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View
Face to face
heart to heart
words to words
insight to insight
thoughts to thoughts
memories to memories
views to views.
His eternal love.
His daily presence.
His ongoing mercy.
Psalm 107:42-43: "The upright see it, and are glad; But all unrighteousness shuts its mouth. Who is wise? Let him give heed to these things; And consider the lovingkindness of the Lord.
Blessings Into 2024
"And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
Acts 2:42
Reflection Questions
1. How often do we keep our hearts focused on the Lord? Especially when on a busy day?
2. Do you choose to see Him each day through thoughts and memories?
3. Or seek His presence in all places with other people?
4. Or asking Him to please write His words into your soul so that you can see each day through His view.
Share: When was the first time you saw through His eyes--His view? How does that guide you now?
Reading: 3rd John:13-14: "I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink; but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name."
Priority
Lord, please keep our hearts living to You only.
May we see You every day through thoughts and meanings and relationships with others we connect with; knowing that You are present in all places. Holding us in heart and soul.
Please write Your Words into our minds--into our souls--into our breaths--so that we only see each day through Your view--Your sight.
With gratitude and love.
Your thoughts,
Testimony
Words have such power
for light or dark
can twist too often
when taken for granted.
Words of truth are
faithful always
carried in love
when we seek His witness.
Words of grace and mercy
fill our hearts daily
creating ongoing life
with God's presence.
Psalm 107: 40-41: "He pours contempt upon princes, And makes them wander in a pathless waste. But He sets the needy securely on high away from affliction, And makes His families like a flock.
Reflection Questions
1. Do you ask the Lord for His words only? Why or why not?
2. How do you discern any false evil in thoughts?
3. What do you use to test for good witness?
Share: What unexpected words has the Lord given you to bear witness when He leads?
Reading: 3rd John: 11-12: "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we also bear witness, and you know that our witness is true."
Witness
Lord, even in our times of uselessness we ask to stay true to Your words within ourselves and outwardly to others.
When we speak anything that are in error please dissolve them before any one hears or reads them.
We ask to hold to Your words only. Your truth only. And to live into them as You lead.
Your thoughts,
Self-centered
It is hard sometimes to
realize a leader has become
self-centered and twists
truth for personal selfishness
satisfied only with power
pretending to be a faithful
follower.
It matters to seek the truth
In every word and forbid
Inciting lies to enter.
Psalm 107:39: "When they are diminished and bowed down, Through oppression, misery and sorrow."
Reflection Questions
1. Have you been given twisted words that pulled you into vulnerability and not in His truth? What caused it?
2. What misinterpretations brought what consequences?
3. How does seeking truth before actions guides you for yourself and towards others now?
Share: How do you now hold onto His strength to stay in His words only?
Reading: 3rd John:9-10: "I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, neither does he himself receive the brethren, and he forbids those who desire to do so, and outs them out of the church."
Twisted
Lord, we need your reminder to step first into Your words and concepts to protect us from falling into vulnerability of twisted words.
Words spoken not from You but from someone seeking personal selfishness. And also when we misunderstand ourselves and deliver false interpretations.
Please keep teaching us to walk only in Your truth whether alone or with others. To hesitate when uncertain and confirm through prayer instead of being self-centered.
We ask for the strength to stay in Your Words only.
Your thoughts,
Multiply
Spirit's witness of truth
on bearing gift of light
and protection throughout
all our thought s and actions
offering permanent healing
Spirit's love and mercy.
Psalm 107:38: "Also He blesses them and they multiply greatly, And He does not let their cattle decrease."
Reflection Questions
1. When have you been in a situation when you chose to not remember, or ignore, the Spirit's words and turned away? Why--what pulled you?
2. When have you been deceived by lies and actually thought you were being in His words? What brought you to truth?
3. In which area do you still struggle most with agreeing to His words when you hear an attack: heart-soul-actions-words-commitments?
Share: How has the Spirit brought witness and mercy to heal and reconcile you to His truth?
Reading:3rd John:7-8: "For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support such men, that we may be fellow workers with the truth.
Share
We have been given the gift of relationship. Ongoing.
We need forgiveness for too often not remembering, or turning away, or ignoring words, or not sharing.
We pray to be completely attached to You Lord--in mind--in heart--in soul--in commitment. Every part of every hour and every day. As You call.
"Thy will be done."
Your thoughts,
Intercession
IN thoughts
in quiet
in conversation
in worry
in prayers
in joy and sorrow
in witness
in hope
Intercession HIS ongoing, everlasting mercy of love.
