Salvation: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

                Salvation 

                Enfolded in Him

                by His love and mercy

                blessed by grace

                every moment a trust.

Psalm 89:27: "I also shall make him My first-born, The highest of the kings of the earth."

                

Helmet: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Ephesians 6:17

“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

The familiar nursery rhyme “sticks and stones” often ends with, “but names will never hurt me,” or “harm me,” or “break me.” Yet we have all seen or experienced the power behind name-calling and know well the power of words.

Plus there is the plethora of meanings as any dictionary or thesaurus confirm.

Misuse, misdirection, and misunderstandings can create unbearable damage in relationships and purpose.

“What is truth?” Pilate said, as he confirmed he found no guilt in Jesus. And then knowing this truth he accepted the Jewish leaders request to crucify Him. The same words can mean different things to different people and circumstances. Over and over throughout history mankind has used Biblical truths as weapons twisting intent for personal gain.

Yet when the Spirit wields God’s words they become swords to dissolve sin, disease, and hatred. Instead words under the Spirit bring about cleansing and healing and courage. Under His perception and not under our limited manmade perspective.

Lord, by Your Spirit’s power dissolve false words or meanings from within and without us, and give us Your words of hope and truth and light that restores. Cover us with Your helmet to resist false intent and stay true to Your heart.

Psalm of Worship: Isaiah 55:11

“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose.”

Waiting: Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Isaiah 59:11, “We all growl like bears, like doves we moan mournfully. We wait for justice but there is none; for salvation, but it is far from us.

Like Israel, we often growl, moan, sorrow, complain, and grow restless waiting for justice. Even if we don’t show our frustration visibly there is often a toe-tapping impatience. And when we witness injustice to the helpless we become angry.

Angry enough to turn from waiting upon God and take matters into our own hands?

Sometimes it is for personal satisfaction and other times a worthy cause, but what Israel did recognize was that God alone could provide the right kind of justice. He seeks restoration first. We have a tendency to seek punishment first—unless, of course, it is us who need forgiveness.

In Revelation chapter 5 the writer weeps in heaven at the book no one can open because no one is worthy to open the seal. “Stop weeping,” he is told, “the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and it seven seals.”

We may need to wait for an external justice and, in some situations, the solution may not come in time for us to see beyond horizon’s reach. But we can choose internal integrity and trust in God’s promise of justice His way regardless of the circumstances in the meantime.

Hope that seeks the Lord’s will and waits with compassion and prayer.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 98:2-3

“The Lord has made known His salvation;

He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations.

…. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.”

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Genesis 21:5-7, “Now Sarah said, “God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.”

For many years I lived where each morning I awoke to squirrels playing chase on the roof and birds singing their morning hymns. It always made me smile. Now in a city setting it’s more liable to be buses huffing and puffing or an irate driver honking his horn before the sun even rises. Too often I sigh and squirm deeper under the blankets.

Some days it’s all too easy to let the grumblings of my own, or others, take over the beginning of the day and focus on what didn’t get done yesterday, that is now a chore, or worry for the schedule ahead before I even get up.

Yet creation sings each day anew, reminding us that life is fresh and everyday, every moment, a clean slate. God’s word brings life out of death. That is a message of good news—anticipation. Regardless of the personal weather. Not the past or separation or failures are able to limit the Lord’s breath.

He stands ready to help us step into His joy—His hope—His way of living. With peals of laughter, alongside birdsong, to greet opportunities with pleasure and gratitude.

Lord, please help us to begin each morning with hearts of praise.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 51:12

“Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation,

And sustain me with a willing spirit.”

Tabernacle

White Robe

Clothed in salvation garments

Covered in robe of righteousness

His authority written promise

Hands to anointed

Washed by sacrifice

Wear white robes

Cleansed by His blood

Consecrated in worship.

Revelation 7:14, “they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Tabernacle

Rainment

Naked we stand

in shame

cowered by our sin.

Priests approach

house of meeting

to serve

altar

protected by white linen.

Clothed with salvation

conqueror gives

white robes.

Psalm 132: 9, “Let your priests be clothed with righteousness.”

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 12:13, “And the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.”

Powerful forces form against us,

envoys of Satan’s realm:

sin, sickness, evil deeds

cloaked in luring lies.

Provision found flowing through

the blood, executed by law.

Streaked on door-posts, down the

cross, pass over lives.

Payment furnished, freedom’s given

gift endowed, by Sovereign grace.

Salvation sent, evidence

Christ: limitless love.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 55:18

He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me,

For they are many who strive with me.