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Friday, June 28, 2013

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry


Wealth


Wealth receives a respected

nod. Abundance a murmured

awe. Struck by opulence

beyond ability deserves

distinguished note in history,

whether private or public.


A greater wealth though often

resented or ignored.  Cannot be replicated

or bequeathed. Stands one to one.


Almost impossible to comprehend

until own heart discerns by

choosing servant road

weather personal cost,

jeers, contempt, and

receives lasting treasure.


Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry



Reflection Questions


1.     What has been the most difficult abuse you have ever suffered?

2.     How did it affect and effect your values and choices?
  
3.     Did you become a more compassionate person or a more isolated person?


Share: What resulting attitude from that abuse do you regret holding onto? Why?

Monday, June 24, 2013

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry


Hebrews 11:26, “He considered abuse suffered for the Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to the reward.”

Conflict, humiliation, chastisement, and arguments are all things we do not often actively seek out. Nor participate in willingly. Sometimes we even hide to avoid the possibility, both literally and emotionally.

It’s not only the discomfort of a shattered peace, but also lashes of emotional pain against our heart that can cause deep wounds of injustice and memories of rejection. It begins young with pre-schoolers and kindergartens shouting out words to each other as labels to show their anger. The words may be as ordinary as calling someone a sandwich, but whether the tone is intended to be mean or meant to be silly the words bring on tears. As we get older the slurs become sharper, whether racial, or national, financial or religious.

Labels have power. Jew, Gentile, Slave, Free, Man, Woman, Rich, Poor.

The world restricts and Christ sets free. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” Galatians 3:28-29.

Moses chose heart treasure over world treasure. Eternal rewards over temporary pleasures. Personal abuse over false security.

Lord, please give us the strength to measure our days by Your standards.


Psalm of Worship: Psalm 119:10-11

“With all my heart I have sought Thee;
Do not let me wander from Thy commandments.
Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee.”

Friday, June 14, 2013

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry


     Sand

     Allure of wealth
     wakens discontent
     simmers underneath
     blessings, joins
     desire for power
     envies glitter.

     Allowed heart
     access then
     works distortion
     speeds accumulation
     jettisons fragile gifts
     for empty façade.

     Wreck upon sandbar
     as grains stream through
     fingers remembering
     previous course
     before fleeting pleasure
     ensnared.

     With longing
     home-sick eyes
     watch horizon
     catch glimpse
     of  hope that endures
     begin again.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry



Reflection Questions


1.     What have you inherited that has become a strong foundation for you?

2.     Have you inherited anything that qualifies as a fleeting pleasure?

3.     How has either affected your spiritual inheritance with God?

4.     Had you been in Moses’ place of decision, which aspect of Pharaoh’s inheritance would have been the most difficult for you to walk away from?


Share: What part of God’s inheritance as His child do you cherish the most?

Monday, June 10, 2013

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry


Hebrews 11:25, “Choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.”

In John 17, Jesus prays for His followers not to be taken out of the world, but to be kept from the evil one—to be sanctified in truth as a witness to the world. Moses’ advanced education and opportunities given by his upbringing gave him the gifts and qualities he needed to lead a nation, to write the Torah, to lead his people in worship of a personal God. Was there even a possibility he could have been the next Pharaoh?

Two inheritances with possibilities ahead of which he knew neither. Yet, he knew enough to know that earthy power comes and goes. A once mighty rule could quickly become buried under sands of time. And he chose the story of his people over the temporary. Trusting that following God’s promises would be far better than playing by the world’s rules. And have lasting eternal value.

Perhaps to stay in Pharaoh’s household meant a participation with sin even if not committing it. Can silence or compromise become acquiescence? How can we know when to stay in a situation or when to break all ties?

Lord, we need Your wisdom to not become blinded by wrong opportunities to do right things. Help us to stand in the heritage of Your word, Your will, and Your ways.


Psalm of Worship: Psalm 105:3-5

“Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad.
Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually.
Remember His wonders which He has done,
His marvels, and the judgments uttered by His mouth,”

Friday, June 7, 2013

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry


Decision


A time comes for each of us

to measure paths,

evaluate possibilities

not only for direction

but attitude and purpose,

‘when he was fully grown.’


Time varies. For each the

crossroad differs. Choice same.

narrow—wide

truth—deceit

faith stands as marker to

invisible signpost.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry



Reflection Questions


1.     What situations have resulted in a painful choice for you?

2.     On what criteria did you make that decision?

3.     Compare the ones where God was not part of the mix and the ones where He was. What were the differences for you personally?

4.     Do you think we need to make these choices every day?  Why? Why not?



Share: What word of faith in your life helps you at these crossroad times?



Monday, June 3, 2013

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry


Hebrews 11:24, “By faith, Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called a son of Pharaoh’s daughter,”

Pharaoh’s daughter rescued Moses from the Nile. She knew he was a Hebrew baby and yet made her choice to save him. Her heart opened in pity. She named him gave him life, education, wealth and influence. She was a key part of his upbringing. How painful for her experience the rejection. How difficult it must have been to reject the good she had given.

Yet, to choose to stay and accept her inheritance and all the worldly power that it encompassed would pull Moses away from God’s call on his heart.  Away from his compassion for his still enslaved people. Did he wrestle with whether he could work from within the power system to bring about change?

So often our choices are not as clear as good versus bad, but a mixture of both. And to step out in faith costs. It’s so hard to let go of relationships or place or opportunity—even in our high tech communication world.

“When he was grown” then Moses’ time for a decision of faith came. Henry T. Blackaby in his book Experiencing God refers to this as a time to adjust our lives to God.

Although he might not have recognized it, Moses did not come unprepared to this crossroad. He had the example of both his own family, whose faith placed him in the river, and the courage of his adopted mother to deny the Pharoah’s edict. Both choosing life—a gift of physical life. Now Moses came to the point of choosing soul life—a faith walk life.

Lord, we each need Your guidance and clarity to discern when Your truth asks us to change our heart into a new step of faith. Even when it means stepping away from blessings.


Psalm of Worship: Psalm 25:4-5

“Make me know Thy ways, O Lord; Teach me Thy paths.
Lead me in Thy truth and teach me, For Thou art the God of my salvation;
For Thee I wait all the day.”



 
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