Safety
Friday, March 5, 2021
Safety: Prayers and Poetry
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Reflection: But Deliver Us: Prayers and Poetry
Reflection Questions
1. How often do we forget to ask for guidance and protection before a danger whispers to us?
2. When you recognize that slight nudge of warning what do you use to get a deeper sense of truth?
3. How can we extend that to personal prayers and protection prayers for others as the Lord leads?
Share: What prayer request have you found most helpful to stay focused on the Lord's presence in all circumstances?
Monday, March 1, 2021
But Deliver Us: Prayers and Poetry
But Deliver Us
Matthew 6:13: "But deliver us from evil."
Save
Evil comes in many forms. Sometimes clear and fearful. Sometimes hidden and dangerous. Sometimes ready to battle and sometimes not. Sometimes false.
How to know when to walk away? Or how to identify?
Ask in prayer. Always.
From the tiniest nudge that something is not quite right to a clear confrontation demanding a fight.
Some things may look okay on the outside--a new opportunity--a new friendship--a new adventure. Like Satan's offers to Jesus in the wilderness. Looks great on the outside. Maybe even a position to do much needed good. But there are hidden chains that will weave through our lives and hearts like vines crawling up tighter and tighter until we are bound.
Prayer. Always.
Only the Lord knows our very being. What may be a wonderful opportunity for growth and ministry to one person may be a terrible collapse for another. Each of us have specific boundaries--each of us are fragile to lures. Unless we accept His deliverance we will and do falter. repeatedly.
Prayer. Always.
Your thoughts,
Friday, February 26, 2021
Protection: Prayers and Poetry
Protection
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Reflection: And Do Not Lead Us: Prayers and Poetry
Reflection Questions
1. What temptations continue to whisper or attack your relationship with the Lord?
2. What has kept you from seeking His help to resist, or forgiveness to return?
3. What word, or promise, from Jesus could become your daily hope to shelter you?
Share: What does a firm foundation look like for you?
Monday, February 22, 2021
And Do Not Lead Us: Prayers and Poetry
And Do Not Lead Us
Matthew 6:13: "And lead us not into temptation,"
Temptation
Why would we think that God would lead us into temptation, when Jesus came to save?
Then we remember that even in the perfection of the Garden Adam and Eve chose temptation. And then in the wilderness Satan again tried to turn Jesus from His call of redemption for everyone.
Jesus reminds us here to ask for strength to resist whatever allure or wrong direction is acting as a siren song to turn us away from His truth and His protection.
"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Provision. Protection. Prepared.
Will we remember? Will we ask for help? Will we recognize the lies? Will we stay on the path He calls us to regardless of the cost?
Jesus did not hesitate to turn to God in prayer, for Himself and for others.
Your thoughts,
Friday, February 19, 2021
Seventy: As We Forgive: Prayers and Poetry
Seventy
Times seven
Jesus said,
must forgive from
your heart.
No exceptions.
His grace is for all
regardless of
their response
we are to relinquish.
All resentment.
Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Reflection: As We Forgive: Prayers and Poetry
Reflection Questions
1. Read Ephesians 4:30-32
2. How can we recognize when we grieve the Holy Spirit in our thoughts and attitude?
3. What are some ways we can overcome our bitterness and anger--especially when we are victims of deliberate malice?
4. What act of kindness have you received as a response to your own anger against someone?
Share: How have you found a way, or words, to actively forgive as Christ had forgiven us?
Monday, February 15, 2021
As We Forgive: Prayers and Poetry
Matthew 6:12: "As we forgive them that trespass against us." (or our debts)
Absolve
Every time. Over and over. From our hearts.
Whether debts, of false accusations, or lies, or hatred, or condemnation.
In his study of parables, Herbert Lockyer shares that: "The word forgive actually means 'forth-give,' that is, to dismiss absolutely from thought."
No grudges. No retaliation. No gossip. No revenge.
One of the most detailed and well-known parable from Jesus is in His response to Peter's question as to how we must forgive another. "Up to seven times?" Seventy times seven was the answer.
Then Jesus shared the story of a man who had been forgiven an enormous debt from the king. But when released he in turn sent a fellow slave, who owed him a much smaller amount, into prison. When the king heard he became extremely angry at the man's lack of mercy and wickedness to another, and so removed his decree and sent him to the torturers. Matthew 18:21-35
In Luke 7:1-4, Jesus again reminds His disciples that repentance is ongoing and to be on guard to forgive. No matter how many times.
