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."

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?

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,

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,