Swept: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Swept

Wind swept

throughout the house

flowing twirling

spinning rush of

power

answered prayer

astonishment

entered suddenly

caught the waiting

by surprise

violent rush

permeating presence.

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Widow’s Son

She opened her door

to a man who claimed

to be a prophet.

Yet hospitality

demanded her

obedience to house

this stranger.

He who alone

cared enough  for her

heartbreak to

plead her son’s life

to the Lord.

Witness to the word

alive in each.

Kingdom Manna

Crisis

2 Thessalonians 1:5, “This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, and is intended to make you worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering.”

With hearts grounded in His love and wills leaning on His power, the disciples were now warned of persecution ahead. Not to frighten them or send them into a panic but to prepare them for the battle.

From generation to generation God battled Amalek who attacked the weak, the stragglers, the weary. Joshua fought with the sword: Moses, Aaron and Hur with prayer. Again and again the Amaleks sneak up to attack God’s people.

We need to be ready. Not caught by surprise or overwhelmed by suddenness. Prepared to set suffering in the right perspective. And trust God to take us through. To uphold each other when tired and sick and distraught. To surround with prayer.

Fury fuels my motions Lord and I strike back. My mind fill with outrage and I am blind to Your power waiting to sustain me. When I act only in retaliation I return evil for evil and lose no matter the outcome. Instead help me to endure as You did—through the suffering to Your victory.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 62:11-12

Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,

and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord.

For you repay to all according to their work.

Kingdom Manna

Tasks

Matthew 7:24, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.”

Wisdom listens. Wisdom discerns. Wisdom waits.

Listening for the words that communicate truth. Absorbing the knowledge and information necessary to process, to produce a finished piece: a house, a song, a meal, a story.

Discerning when and where and how. When will action bring best results? Where is there need for care and compassion? How to penetrate grief with hope—loneliness with faith—pain with love.

Waiting in the silence of God’s sanctuary for direction. For the right words at the right time. Waiting for the power that prevails, sustains and heals.

Waiting in prayer seems so passive sometimes, Lord. So inadequate to the surrounding bedlam. But without Your touch and Your wisdom, any building is missing its foundation.

Discerning between choices and decisions often feels like groping through fog for my doorway. Yet when I find it the entrance is clear. May my hand be led by Yours’.

Listening to the avalanche of data muddles my thoughts and scatters my focus. But in prayer You remove the clutter and center me in Your heart.

Wisdom listens. Wisdom discerns. Wisdom waits.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 53:2

God looks down from heaven on humankind

to see if there are any who are wise,

who seek after God.

Kingdom Manna

Grace

Luke 18:14, “I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Over and over again the people questioned John the Baptist. “Are you the One?” Their numbers grew—disciples followed—religious leaders came. A heady experience. An explosion of mission. An opportunity for status.

“There is One to come greater,” John replied. “Whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.”

Offering proof of merit, however, the Pharisee prayed a litany of “at least I am not…”. As a precaution against what he was? As a protection of his position? Pompous. Prideful. So bound by his own righteousness. So dishonest even in prayer.

The tax collector would not even lift his eyes. Could not face his God. Could plead only for mercy.

Over and over again I attempt to justify my errors by listing my successes. Or to bolster my failures with smugness at another’s faults. And am glad at least I am not a Pharisee.

Teach me Lord, true humility. The kind that does not recognize itself because there are eyes for no one else except You.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 119:15

I will meditate on your precepts,

and fix my eyes on your ways.

Kingdom Manna

Key

Matthew 18:18, Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

The key of the house of David—salvation. Power over sin and death through Jesus. Shared with us. Purpose—to rout the enemy. S.D. Gordon says “prayer concerns three…God to whom we pray, the man on the contested earth who prays, and the evil one against whom we pray.” A battle in doubles—one seen—one unseen.

“For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

The key not only delivers us from Satan’s realm but also includes us in the opportunity to free others. To bind and loose. The prospect sets my teeth chattering Lord.

For building a closer relationship to You, I long to learn to pray. For fighting spiritual enemies, I shrink. But then I remember that I was freed by another’s prayer, brought to You by prayer, given new life by prayer.

Teach me to pray Lord, with Your love.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 109:21

But you, O Lord my Lord, act on my behalf for your name’s sake;

because your steadfast love is good, deliver me.

