Sardis: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Revelation 3:1-6

“Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is on the point of death, for I have not found your works perfect in the sight of my God.”

Heart—compassion—pure motives fuel the works the Lord sparks within our church communities and our own ministry outreach. Our souls sing even at the end of an exhausting undertaking that depletes all our resources.

Unless, somewhere along the way, the tiredness endures and our actions become rote. What then? Take stock our scripture says—take notice before apathy and passivity turn into uselessness. Maybe not on the surface apparent to the world, but as a weak link heart to heart. When our care begins to harden into resentment or contempt or objectivity.

“Remember then what you received and heard; obey it, and repent.”

Remember that if God gives the work He will also supply His resources. He will cover each if us with His power and grace to bear the hardest tasks. If that is where He assigned.

Unfortunately too often we think we know what we’re doing on our own and don’t even realize we are working on our own steam until the signs of failure sneak into our attitudes and actions compromising our discernment.

We can only conquer in His strength.

Thank you Lord that you search us and know us. Keep us listening to Your counsel to discern Your guidance in all stages of works.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 27: 14

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage;

wait for the Lord!”

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 36:6-7, Thus the people were restrained from bringing any more. For the material they had was sufficient and more than enough for all the work, to perform it.

Restrained from offering. Israel overflowed with generosity for the Lord’s tabernacle. Freely they gave. Filled to the brim. There was enough for all the work, to perform it. More than enough.

They returned to God from the bounty He had given them.

Resources unlimited.

“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man;” an inheritance beyond our understanding. More than enough for all the work he asks us to do. Sufficient supply.

Replicated offerings. As Jesus fed the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish, with leftovers twelve baskets full. If we just offer, You will provide.

Reveal to me Lord the stinginess in me. Forgive me my miserly attitude toward time and talent and tithe. Replace it with a giving heart that Your Spirit may pour through and expand my meager mites into bounty. All that I have is Your gift to me, just as You gave to Israel. All that You ask me to do, to give, You will multiply from Your storehouse.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 96:8

Ascribe to the Lord the glory of His name;

Bring an offering, and come into His courts.