Ransomed: Grace in the Wilderness: Prayers and Poetry

                                   Ransomed

                                    Has ransomed

                                    paid a price

                                    purchase nonrefundable

                                    released from

                                    captivity’s prison

                                    cut away from all bondage.

                                    Hope restored

                                    new beginnings

                                    nature sings

                                    restoration begins

                                    surrounded by grace

                                    sustained daily.

Romans 8:11, “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.”

Reflection: Paid: Grace in the Wilderness: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection:

1.     What is the most costly gift you have given or been given? Whether financial or not.

2.     Did it come with any implications of payback or bribery? Or did you feel like you were obligated in someway?

3.     Or, if not, how did the surprise and joy affect you as either the recipient or the giver?

4.     How did it change you?

Paid: Grace in the Wilderness: Prayers and Poetry

Jeremiah 31:11, “For the Lord has ransomed Jacob, And redeemed him from the hand of him who was stronger than he.”

Has ransomed. He has paid the ransom for each of us and it cannot be taken back. Even when we falter again and again, we belong to Him and He will find us.

Not as property or prisoners but as beloved family. Tied by mercy and forgiveness. Not obligation except as an offering to choose whether to accept His gift or not.

The new beginnings enable us to see our lives through the eyes of hope and purpose instead of loss and defeat.

He surrounds us with support and gives us the insight to help each other. Often anonymously and we wonder again how the weight we carried has been lifted.

Lord, please show us how to be Your servants in all circumstances and live into the redemption You have rescued for each of us.

Your thoughts,

Paid: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

                       PAID

                        Debtors—yes

                        but no longer tied to

                        basic hungers

                        false pursuits

                        furtive longings.

                        Debt fully paid.

                        Now a longing to prove

                        new beginnings

                        compassion and mercy now

                        clear water flowing

                        into all desires

                        imprint of holy

                        gift unequaled

                        given by grace.

                        Debtors—always.