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."

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?

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,

Kingdom Manna

Crisis

Luke 13:29, “Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God.”

Jesus clearly stated that His kingdom was not of this world but the political leaders still felt threatened. They recognized a power beyond their control. A power they saw as dangerous.

Power and glory and majesty. Overarching all creation. Overseeing all of history. Overcoming all enemies.

Jesus’ victory far exceeds our limited experience. Reaches beyond our expectations. He invites us to His feast. His table. East and west, so far has He flung our transgressions from us. From north and south and east and west He gathers His children home.

Places prepared for each. A seat at the table. A dwelling in God’s kingdom. An inheritance sealed.

Jesus simply stated that this congregation would eat together. His promise given. His welcome to all nations. His word stands.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 111:6

He has shown his people the

power of his works,

in giving them the heritage of the

nations.

Kingdom Manna

Grace

John 18:36, Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”

Israel’s history, like much of the ancient world, included a long list of battles. They fought for the land of Canaan against the Philistines and Amorites and Chaldeans. They fought wars within their lands for territory and kings. Often they fought at God’s call—as an arm of His command.

When outright challenge was thwarted, they went underground as freedom fighters, watching for opportunities to hinder, stab, and sabotage their conquerors, such as Rome. Right seethed within them. God given rights of land and nationality and religion.

In turn Rome diligently sought out insurrection. Stamped out the leaders. Knew who were the rabble-rousers and who the serious contenders. And Pilate believed Jesus’ claim. And trembled. And tried to release Him. This man of no worldly threat to Empire—Pilate recognized.

Why would Jesus need to fight for that which was already His? He stood calm before the tirade against Him. Preparing for the greater need. The battle for mankind’s deliverance. Religious and political leaders saw only an immediate threat to their territory and their influence. Not the spiritual war for reconciliation. Not the grace of God. Not the return of His kingdom.

Instill in me the discernment, Lord, to recognize Your rule.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 103:19

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,

and his kingdom rules over all.

Kingdom Manna

Intercede

Mark 3:24, if a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

Community, city or country, when challenged with an outside threat or calamity, tend to pool all their resources, set aside their differences, and gather together to face the storm. Selfless acts of heroism, kindness and compassion form a stalwart barrier.

Unless.

Crooks, despots or counterfeiters are the leaders. Then their response to danger or disclosure aims for self-protection, escape, rejected responsibility. Voids open. Innocents are left defenseless. Power structures, governments collapse from within.

Unstable.

Christ comes to stand for us against the powers of evil. Powers of darkness, disease, despair. He does not leave us or reject us or divide us but gathers us under His care and counsel. Gives us His strength to handle the storm, the onslaught. Prays for us.

Until.

Calm is restored. Chains are broken. Covenant is renewed. Thank you Lord that You never leave us or forsake us. Thank you for Your unceasing protection from both within and without. In Your keeping we can remain undivided.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 37:24

though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong,

for the Lord holds us by the hand.

Tabernacle

Sheaf

He offered Himself

for our acceptance

a lamb without blemish

first fruits

of harvest

in heaven’s kingdom

for Him we belong

as gathered wheat.

Revelation 7:30, “Your own hands shall bring the Lord’s offering by fire,”