Kingdom Manna

Key

Matthew 16:19, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever You bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Keys unlock doors. Keys unlock chains and motors and treasure chests and journals. Or they snap shut vaults, secure buildings, store valuables.

Word keys open dreams and hearts and secrets. Offer challenges for puzzles and mysteries. Follow the clues. Where will they take us?

King of king and Lord of lords, Creator of the universe who holds all power in His control offers to share His kingdom. To give His keys into our keeping.

“Whatever.” No restrictions? How can He trust us? With our history of greed and war. Our disregard for life and land. Our intense self-interest.

Kingdom keys. Faith keys, kindred keys. Given to those He loves. Given to those who believe with eyes of hope. Hope in His name.

With trembling lips I pray Your name Lord. And unlock Your sanctuary.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 91:14

Those who love me, I will deliver;

I will protect those who know my name.

Tabernacle

Incense

Only by ordination

lineage descent

could a priest offer

evening sacrifice.

Only coals from

the fire

with added incense

could cover the mercy seat.

Mediation to reach God.

Now angels bring bowels

overflowing prayers

mixed with holy fire,

fragrant incense, to rise

before heaven’s throne.

Now Jesus interceding

holy Spirit refining

each person allowed

to offer prayer.

In God’s presence.

Here answers flash

as lightning

rumblings, earthquakes,

peals of thunder.

Here in quiet

listening, lives

change forever

become incense.

Living sacrifice unto God.

Psalm 141:1-2,“let my prayer be counted as incense before you and as an evening sacrifice.”

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus: 38:8, Moreover, he made the laver of bronze with its base of bronze, from the mirrors of the serving women who served at the doorway of the tent of meeting.

Before the priests could perform the sacrifices, they had to wash in the bronze laver. To remove the dust of the desert, before they came to God’s altar. Before the priests entered the holy place to serve God, they had to wash in the bronze laver. To cleanse themselves before coming to God in prayer.

Mirrors of bronze formed the base. Common materials given by the women who served in the doorway. When the water was clear, the priests could see themselves reflected in the liquid. But with daily dirt the water would become clouded.

Before Jesus’ Passover sacrifice, He poured water in a basin and washed the disciples feet.

Model My example, Jesus exhorted, wash one another’s feet. “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” Serve God. Serve one another in love.

Before You entered my life, Lord, there was no cleanliness in me. Thank you for scrubbing out the grime. Please continue to wash me from the daily dust that clouds my relationship with You, blurring Your words.

“How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 26:6

I shall wash my hands in innocence,

And I will go about Thine altar, O Lord.

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture Exodus 30:37, And the incense which you shall make, you shall not make in the same proportion for yourselves; it shall be holy to you for the Lord.

Fragrant incense. For worship. For Aaron to burn every morning and every twilight. Fashioned separate. Fashioned holy.

Spices blended, spices beaten. Spice bold smoke. Saturating their senses, sanctifying their prayers.

Faith formed day. Structured around worship, prayers, labor. Another ceaseless offering. Beginning and ending with God. “And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.”

Spoken prayers, silent prayers, searching prayers. Do I offer them to You with a holy awe, with a heart of worship? Do I invite You to begin and end my day and influence all the situations in between, or do I keep You at a distance? Separate compartments for worship and work?

Bathe my senses in Your Spirit, Lord. Anoint my prayers with Your spices that they may be acceptable.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 141:2

May my prayer be counted as incense before Thee;

The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering.

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 18:20, then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk, and the work they are to do.

One of the true joys of a toddler is the ability to dress themselves. They don’t see the emptied drawers, the backwards shirt, the mis-matched socks. They see success.

One of the true grief’s of the ill and elderly is the diminished capacity for self-care. They see collapse.

Physically we all desire autonomy.

Moses met with the people from morning till evening. Throughout the long day they came asking him to inquire of God on their behalf. Jethro observed in silence. He saw an unendurable burden for Moses. “You will surely wear out, both yourself and the people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.”

Spiritually Israel sought welfare.

Am I copying Israel? Waiting upon my congregation and friends to solace me spiritually. Waiting for someone else to feed me Your word, direct my prayers, counsel my decisions.

Am I burdening others with infant care when I am fully capable of responsible behavior? How am I ever to grow to maturity if I don’t look for Your plans, Your purposes, Your will personally? How then will I discover the work You have intended me to do?

Teach me, Lord, Your laws and Your statutes. Write them on my heart. May I become a burden-bearer instead of a heavy weight.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 119:24

Thy testimonies also are my delight;

They are my counselors.

