Focus: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                                Focus

                                                The day’s schedule

                                                ahead heavy with

                                                commitment may not

                                                be the one chosen

                                                by the Lord.

                                                The Spirit waits

                                                always ready to give guidance

                                                carrying the weight with

                                                blessings seen and unseen

                                                by the Lord’s grace.

Psalm 18:11: “He made darkness His hiding place, His canopy around Him; Darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies.

Reflection: Plan: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. Our human view of death is very different from Paul’s. How much are we affected by either focus?

2. What for you is most necessary in your life? Why?

3. In what ways can your purpose lean more into the Lord’s priority?

4. Ask the Holy Spirit for insight today to change or confirm your primary choices.

Share: Does the choice relieve tension for you or add new concerns? Why?

Plan: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 1:23-24, “I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.”

Plan

It is difficult to even think of the pull that exists between departing to Christ and leaving behind beloved family and friends. And Paul is struggling to leave complete strangers in case they do not hear of the Lord’s gift of grace.

Too often our daily goals are captured by our lives—our desires—our plans and we become frustrated or resentful when others intrude.

Yet that interruption may be important in a way we cannot see or interpret. We often judge by time and completed lists. The Lord goes into our souls.

Lord, please give us each a heart that loves as You do and a vision to see where You want us to go—to do—to be. Keep us under Your Spirit’s agenda.

Your thoughts,