Invitation: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians Closing

 Acts 26:16, "But get up and stand on your feet: for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you as a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I appear to you;" (NASB)

We began our study this past year based on this scripture's theme. To explore the journey of scripture seeds defining purpose as shared from Paul and Timothy. We had no idea how upside-down our months would come. And how purpose could take on many paths.

However we paused to hear the Spirit's powerful words that too often get buried under daily stress. And considered seeing through a new perspective through the challenges and gifts from Him that have entered our lives.

And trusting in His foundation. His ongoing word. His on going invitation to walk moment by moment in faith. He is present.

        Thank you for participating in our journey. New Year Blessings!

                                   INVITATION            (John 1:29-51)

                                   Drawn by heart hunger

                                   one by one came to see

                                   respond to invitation.

                                   Struck by recognition

                                   certainty within

                                   reached to kindred souls.

                                   Listened. Hoped

                                   for promises. Answered

                                   call. 'Follow Me'.

"And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we  may know Him who is true and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." 1 John 5:20

                                   "Unless the Lord builds the house,

                                    They labor in vain who built it;

                                    Unless the Lord guards the city,

                                    The watchman stays awake in vain.

                                    It is vain for you to rise early,

                                    To retire late,

                                    To eat the bread of painful labors;

                                    For He gives to His beloved even in his 

                                    sleep."

                                    Psalm 127:1

                                

Deliverance: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

            Deliverance

            How often do we measure

            from the outside inwards

            struggling to achieve or at

            least survive in a 

            world conforming to

            present day Caesars'

            often in disguise.

            Holy Spirit guides

            from within our hearts

            showing mercy and grace

            bearing our burdens

            with counsel and strength

            patience and mercy

            offered every moment.

Psalm 18:50, "He gives great deliverance to His king, And shows kindness to His anointed, To David and his descendants forever."

         

Reflection: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

 Reflection Questions:

        1. Is God's grace filling your spirit today? Why or why not?

        2. This passage does not specifically promise an external relief or time frame. How might that compare to a situation you face?

        3. What could be the consequence as a child of God in Caesar's household?

Share: What kind of internal grace have you been given even when the external has brought destruction?

Therefore: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

 Philippians 4:21-23, "Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit."

Therefore

"With your spirit." From the inside out. 

How often do we gauge our actions and attitudes from the outside circumstances and turn towards inner spirit only when we realize we cannot handle it on our own strength?

Those in Caesar's household welcomed with an open heart in all situations--and were not in a safe environment. We too actually live in Caesar's household in our world too. And here also we can stay in the light and truth and live into our faith. But that does not mean life will be easy.

However the promise is that the Lord will give us His strength and His guidance in  ALL circumstances. From the inside-out--even when the outcome involves a death: of dreams or freedom or relationships or life.

His grace is timeless. His mercy everlasting.

Your thoughts, 

Glory: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

       Glory

        In the world

        we measure riches as

        abundance expressing

        extreme success

        so different from

        forever supplied needs

        never taken away

        always wrapped in His glory

        gifts of life regardless of

        our circumstance as His hand

        holds us in His glory.

         Grace given love.

Psalm18:49, "Therefore i will give thanks to Thee among the nations, O Lord, And I will sing praises to Thy name."

Reflection: Forever: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

 Reflection Questions:

     1. What need has overwhelmed you--that turned your life upside-down?

     2. How did you find the Lord's strength through the turmoil?

     3. In what ways did everything change within you while still in the storm?

     4.How has that experience affected new struggles that come--both small and large?

Share: What is your counsel to someone in distress that can remind them of the Lord's supply?

Forever: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

 Philippians 4:19-20, "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Forever

How often--or maybe too often--do we fret and worry before we pray?

Then become anxious as to whether we have chosen the right actions and our worries increase.

Yet, if we would stop and trust, His supply of grace is gifted to each of us. Ready and available to sustain each step-by-step alongside our quivering faith. He doesn't fault us for our anxiety. But He does wait for us to ask. Even while protecting us from ourselves and misunderstandings. 

Lord, may You alone receive the glory for every provision You give.

Your thoughts,

Focus: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                Focus

                Too often

                turn away

                from an obvious need

                friend shares.

                Look too often at

                limited resources

                feel guilt and sorrow

                forget to ask in prayer.

                To find a way

                to support

                from trust and love

                focused on His direction.

Psalm 18:48, "He delivers me from my enemies; Surely Thou dost lift me above those who rise up against me; Thou dost rescue me from the violent man."

              

Reflection: Testify: Purpose" Prayers and Poetry

 Reflection Questions

     1. How much time each day do we find ourselves worrying instead of praying?

     2. Not worrying does not mean not doing anything either, so how do we prepare in trust?

     3. Who do you know right now that needs support whether financially or emotionally?                 What kind of 'increase' can you give no matter how small in words or labor?

Share: What has someone most recently done for you to encourage you when in a struggle?