Psalm 107:37: "And sow fields and plant vineyards, And gather a fruitful harvest."
Reflection Questions
1. Are His words of prayer your foundation in all circumstances, or only in difficulties? Why or why not?
2. Do you pray for insight on choices and direction as ongoing conversations? Why or why not?
3. Do you immediately seek insight, whether in silence or conversations, to ask Him for words to pray?
Share: How do you recognize the nudges to pause and pray, especially when unexpected?
Reading: 3rd John :5-6: "Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers; and they bear witness to you love before the church; and you will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God."
Witness
Lord, please forgive us for too often becoming self-centered of 'other centered' when you nudge us.
We ask for insights as to when to speak and when to be silent in conversation, but in both to Your Spirit's Words what to pray.
And to continue to pray when You lead. May Your words be at the foundation and center of all our connections--in thoughts--in quiet--in conversation--in prayer.
Your thoughts,
Sincerity
Walking in truth an
ongoing gift of mercy
given by our Holy Spirit
when we listen--really listen.
Become immersed in truth
as He leads moment
by moment within our thoughts
blessings unto relationships.
His voice our strength
as He prays for each of us
committed to guide and protect as
His walk a personal love.
Psalm 107:36: "And there He makes the hungry to dwell, So that they may establish an inhabited city."
Reflection Questions
1. In what ways do you recognize the witness to His truth? Which one is clearest to you?
2. When has the Spirit's truth immersed you to guide you from a difficult situation?
3. Who has the Lord placed on your heart to pray for continually? Children? Family? Friends? And...?
Share: "How are you walking in truth? How does the Lord lead you?"
Reading: 3rd John:3-4: "For I was very glad when brethren came and bore witness to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth."
Immerse
Lord, we can only walk in Your truth by the guidance of Your words and the Holy Spirit. Too often we forget and jump in without confirming with You.
Please keep us listening so that we are completely immersed in Your truth only and as You lead. To pray as You remind us for children, family, friends, strangers and....as You nudge us.
Anyone else You place into our thoughts or relationships.
We are still so far away from being a committed pray-er.
Please keep teaching and leading us to hear Your Spirit's voice--Your truth only. And to anyone else may we be dissolved or will be deaf to.
Your thoughts,
Praying
Silent words
Prayer words
Sharing words
Purpose words
Sound words
Powerful words
Spirit's words our light and foundation.
Psalm 107:35: "He changes a wilderness into a pool of water, And a dry land into springs of water."
Reflection Questions
1. In what ways have fellow believers given love in truth when needed?
2. How have gifts of prayers from others, when in deep difficulties, carried you through with peace?
3. When has the Spirit given you words of grace to walk alongside someone in need?
Share: What gift of truth through prayer brought a deeper insight into your praying to become an ongoing walk?
Reading: 3rd John:1-2: "The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."
Words
Thank-you for Your prayers Lord--to give to us and so teach us and to understand this blessing.
To nudge us to pray for others and to feel their prayers for us.
To listen to Your words and pray for others as You lead us.
To give us silent words, compassion words, share words. Spirit words guiding through to us for whatever the situation or the purpose is.
Please keep teaching us to pray only Your truth.
Your thoughts,
Voice
When lies attack
we have truth and support
with guidance and prayer so the
weakening can be silenced.
Words from His voice will be
written into our hearts and souls and
with an honest foundation given
we chose His strength
when we trust His words first.
Our strong obedience to Him alone.
Psalm 107: 34: "A fruitful land into a salt waste, Because of the wickedness of those who dwell in it?
Reflection Questions
1. Have you faltered into lies because of twisted words? How did you turn away?
2. When have you experienced a silent attack of lies? How did you resist or restore?
3. How do you now first listen for His voice and words to be your foundation?
Share: What warnings can you give to another when you see them being lied to?
Reading: 2nd John:11-13: "for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds. Having many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that your joy may be made full. The children of your chosen sister greet you."
Speaking
Too often we still falter as to when to say yes or no--even when we pray.
Perhaps we are not aware of a silent attack, or our mind is weak to grasp the ideas. And so we turn from Your voice.
Please teach us how to hear only Your voice and words: spoken or written. To be our only foundation so that we participate only as You lead.
We ask to become strong in obedience to You alone.
Your thoughts,
Cornerstone
His teaching
our foundation
to protect from
false copycats
seeking to feed lies.
But cannot enter into
our hearts and thoughts
when we daily hold
to His Spirit's words
to listen and walk.
Into blessed relationships
abiding truth always.
