.

"What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more."

Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard

www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com

[email protected]

Facebook - Free Range Preacher Ministries

Instagram: freerangeministries

All our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.

For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at [email protected]

Our podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on Instagram

Season 008

Episode 045