Conquered: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

                       Conquered

                       

                        Flesh withers

                        through time

                        famine and disease.

                        Tangible decay

                        common ground

                        of all humanity.

                        Often do not

                        recognize internal sin

                        oppression of soul.

                        Conquered by Savior

                        waged battle for all generations

                        forgiveness bought.

Reflection: Protection: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Do you have habitual sins of error or intent?

2.     What circumstances tend to magnify them?

3.     Do you sweep them away as  ‘human’ frailty or take them to the Lord for forgiveness?

4.     What damage do you need to see healed in relationships?

Share: What does the Lord’s refuge look like for you?

Reflection Sacrifice: Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Do you find it emotionally too painful to consider Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for you alone?

2.     Do you believe that He would have gone to the cross for you alone? Why or why not?

3.     What keeps you hesitant to seek His forgiveness day to day? Or what keeps you anxious to seek His forgiveness day to day?

Share: What sacrificial gift of love have you received that changed your life?

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Sometimes the thought of building an ark might seem easier than forgiving another, or setting boundaries in our lives. It is often easier to do a task than to change our hearts. Has the Lord asked you to do something seemingly impossible?

2.     Did you find it a hopeful challenge, or a frightening obstacle, or somewhere in between?

3.     Do you find it easier to respond when a task is private or public? Why?

Share: How did the Lord enable you to step out in faith?

Kingdom Manna

Matthew 5:10, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Threatened by winds of

change, words of life,

a hope apart;

control fades from selfish power.

Fear attacks

persecutes faithful

witnesses.

Attempts to crush

their voices with

cruelty.

Stop the sound,

stifle the whisper.

Silence. Wells deepen drawing

strength from the Word.

Life in surrender

shatters tyrant by forgiveness.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 119:161-162

Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart

stands in awe of your words.

I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.

Kingdom Manna

Intercede

Mark 9:1, And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.

Two deaths—physical and spiritual. We rage against the first pouring medicine, research, prayer into the battle. We know it will have its way but not yet—not before its time. And even then we grieve at our separation from loved ones.

We can forfeit the second. When we deny Christ’s words, His cross, His counsel. “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and the sake of the gospel, will save it.”

To grasp tightly to life that fades draws me inward. A reflex motion of protection, of fear. To loose myself to You, Lord releases me to walk free.

Whether for a moment, a day, or eternity. Free to love life embracing both the joy and the pain with the assurance that in Your name, Your glory, all the pieces will become whole.

To follow You now begins the journey toward Your kingdom. To follow now means a willingness to accept and see Your power at work. To follow now prepares me to approach death’s door as entry.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 79:9

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name;

deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name’s sake.