Psalm 107:33: "He changes rivers into a wilderness, And springs of water into a thirsty ground."
Reflection Questions
1. Do you consider yourself abiding daily in Christ's teaching? Why or why not?
2. What teaching foundation from God keeps you listening to His words and walking in relationship with Him?
3. How do you hold fast to His foundation and words and truth in ALL circumstances to recognize false teachings from others?
Share: "Let me speak a word of peace that Jesus brings in me." How would you share this with another person seeking His truth?
Reading: 2nd John:9-10: "Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting.
Foundation
Your foundation--Your words--Your truth--Your life never falters.
Thank you Lord for caring and protecting us in all situations.
May we keep listening to Your words and be able to recognize false copycats before we even listen to them.
Thank you for the gift of Your Holy Spirit to daily offer truth for us to listen and walk in holy relationship.
Your thoughts,
Guards
So caught up in busy
lives can often become
seeds for
doubts or failures
looking to pull us from
silence that is our foundation
lies attempted to deceive instead.
Spirit always standing guard
Listen for His words only
So wrapped in protection and truth.
Psalm 107:32: "Let them extol Him also in the congregation of the people, And praise Him at the seat of the elders."
Reading Questions
1. What circumstances has brought doubts or confusion or failure to you? Fatigue? Worry?
2. How do you keep your heart and thoughts and actions attached to Him when you recognize hints of deceit or lies attacking you?
3. How do you not let go of His truth in all circumstances? Do you have a special prayer word?
Share: How do you wait in silent trust when confusion arises trying to twist His truth?
Reading: 2nd John:7-8: "For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, that you might not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward."
Shielding
Too often fatigue and worries take root in us and quietly then grow into doubts or confusion or failures.
We need to keep our hearts and thoughts and actions attached to You only, Lord, so that even when in unawareness we will not let go of Your truth in any way.
May we remember to keep praying. Remembering You will hear us.
May we keep waiting in silence and trust when confusion arises.
Your thoughts,
Walking
This commandment so often
Twisted into personal shapes
Yet He continues to offer
Yield into His compassion
Love that grows into truth
Living into hearts to trust
All strong foundation this gift
Always walking with us step by step.
Psalm 107:31: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness, And for wonders to the sons of men!"
Reading Questions
1. How do you interpret to walk in His commandments?
2. Have you seen, or been, the victim of those who have misused His commandments for their own purpose? What did it do to your faith?
3. How do you define to 'love one another' with those you know and those who are strangers?
Share: How do you "walk in it" now? With what path of kindness?
Reading: 2nd John:4-6: "I was very glad to see some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father. And now I ask you lady, not as writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it."
Paths
Too often we forget the foundation You have given to us to live and to share.
To hold to Your truth.
To walk in Your path.
To follow Your words.
To love one another.
To act in kindness and trust.
All according to Your commandments. Please keep all our steps in You.
Your thoughts,
Devotion
Truthful Love
Abiding Love
Graceful Love
Merciful Love
Peaceful Love
Forever Love
Wisdom Love
Wrapped moment by moment by His presence. Wrapped in His life for eternity.
Will we accept this costly gift He offers?
Psalm 107: 30: "Then they were glad because then they were quiet; So He guided them to their desired haven."
Reflection Questions
1. How often do you recognize the Lord's presence--just because? By truth? By love? By...?
2. How do you feel wrapped up in His grace?
3. How do you realize He has already filled you with His peace when in difficult situations?
Share: What are some words you would give others to understand the gift of following His path?
Reading: 2nd John:1-3: " The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth, for the sake of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love."
Beloved
Too often we do not give thankfulness for Your ongoing presence guiding us in truth, wrapping us in Your grace.
Giving daily mercy and peace no matter what the circumstances of our weakness or strength.
Lord, please keep us filled with Your words and paths as You lead each of us with Your wisdom within us and through us to others too.
Your thoughts,
Enticed
Evil manipulates through
lies often seeming an
opportunity or purpose attack
twisting ideas as in
the garden to ignore
truth as unnecessary
to pursue.
Every moment the Spirit
stands ready to protect us
yet too often
we do not ask or
seek advice for something
that seems so mild
yet He will guard
and give understanding in
truth always when we listen.
Psalm 107:29: "He caused the storm to be still, So that the waves of the sea were hushed."
Reflection Questions
1. Have you been caught up in a situation that was an idol? What kind?
2. How did you realize the hidden lies?
3. In what way did it damage your faith?
4. How did the Lord bring healing to you?
Share: What warning can you pass on to others to someone who is being enticed?
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