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 17:9, So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us, and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”

Sometimes the call comes to fight. To enter the fray, pouring our very lives into the battle. We can only go when God chooses and as He directs. Until then we stand our posts and wait. Clothed with breastplate, sword, and shield, ready to participate.

But other times the battle is behind the scenes. A silent station fighting a silent battle alone or in communion with others. A battle of prayer. “Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”

Joshua commissioned to physical labor against the enemy. Moses commissioned to spiritual struggle against the foe. Both parts required to complete God’s victory. Both maintained their position until the combat ended. Both covered in God’s armor.

Lord may I be ready at Your call. Whether to wait and encourage, to enter the skirmish with time and energy, to silently watch with prayer. Strengthen me to stand my station.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 140:7

“O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation,

Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.”

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 17:3, But the people thirsted there for water; and they grumbled against Moses and said, “Why, now, have you brought us up from Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?”

It’s so easy to complain. In fact, it seems therapeutic sometimes. We let off steam, emit anger, verbalize frustration. We feel released, validated. And when we grumble against a person or circumstance we feel justified.

Israel did not desire to complain against God, again. But their interior volcano gained steam and Moses was quite accessible. So they blew their fears and doubts and confusion at him in angry bluster.

I don’t want to admit some of my grumblings are against God. If I did then I’d tell myself to be silent. So I too burst my steam at whatever’s handy. And break relationships and cause emotional pain.

The prophet Habbakuk took his concerns directly to God. “How long, O Lord, will I call for help, and Thou wilt not hear? I cry to Thee, ‘Violence!’ yet Thou dost not save.” He knew there was nothing he could not speak to You.

Before I work damage and destruction to others from my own insecurities, remind me, Lord, to come to You in prayer.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 62:8

Trust in Him at all times, O People;

Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 6:9, So Moses spoke thus to the sons of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses on account of their despondency and cruel bondage.

Moses spoke to Israel dependable hope. Listen to what God declares. Beaten, defeated, Israel remained deaf. Their suffering had so engulfed them, they couldn’t hear that help was near.

There are times when we struggle to keep afloat, then suddenly, weariness and discouragement overwhelm us. Messengers bring comfort, but we still begin to sink under the waves. The sustainers are bewildered. How can we support when our word are deflected by a wall of pain? How do we relay that deliverance is at hand?

Many years ago my mother weathered her initial bout with cancer against enormous odds. In comparison, her second battle was a minor skirmish, a preventive measure, but she spiraled emotionally out of control descending into a depression, which was more of a threat than the cancer. Nothing helped. Family, friends, doctors were immobilized in their efforts. We prayed. Her medical staff discovered a chemical imbalance, a side effect from her treatments. Supported, sustained, strengthened, she returned to a place where words gave her the courage she needed. To live, to enjoy ten more abundant years.

Thank you Lord, for Your continual comfort. When we cannot even lift our eyes to You-You give us prayers to hold us up. Create in me the compassion and commitment to pray always.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 124:1,4

Had it not been the Lord who was on our side,

Let Israel now say,

Then the waters would have engulfed us,

The stream would have swept over our soul;

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 5:22-23, Then Moses returned to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why hast Thou brought harm to this people? Why didst Thou ever send me? Ever since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Thy name, he hast done harm to this people;”

Moses obeyed. Moses stepped out in faith. Moses stood before Pharaoh. His activities brought severe consequences, not to himself, but to his people-Israel. Things became worse, not better.

Before, when Moses murdered, he ran. He bore the results of his deeds. Now Moses must watch Israel suffer. Was he tempted to flee into the desert again? Except it was there God commissioned him.

Moses returned to the Lord. With his grief, with his questions, with his doubts. He brought his failure to God. Moses didn’t understand, but he knew God alone could explain this defeat.

Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

We shrink from this statement. The mental image of Jesus standing sword in hand seems remote from nail-scarred hands reaching out in love.

Many of Jesus’ parables speak of soil. Furrowed-seeded-watered. Before the planting is upheaval. Before the harvest is manure.

I am so easily persuaded to quit Lord. I see the obstacles or the distress and I retreat. Help me bring the pain and the conflicts to You. Make me willing to accept the plough as ‘Grace filled’ as I enjoy the fruit.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 80:9

Thou didst clear the ground before it,

And it took deep root and filled the land.