Lockyer also shares that: "The truth unfolded in the parable, then, is that forgiveness must be, as it is with God, a constant attitude."
Your thoughts,
Friday, February 12, 2021
Mercy: Prayers and Poetry
Mercy
Sin absolved
within and without
when we acknowledge
our faults--our failures
own the iniquity.
Love absorbs
within and without
whispers hope
opens new paths
offered through His grace.
Matthew 5:8: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Reflection: And Forgive Us: Prayers and Poetry
Reflection Questions
1. Read Psalm 103's Praise for the Lord's Mercies.
2. Which of these mercies have you received from a person, from the Lord?
3. Which of these acts of forgiveness have you been able to give to your loved ones, to friends, or to strangers?
Share: How has embracing forgiveness changed your daily perception?
Monday, February 8, 2021
And Forgive Us: Prayers and Poetry
Matthew 6:12: "And forgive us our trespasses (or debts)"
Forgive
Trespasses--sin--debts--often intertwine in the Bible verses and stories. But when Jesus gave these words to His disciples they still had no true concept of the price Jesus would pay to open the door to a forgiveness beyond any human ability.
In every aspect of our lives--from the inside out.
"He does not treat us according to our sins nor repay us according to our faults." Psalm 103:10
"As far as the east is from the west so far does He remove our sins." Psalm 103:12
In Ephesians Chapter 2 Paul reminds his readers that they were dead in their sins when they walked in the course of this world that desires power and personal ambition.
Many people throughout history and present times still reject this gift of life, like Saul who would not accept God's grace and looked only to human methods to attempt to gain power.
Yet the Lord offers His mercy again and again. Free will. Free choice.
We only need to accept His costly offering.
"Sin is the refusal of love, whether to give love or to receive it." Thomas Merton.
Your thoughts,
Friday, February 5, 2021
Wonder: Prayers and Poetry
Wonder
Sometimes splashes
us with surprise
stunned in awe.
Or quietly nudges
us with beauty in
one small sight.
Gently washes
us with His ongoing
grace and love.
Whispers daily to comfort
us when we pause
with wonder.
Matthew 5:7: "Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy."
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Reflection: Daily Bread: Prayers and Poetry
Reflection Questions
1. Make a list of some astonishing glimpses of God's grace in your life that caused you to be curious or thankful or both?
2. How many of them were seen through simplicity, or briefly, yet changed your whole perspective?
3. What are some ways we can begin to sense His ongoing wonder in our routine days?
Share: In what ways can different types of art also give us brief reminders of how to engage in awe in the ordinary?
Monday, February 1, 2021
Daily Bread: Prayers and Poetry
Matthew 6:11: "Give us this day our daily bread..".
Daily Bread
Manna, "food of the desert".
"And He rained down manna upon them to eat, And gave them food from heaven. Man did eat the bread of angels; he sent them food in abundance." Psalm 78:24
Completely mystified by the flaky fiber carpeting surrounding their camp, Israel asked Moses "what is it?"
God's provision given one day at a time. Morning by morning. For forty years. Did they still marvel in awe every day or began to take it for granted? Or annoyed when it stopped and they had to learn to provide for themselves?
Bewildered disciples struggled to understand Jesus' kingdom too. Not of this earth, but sufficient for the needs of each day. Not a fact explainable, but a fact undeniable.
A different reality, sent from God, delivered by Jesus' own hand--then and now.
Thoughts crowd, convict our minds. God's kingdom present here? Can we grasp it? Explore it? Live it? What does it mean?
Far reaching implications that extends beyond only physical food but extends to heart and mind and soul hunger as well. Daily we are given this gift of wonder--even in times of deep grief and sorrow.
Open our eyes Lord to see bright glimpses of Your presence clearly, and live each day nourished by Your spiritual daily bread.
Your thoughts,
Friday, January 29, 2021
Got This: Prayers and Poetry
Got This
Too often we forget
we cannot see the whole
picture or misinterpret
our will for His.
Focus on solution
a plan to succeed.
Except He searches hearts
to be washed of sin
and become unbroken
in His love.
Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied."
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
Reflection: Thy Will: Prayers and Poetry
Reflection Questions
1.What are some ways we can distinguish between the Lord's purpose or our own weak interpretation?
2. How can the world's ways bend our understanding or attitude away from God's intentions?
3. How can delighting in His will and His law keep us grounded in His guidance?
Share: What is the most difficult situation you have experienced under the Lord's grace and mercy to fulfill His will? How has that transformed you?
Monday, January 25, 2021
Thy Will: Prayers and Poetry
Thy Will: Prayers and Poetry
Matthew 6:10: "Thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven."
Will
Have you ever watched a toddler struggling with an action and leaned in to help or show the way and been refused? And then came a temper tantrum or cries of frustration?
How often as adults do we also assume we know what is needed in a situation and instead of praying, or thinking it through, we take an "I've got this" attitude? Then when it doesn't work out, or someone else has to take over we let embarrassment, or annoyance, or resentment, or anger creep in?
A strong personal heart can give us the strength to undergo serious life circumstances. But when we put our will our way above the Lord's guidance or His directions we often cause personal friction and possible failure.
Knowing truth and living into truth can be very different.
So how can we tell the difference? "I delight to do Thy will, O my God: Thy law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8 His words--His way. Jesus continually faced jeers, arguments, disbelief, and hatred, but he continued to follow God's plan in all circumstances.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
Your thoughts,
Friday, January 22, 2021
Protect: Prayer and Poetry
Protect
Although we cannot see
or often feel His presence
His Holy Spirit
stands guard
moment by moment
ready to protect
when we remember
His kingdom is still whole
waiting in His power.
His healing. His life. His creation.
Matthew 5:5: "Blessed are the gentle, for they will be comforted."
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Reflection Questions: Kingdom: Prayers and Poetry
Reflection Questions:
1. How does this promise from God give us a new perspective to face the repetitive ongoing man-made battles for power?
2. In what ways can we each approach "His kingdom" within our own daily struggles?
3. How can this promise affect our prayers?
Share: In what ways does the reminder of the protection of His tree of life give us comfort now?
Monday, January 18, 2021
KIngdom: Prayers and Poetry
Matthew 6:10: "Thy kingdom come;"
Kingdom
How do we define a kingdom? One definition, according to the dictionary, is to achieve recognition or supremacy. History confirms that concept with civilizations that have risen and fallen, and with individual leaders in multiple arenas of success in many fields. And as individuals when we focus only on our personal definition of our personal domain.
Our common impression is power and prestige--whether good or evil.
Yet God's version of His kingdom does not match man made versions.
His kingdom began in creation: heaven and earth, light from darkness, separate days, separated waters, vegetation, seasons, days, years, light of sun and moon and stars, swarms of creatures, birds, animals, and God saw it all as good. Then "God created man in His own image,...male and female He created them. And God blessed them...And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good."
But then came their deceit and to protect all mankind He separated them from the tree of life on earth. His kingdom in heaven remains separate and whole. Waiting.
His earth created kingdom will be restored. "And on either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there will no longer be any curse;" Revelation 22:2-3.
He will be present among mankind again. His kingdom--His power is always aimed for creation and wholeness and life. His invitation is "Come." "Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take that water of life without cost."
Jesus opened that door again--to live in the Lord's presence now--even in the ongoing mankind battle for power. In His kingdom there is only healing in His time.
"Thy kingdom come."
Your thoughts,
Friday, January 15, 2021
Awe: Prayers and Poetry
Awe
In His presence
we are overwhelmed
by grace.
Like Isaiah know
we are broken
shards.
Ruined pieces
we cannot see hope our
sorrow too deep. Then.
He brings restoration.
Matthew 5:4: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Reflection: Hallowed: Prayers and Poetry
Reflection Questions
1. When you realized the Lord's offered gift of a personal relationship with Him how did you react emotionally?
2. How does that wonder turn your heart and mind upside down?
3. When, or why, does that sense of wonder become ordinary?
Share: What word or thought do you think could help us t remember to include a hallowed respect when we talk and pray with the Lord?
