Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Perspective

To the stimuli around us

we respond from the center

of ourselves

connecting pieces

as conceit or challenge

to our authority,

our personal self-control.

Thinking all revolves

around own universe

holding our toddler

tenacity in tight fists.

Too often missing a promise

we react from illusion

of competence

congested priorities block

another path

new possibilities

fresh perspective.

‘Thy will be done.’

Kingdom Manna

Found

John 3:3, Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.”

Many animal species are born blind. They ‘see’ with their senses—smell, touch, taste. When their eyes open they see the den prepared for their birth: a cardboard box, a thicket, a cave. Curiosity draws them further. They peek around corners, peer through foliage. Sometimes receiving encouragement. Sometimes a cuff. The daring press forward, the timid retreat. As their strength gains their world expands. Their vision is enlarged. They begin to see the world through their parents’ eyes. Towards maturity.

I too am limited to my senses and my experiences. I can relate only to what I see around me—where I am--whom I’m with—in relation to me. Unless.

Miracle of birth. Born from above? A perspective completely foreign to my capabilities but given by God. Sight to see His kingdom. Vision to encompass His world. New territory to explore under His direction.

If I am willing to look through His eyes—His heart—His will. Lord, may I seek Your panorama.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 14:2

The Lord looks down from heaven on humankind to see if there are any who are wise, who seek after God.

Kingdom Manna

Grace

John 4:34, Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work.”

When a newborn infant calls, everyone responds. Perhaps with stumbling steps, groggy eyes, or tentative touch, but eagerly. With joy. With delight to serve. We are theirs to command.

How quickly a few months/years change our responses as we evaluate demands according to our agendas. Wills clash. We bargain, juggle, coerce, manipulate, plead, insist.

When Jesus offers us life, we listen. Eager to hear of this gift. Grateful to relinquish the burdens our hearts hold. We respond with joy. With delight we pledge service. We commit to His authority.

How soon though Lord before I find my will rubbing against Yours? And I begin to complain. Or resist. Or outright disobey. Unwilling to see the barnacles of self and sin scraped off me. Unable to see the new maturity growing within when I do Your will.

When will I realize that Your ways develop growth. With joy. With delight. May I find the contentment of obedience, Lord.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 40: 8

I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.

Kingdom Manna

Grace

Matthew 21: 31, “Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you.”

Compliance with the law is expected from all citizens. Prompt adherence to command is expected within all protection services: police, fire, military, medical. Parents consistently expect obedience from children. These boundaries protect us from anarchy, confusion, and chaos.

Submission.

Control is preferable.We choose when. We decide what. We create our plans.

Substitution.

Confident in status, confident in prestige, incredulous priests heard Jesus say tax collectors and prostitutes had priority. Those with no credits. Those with no credentials. Except one. Belief. “This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.”

Simplicity.

Cast my will into Yours, Lord. Crush any part that desires an alternative of no substance. Help me to choose Your way.

Sacrifice.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 116:17

I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice and call on the name of the Lord.