Bird Struck! Family August Devotional Introduction

Family Devotional Introduction

“So out of the ground the Lord formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.” Genesis 2:19

Summer is a wonderful time to spend with family and spend extra time outdoors enjoying the wonders of nature.

Scripture reminds us of the power of creation in our lives: “But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord had done this?” Job 12:7-9

For the month of August we’ll do a daily reading with some action thoughts to consider that I hope all ages will enjoy. This devotional is an excerpt from a work in progress, so please let me know what you think as we consider some birds that we might meet or read about in stories.

Please share as you discover your own ideas and journal insights. Just write in the comment box below or use the contact button at the top of the page.

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Blessings, Marcy

Word Ambassadors: Dwelling

                                                           

                                                           Dwelling

                                                            Psalm 23

"The Lord is my shepherd,

I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside still waters;

He restores my soul.

He leads me in right paths

for His name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I fear no evil;

for you are with me;

Your rod and Your staff—

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy

shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell I the house

of the Lord

my whole life long."

           

            Thank you all for walking through these scripture passages with me as we reflected on being word ambassadors. May we each continue to walk in fellowship with the Lord and each other and step into daily trust, regardless of life circumstances.

             I hope you will join me for a new devotional series beginning in August. 

           

            Blessings, Marcy

Ambassadors: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

            Ambassadors

            To become the righteousness

            of God, a concept beyond

            comprehension.

           

            Yet the promise is given

            to be shared with

            everyone.

            No one exempt from

            offer of reconciliation

            mercy.

            Speak out in faith

            act sincerely as

            ambassadors.

            To become reconciled forever.

           

Entrust: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     What promise did you ever receive from another that changed your life?

2.     What promise(s) has the Lord given you that changed your life?

3.     Do you truly believe that no one is exempt from God’s offer of grace? Why or why not?

4.     What might being a one-to-one ambassador look like for you personally?

Share: How will you share His gift of reconciliation today?

Entrust: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: 2 Corinthians 5: 20-21

“So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

So far beyond our comprehension! Not only the initial gift of His grace and mercy to each of us individually, but then to add us as messengers. Of life shattering hope. To others.

So far beyond and removed from our present state. Wherever we are on our own journey there are very few who have reached the finished line on this side of heaven. With each faith ‘victory’ comes another struggle. We can see clearly His hand behind us, and presently holding us, but the fog before us often distorts our view. How can we who still need constant faith be ambassadors?

Especially because it’s not about us. Or our capability. Or even our own faith. It’s His words—His invitation—His mercy.

Entreat means to ask earnestly or anxiously. It is important. We are quick to share news of the day, an interesting book, a humorous encounter, or anger at an injustice. Why do we hesitant to entreat with salvation hope?

Entrust. Have you ever been given something valuable to protect or to deliver? A special surprise? A person? There is an inward glow of anticipation as we carry out the plan or the day. We love being able to participate and bring a message of joy.

Lord, please give us Your courage to share Your grace of reconciliation in all areas of our lives so that Your light will shine through our darkness. Shape and mold us to be Your faithful ambassadors of words and vision and care. With and without our knowledge.

Psalm of Worship: 1 John 1:9-10

“If we confess our sins he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

Entrusted: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

           Entrusted

            A new creation

            fresh each morning

            as a sunrise spreads

            light to cover the dark

            a newborn heart,

            soul with reconciliation,

            a gift from God to

            share and minister towards

            all still in chains

            message entrusted to give away.

Reflection Reconciliation: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Do you feel like every day is a clean slate? Why or why not?

2.     In what ways do we not embrace everything as new?

3.     What barriers do we raise against reconciliation with the Lord? With others?

Share: What word from the Lord is fresh to you this morning?

Reconciliation: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; …. and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.”

One of the joys of being around babies is to watch their curiosity as they inhale new experiences every day. Their surprise and joy, and sometimes startled fear, helps us to see and hear from a different perspective too.

What new perception would impact us every day if we recognized and accepted reconciliation as a reality? If we are willing to understand each other and mend broken communication? If we based all our reconciliation on God’s truth and not our own versions?

Like any ministry, reconciliation is not an easy choice and may have many difficult roads to navigate to get beyond past hurts, misunderstandings, and the uncertainty of what comes next.

Yet, when grounded in mutual commitment, each day is a fresh beginning grounded in love and grace and mercy. Like a sunrise it breathes beauty.

Lord, please help us to let go the pain of the past and the worry of the future and instead live each day as a new beginning. Give us Your strength to choose reconciliation to you and to others.

,

Psalm of Worship: 1 John 1:8

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”

Clay: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

           Clay

            In His mercy

            we are gifted

            with His light

            truth, hope

            delivered daily

            despite our weakness.

            In clay jars

            we proclaim

            who is Lord and Savior

            knowledge of His glory

            ministry heart to heart

            mending broken lives.

            In His power.

            

Reflection Earthen: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     How has the Lord used a person’s brokenness to show you His mercy?

2.     How has the Lord used your brokenness to give hope to someone else?

3.     In what ways would you like to be shaped and molded to proclaim His light more?

4.     In what ways is it a relief to remember it is His power that changes lives and not our competence or lack of?

Share: What word of hope did you receive this week?

Earthen: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: 2 Corinthians 4: 1-7

“Therefore since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. …. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. …. ‘Let the light shine out of darkness.’… But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.”

“Does not come from us.”

How often do we forget that aspect of ministry, especially when we are trying so hard to be faithful and see results? Whether in designated positions or ordinary day to day sharing we often begin to think success or failure is all on our shoulders and reputation.

When it might really should be based on just how broken we are and if we willing to share from our emptiness. Are we willing to be cracked pots? Are we willing to be identified as cracked pots?

I read a devotional years ago from a potter sharing how her clay pots often sat on shelves waiting for the next stage and when the sun shown through the windows she could see the cuts and scraps, defects and holes more clearly. And those flaws gave her insight as to how they could be finished—what shape—what purpose—what use.

Or some needed to be melted down to begin again.

The prophet Isaiah reminds us, “We are the clay, and Thou our potter; And all of us are the work of Thy hand.” Isaiah 64: 8 NAS

Lord, thank you for Your mercy that shapes and molds us by Your Spirit. And then gives us Your grace words to share with others. And thank you for keeping us as clay so that we do not presume to touch Your holy power.

Psalm of Worship: 1 John 1:7

“But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”