Monday, January 11, 2021
Hallowed: Prayers and Poetry
Matthew 6:9: "Hallowed be Thy name;"
Hallowed
When Moses met God at the burning bush he was told that he stood on holy ground. And was given God's name: I AM WHO I AM. The priests were given very strict guidelines before their worship and work within the temple. Especially when the High Priest went into the Hoy of Holies in the tabernacle.
Holiness. Awe. Respect. Fear.
When the Lord came in person to Isaiah his immediate response was: "Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King the Lord of Hosts."
Throughout the Old Testament specific people were called by God for specific reasons, and each one was overcome by being in His Holy presence.
Jesus came and opened that relationship with everyone who accepts Him as Messiah. He walked among the crowds of believers and non-believers. He brought healing and hope and holiness into our lives. And they were all amazed then.
Hallowed. Jesus includes this word in His guidance for us to "Pray, then in this way."
Are we? We often stand in awe at nature both in the daily glory of sunrise and sunset. And staggered by the danger in earthquakes and tsunamis. But sometimes take for granted His presence--His gift of the Holy Spirit--present daily. His astonishing gift of presence, and ongoing invitation to walk with Him.
"Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of the hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory." Isaiah 6:3.
Your thoughts,
Friday, January 8, 2021
Our: Prayers and Poetry
Our
El Olam
Everlasting
Moment by moment
Mercy never failing
Holds each one of us as
His beloved heirs
Creator--Redeemer
Rescuer--Christ the Lord
Matthew 5:3: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Reflection Questions: Our Father: Prayers and Poetry
1. How does the idea of a combined "our" feel towards a difficult relationship? Does it stretch your feelings or give you a sense of peace?
2. Make your list of your expectations from a father. How much is measured by human fathers or God as Father? How can that affect your current family?
3. In what ways can knowing the limitless of our Creator in heaven bring healing to the grief of loved ones facing death?
Share: What other name for Father would you like to call Him?
Monday, January 4, 2021
Our Father: Prayers and Poetry
The Lord's Prayer Introduction
Psalm 27:1-2: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell."
New Year Blessings!
This year our beginning devotional series is based on a familiar prayer that we share often. Yet, sometimes we can become so comfortable with a well-known passage that we unconsciously skim through it. Even, or maybe especially, the ones that we consider as strong foundations to our faith walk. It is already so written into our hearts that we miss its power and daily presence.
So for the first three months we'll take a deep breath and slowly re-absorb the Lord's Prayer. This past year has brought so much tension, sorrow, grief, and confusion even within loving family and friends and hope. Let's re-absorb this prayer Jesus gave to each believer then and now.
This study unfolds into three parts. On Mondays we will reflect on a scripture passage. Wednesdays consider meditative questions. Fridays respond with poetry.
The Matthew verse translations are from the NASB, as are the closing verses.
Thank you for participating in our journey. Please share as you discover your own questions and insights, prose, and poetry.
Our Father: Prayers and Poetry
Matthew 6:9: "Our Father, who art in heaven,"
Our
Not mine, nor yours, not his or hers, or theirs. No distinction of privilege or poverty, of age, of level of education, location of country, or language, or color of skin.
When we accept the gift of grace God offers t each of us individually we are then all together on equal ground--an internal family that is timeless.
"..you are all one in Christ Jesus. And you belong to Christ....heirs according to promise." Galatians 3:28
Father
For some of us the name father brings immediate love and memories and a safe heart from our human father. For many of us the name father brings sorrow, and sadness, and often memories of fear. Or abandonment. And never knowing why or who.
So although we believe and accept with trust God's parental character 'father' can still be a difficult barrier in our heart and trust when we pray. So we skim over the thoughts and the understanding of the depth of His love. Or try to ignore our hesitancy to fully trust.
But our Scriptures overflow with other name we have been given to use as well: Creator, Redeemer, El Shaddi, Elohim, Jehovah. Or El Olam (the Everlasting).
His love and grace and mercy extend beyond our limited human experiences.
Who art in heaven
Limitless. His promises are eternal. We may have no way now to comprehend because on our temporary earthly life we face deaths throughout all the years. And the grief can overwhelm in histories of wars and illness and pandemic. Heaven means life. In His timing. We will see Him face to face along with our loved ones. A reconciliation and new beginnings far far beyond our imagination. Except we know we are His heirs and His family through mercy, grace, and redemption.
Your thoughts,