Peace: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

         Peace

        To think on

        these things that

        the Lord provides.

        Hopefulness

        Honest choices

        Heart centered on love

        Guard our daily stress

        gives us clear direction

        grants us peace in conflict.

        To stand on solid ground

        these promises stand firm

        His word lives.

Psalm 18:43: "Thou hast delivered me from the contentions of the people; Thou hast placed me as head of the nations; A people whom I have not known serve me."

Reflection: Finally: Prayers and Poetry

 Reflection Questions 

     1. What contentious situation are you facing right now?

     2. In what way do these promises change and give strength in this brokenness?

     3. How can each "whatever" change the way we can face misunderstanding?

Share: Which whatever on Paul's list touches you the most today? Why?

Finally: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 4:7-8, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true,whatever is honorable, whatever  is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on theses things."

Finally

The Lord offers each of us His peace that can oversee and overcome our fears and confusion.

We forget too often, and we especially need the reminder on those days when we face strenuous thinking over decisions and situations that bewilder us.

In Him we will have the strength to not give up. His Holy Spirit will guide our words with honesty and accuracy.

When we finally embrace this peace we can walk daily in praise and thankfulness in His presence and extend consideration to anyone we interact with.

Thank you Lord for this gift of peace. Please grpund our hearts in You and keep praise in our thoughts.

Your thoughts,

Thankful: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                     Word

                    Do not be anxious 

                    becomes a battleground

                    when we tremble

                    with fears, memories,

                    what if it is a maze

                    blasting weakness

                    describing only failure.

                    By prayer

                    brings unseen support

                    with new attack

                    when we trust His

                     word has power

                    beyond our frailty

                    determines loving strength.

Psalm 18:42, "Then I beat them fine as the dust before the wind; I empty them out as

the mire on the streets 

Reflection: Thankful: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

1. How does the anxiety scale affect you daily?

2. What are the main triggers for you?

3. How difficult is it for you to approach difficulty with a prayer of thanksgiving, whether big or small?

4. What is the concern that makes you hesitate?

Share: In Everything--what is the first situation you think of and wonder why?

Thankful: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

 

Dispute: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                   

                    Dispute

                    It is bewildering 

                    when loving

                    believers who

                    work together

                    bound in focus

                    wanting only to 

                    be committed to the Lord's

                    work and yet although each

                    beloved we

                    wonder why our

                    behavior becomes a

                    wrecking ball and we

                    build defining

                    worth now seen as a

                    battleground.

Psalm 18:41, "They cried for help, but there was none to save, Even to the Lord, but He did not answer them."

                    

                            

Reflection: Forgive: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

 

Reflection Questions

     1. What was the most difficult conflict you experienced in a ministry conflict with others?

 

     2. How did you and the others resolve the dispute?

     3. In what ways did the conflict impact the purpose of the work?

     4. What changed in your relationship with the Lord because of it?

Share: How did the experience change your relationship with the Lord when conflict came again? In what way?

Forgive: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 4: 3-4, “Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice.”

 

Forgive

 

Forgive us, Lord, when we let our emotions and limited understanding become a battleground on which we stand defiant—even with those we cherish and respect.

 

Help each of us to fix our hearts and purpose on You and that which You intend for each of us. Whether on our own specific call, or within a ministry together.

 

Show us how to stay focused on Your words and Your plans.

 

Your thoughts,

Firm: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                                  Firm

 

                                                Stand firm

 

                                                agree in the Lord

 

                                                too often mean

 

                                                different things

 

                                                to different listeners.

 

 

                                                One means

 

                                                be harsh

 

                                                another be merciful

     

                                                as we judge through

 

                                                our own opinions.

 

 

                                                Instead we all

 

                                                are shrouded with

 

                                                darkness, lies,

 

                                                misinformation.

 

 

                                                Instead seek only

 

                                                the Lord’s words.

 

 

                                                In His presence.

 

 

                                                Stand firm.

                                               

Psalm 18:40, “Thou hast also made my enemies turn their backs to me, And I destroyed those who hated me.”

Reflection: Turn: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

 Reflection Questions

 

1. How do you turn to His strength to carry you through when weariness absorbs you?

 

2. How would you describe standing firm to yourself, or to explain it to another?

 

3. If you are in an ongoing friction what scripture words can you use as prayer to keep a calm in the storm—whether within yourself alone or with the others in the stress?

 

Share: When have you experienced working through a conflict with a friend or colleague that turned into a much stronger bond between you? Why?

Turn: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

 Philippians 4:1-2, “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.”

 

Turn

 

So many things happen daily that weaken us physically, mentally and emotionally—especially when we are in conflict or disagreements. Whether only within ourselves or with others, whether minor or major.

 

And too often that weariness impacts our soul as well.

 

We begin to expand the stress to other areas that aren’t weak and we forget to lean into truth’s strengths. “We are weak, but He is strong.”

 

Sometimes we just need to take a solitude break with the Lord and rest in His presence in order to see a situation clearly.

 

Thank you Lord, that You are always present to guide us when we turn to You.

 

Your thoughts,

Nudges: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                               Nudges

                                                Stepping into

new day

schedule overflowing

release a sigh

Spirit nudges

whispers

seek My purpose

quiet priorities

search heart

whispers—listen to

silent agenda

powered by grace

strength prepared.

                                                                                               

Psalm 18:39, “For Thou hast girded me with strength for battle; Thou hast subdued under me those who rose up against me.”