Heritage: Lamentations: Prayers and Poetry

                 Heritage

                Bereft of city

                squandered heritage

                struck by own sin

                barren future

                eyes dim

                fatigue saps strength

                forgotten by God

                ever hungry

                seek return of

                child's status

                create once more

                a sincere heart.

Psalm 37:39: "The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their refuge in the time of trouble."

Boundaries: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Joshua 15

“But the people of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem; so the Jebusites live with the people of Judah in Jerusalem to this day.”  Joshua 15: 63

Every detail of this land is marked out by boundaries surrounding the people of Judah according to their families. They numbered their cities and the villages attached to them. They supplied springs where needed. Their borders were clearly marked out north—south—east—west, by rivers and hills and wadis.

And yet still in the very center remained a tribe of Jerusalem that they could not expel and so they stayed. As a reminder of their limitations? Like Paul, was this to be a thorn in their side? Or because God had His own plans of redemption for that tribe and only by living alongside the people of Judah would they ever hear His truth?

Do these landmarks listed in such detail apply to us spiritually as well? What boundaries surround us physically, spiritually or vocationally? Perhaps we do not have literal landmark markings but we have a concrete territory we abide in. Who or what is at the center? Which springs of water are we drinking from?

Caleb’s daughter trusted him to provide for her and her family, just as God had provided their homes and lands and rivers and pastures.  Do we trust or do we question?

Lord, the questions explode almost to the point of collapse. Please keep us in Your peace in the midst of friend and foe knowing that You set our boundaries and are present in the midst of us. Give us Your wisdom that we might live in the heritage You give us daily with confidence and compassion.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 135: 12 & 14

“And gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to his people Israel.”

“For the Lord will vindicate his people, and have compassion on his servants.”

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Hebrews 11:25, “Choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.”

In John 17, Jesus prays for His followers not to be taken out of the world, but to be kept from the evil one—to be sanctified in truth as a witness to the world. Moses’ advanced education and opportunities given by his upbringing gave him the gifts and qualities he needed to lead a nation, to write the Torah, to lead his people in worship of a personal God. Was there even a possibility he could have been the next Pharaoh?

Two inheritances with possibilities ahead of which he knew neither. Yet, he knew enough to know that earthy power comes and goes. A once mighty rule could quickly become buried under sands of time. And he chose the story of his people over the temporary. Trusting that following God’s promises would be far better than playing by the world’s rules. And have lasting eternal value.

Perhaps to stay in Pharaoh’s household meant a participation with sin even if not committing it. Can silence or compromise become acquiescence? How can we know when to stay in a situation or when to break all ties?

Lord, we need Your wisdom to not become blinded by wrong opportunities to do right things. Help us to stand in the heritage of Your word, Your will, and Your ways.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 105:3-5

“Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad.

Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually.

Remember His wonders which He has done,

His marvels, and the judgments uttered by His mouth,”