Reflection: Blind: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. How much can our over busyness blind us to the needs of others around us?

2. In what ways can we find a balance, or another way to still be available?

3. How do you interpret what is the Lord’s interest?

4. In what ways are we often ignorant or blind to His ways?

Share: When have you been on the receiving end when in need?

Blind: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 2:4-5, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,”

Blind

Too often our busyness and schedules become so self-centered that either we cannot see the needs of those around us, or we see them and choose to turn away, because we already feel like we are drowning.

Then we sometimes become exasperated when we feel we need help and no one responds. We do not hesitate to grumble.

Yet, if we would pause and place our hearts to see and trust the Holy Spirit to guide; then in each situation we will be able to discern when to help is actually help, and when not to interfere either.

Lord, please remind us that even when we are unable to support in personal action, we are still able to pray as You lead us to Your interests.

Your thoughts,

Humility: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                               Humility

                                                Significance

                                                a different word

                                                to different situations

                                                or to those who watch

                                                the actions lived out.

                                                Spirit

                                                a guiding light

                                                to guide our steps

                                                or to break through confusion

                                                the humility a new beginning.

Psalm 18:16, “He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.”

Reflection: Significance: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. Why do you think we struggle so much with humility—even with those close to us?

2. In what ways do we compare what we consider to be weak or strong interests?

3. What is our baseline for defining significance for ourselves or for strangers?

4. What can humility, under the Spirit’s guidance, look like in action?

Share: In what way has someone personally blessed you with their humility?

Significance: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 2: 3-4, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Significance

Lord, please forgive us our selfish attitudes, and enable us to put others first.

Too often our focus to stay safe too often increases a sense of self-centeredness in us and our personal time and choices.

Instead of living into more humility we turn away.

Please continue to give us Your nudges through Your Spirit whenever we need to recognize our lack of care to those around us, whether beloved or strangers. Give us strength and commitment to reach out in faith to act, under Your direction and Your words.

Your thoughts,

Accord: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                                Accord

                                                Bound by the Spirit

                                                brings full accord

                                                binds heart with love

                                                busyness with direction

                                                boundaries with protection.

                                                Being in full accord

                                                belief a living truth

                                                brokenness into healing

                                                body, mind, and soul

                                                born into His life together.

Psalm 18:15, “Then the channels of water appeared, And the foundations of the world were laid bare. At Thy rebuke, O Lord, At the blast of the breath of Thy nostrils.”

Reflection: Being: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.What triggers remind you when you are out of sync with faith?

2.What reminders bring you back into the Lord’s encouragement and focus?

3.What does seeing through His perspective look like to you?

4.What does being in accord affect, or renew, purpose for you?

Share: What surprised you the most when you did change your mind?

Being: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 2:1-2, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”

Being

Sometimes it seems that we immediately focus on all our difficult situations. In that instant trigger, fear or anger or resentment overwhelms our thoughts and emotions.

Instead we need to recognize that if we would just pause for even a few seconds; that is long enough to turn to the Spirit. Then see through His eyes. See His compassion and forgiveness and support and insight.

Lord, show us how to react first from Your words You have given to us. Teach us how to bring our mind and hearts under Your accord. Being in You, bound in Your grace.

Your thoughts,

Surrendered: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                             Surrendered

                                                Suffering

                                                Conflict.

                                                Struggle to escape

                                                close the door

                                                seek a smoother path

                                                courage to walk away.

                                                Suffering

                                                conflict.

                                                Sought out on purpose

                                                Christ choose to embrace

                                                seeking our salvation

                                                cross His conflict.

                                                Surrendered all for each of us.

Psalm 18:14: “And He sent out His arrows, and scattered them, And lightening flashes in abundance, and routed them.

Reflection: Conflict: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. What feelings arise at Paul’s words that suffering and conflict will be expected regularly?

2. How can that change, or impact, your perspective and your faith?

3. How can you apply this point of view to a challenge you are currently facing, or have just come through?

4. What seems different now?

Share: Will that change your prayer focus next time suffering surfaces? In what way?

Conflict: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 1: 29-30, “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.”

Conflict

The conflict is to be ongoing? As a follower of the Lord as long and wherever He chooses until He calls each of us to heaven?

Although the conflict is often difficult, sometimes it may be more difficult to not know what we are doing, or not doing, in our attempts to obey. And we crumble.

The days fill with uncertainty. Too often fatigue and weakness suffocate our desire and energy to pray. And we crumble even more.

Lord, please show each of us Your light to hold onto wherever we are, and whatever You call us to be and to do. In all conflicts.

Your thoughts

Stand: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                               Stand

                                                To stand firm

                                                despite fear

                                                forms a strong

                                                foundation built on

                                                gospel’s truth

                                                grounded in Spirit

                                                protected by faith

                                                promise of Scripture.

                                                To stand firm

                                                day by day.

Psalm 18:13: “The Lord also thundered in the heavens, And the Most High uttered His voice, Hailstones and coals of fire.”

Reflection: Promise: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. What are some of the obstacles that keep us from living with a ‘worthy’ life based on the gospel?

2. What specific word from the gospel can be a daily reminder, or handhold, to keep us focused?

3. What can “standing firm” look like for you?

Share: What has been or will be your first step?