Battle: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                               Battle

                                                Dispute sends nerves on alert

                                                whether personal or not

                                                Desire to engage in battleground

                                                wakens our ammunition

                                                Digs up reasons, examples, excuses for

                                                warrior mode or negotiator

                                                Deep within our own fears rise

                                                worry over outcome—consequences.

                                                Darkness threatens hearts

                                                whispers self preservation yet to

                                                Distance enough to pray

                                                wait for Spirit’s guidance to

                                                Draw truth light into conflict

                                                words of reconciliation

                                                words of honesty

                                                Delivered by truth.

Psalm 18:22, “For all His ordinances were before me, And I did not put away His statutes from me.”

Reflection: Shine: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. What situations do you instinctively jump into, or resist immediately?

2. How can we know when to be silent in the Lord’s leading and when to speak up?

3. When has praying quietly instead of engaging in a dispute brought about a caring closure?

4. Which is harder—to engage with words or pray in silence? Why?

Share: When have you had to battle your grumbling at the Lord’s leading? How did you release it?

Shine: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 2:14-15, “Do all things without grumbling, that you might be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”

Shine

Sometime we may not grumble and dispute a situation outwardly but continue to do so inwardly, as if we can prove to ourselves that we are right and the other is wrong—in order to justify ourselves.

Yet the Lord asks us to go even deeper. Instead of fussing at others, within or without, we are to turn to an inward quiet and listen. Is this something from the Lord where He wants us to engage in attitude or action as His servant? To be His child responding in obedience and not tantrum?

Even on the days when we are too self-absorbed and blind to others needs and situations His light and truth will still reach out to shine through us.

Lord, we pray to be a light to Your truth, even if only a tiny spark. May our hearts focus on Your will and stand firm against the desire to engage in corruption on others terms.

Your thoughts,

Bird Struck! Orioles

Family Devotional

Day Thirteen

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105

The Latin word for “golden” is aureolus, and it became the root for the word “oriole.” When Lord Baltimore was the governor of Maryland in the 1700s, his coat of arms used the same colors as the orioles’ plumage.

Emily Dickinson has a poem about them.

                        “To hear an Oriole sing           

                        May be a common thing

                        Or only a divine.”

Orioles are also known for the beautiful hanging nests they make. Jesus told His disciples, “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16).

Our common everyday lives can be divine also when we live by the golden light of God’s truth.

Whether we’re doing an outside work that people can see, like helping to build homes or feeding the homeless, or doing an inside work on our hearts, like forgiving a friend who said unkind words to us, we are creating something beautiful.

And creating beauty helps everyone to see God’s light.

Action

1. Build a small birds’ nest for your backyard or windowsill.

2. Or make a colored paper one to give to a friend and fill it with some special treats to let them know you appreciate them.

Read More

Psalm 90:17

Matthew 5:14-15

1 Peter 2: 4-6