Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Truth?

Pilate’s question

‘What is truth’

continues through

the decades; man’s

challenge to define

individual steps,

choose a personal

path directed by

own compass.

Working by external

gratification

missing true

relationship. Your

heartbeat of love;

waits patiently,

promised way

now and eternal

only answer.

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Why do we sometimes have difficulty accepting God’s word at face value?

2.     What personal barriers do we try to put up to protect ourselves in case we’re wrong?

3.     Have you missed out on opportunities because you couldn’t trust yourself with what you heard God say?

4.     Did it change you response the next time?

  Share: What signposts have helped you recognize the Lord’s truth in foggy circumstances?

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

Lord, we are always looking for direction. And too often always bewildered in our purpose. We ask for affirmation, confirmation, and certification. You gently remind, “It is Me.” And we reply, “but how?”

You give us Yourself and instead we look for concrete steps to follow. You offer a relationship and we look for a plan. Or a program or a specific task to measure and to accomplish.

Why? Because if our human relationships are so difficult then we expect one with You will be beyond our ability? Which is true on our part and yet not on Yours.

I don’t understand why we who look so longingly at love reject Your way. Or try to manufacture our own version. Instead we hesitate, question or mock. Such a gift must have strings attached. It’s too personal. Don’t we have to become special first?

Help me Lord to lower my false defenses and trust in Your love for each one of us individually and wholly. That we might abide in true relationships heart first. Trusting Your words completely.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 119:160

“The sum of Thy word is truth,

And every one of Thy righteous ordinances is everlasting.”

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Scepter

Bits of power merge

together like scattered

metal magnetized into

a cohesive plan

building strength

attracting like interests

forms into shape; creates

illusion of control.

Buys more people,

rulers establish systems

grow prominence, believe

own scepter strength

forget veil source

of all existence who

silently watching

holds the throne.

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Have you ever had a position of authority that went to your head? What were the consequences to others? To yourself?

2.     How open are you to advice and accountability? Why? Or Why not?

3.     How can we learn to distinguish between an obstacle we need to overcome and a closed door we need to obey?

4.     Have you prayer support as you follow the dreams God has given you.  

Share: Has the Lord given you insight to recognize a false path? How?

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Isaiah 14:5, “The Lord has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of rulers”

In our advertisement-laden world, it is often difficult to separate the truth from the rhetoric. And that’s from the outside in—not from our own self-centered illusions. How often do we find ourselves claiming control when really we have inhaled a false reality? Or someone else’s interpretation of how we should conduct ourselves.

History is replete with examples of both earned and designated power run amok.

New ideas—dreams—visions are wonderful gifts of creativity in so many areas of our lives. Unless they begin to become the authority by which we legislate our perceived power of time and talents and responsibilities.

We all like to think we’re in control, but the true reality is that the Lord alone is the source of all power and strength and only under His guidance can genuine direction and truth flourish with life-giving results.

Psalm 27 reminds us that, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain.”

The gifts are given in trust. And sometimes when we protect and provide we are tempted to hoard and hide for our own personal status.

Lord, help me to be grateful that You are in control, for Your wisdom that guides and for Your sustaining grace that enables us to live freely with generosity.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 49:15

“But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol; for He will receive me.”

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Guidance

Following a new hiking

trail encourages adventure

the surprise of a curved

path opening to glorious

vista, or a concealed hideaway.

Our eyes eagerly seek

for signs whether overlarge

billboards, tiny arrows at

foot level, or worn beaten trails

of previous travelers.  Fresh steps

on proven ground.  Yet then I

hesitate when  guidance

is spoken behind  us,

words giving step by step

directions offering

a different scenic walk.

New fresh ground. Unmarked.

Keep seeing my safe route before me

wonder where the change will go.

Suddenly the path becomes a

challenge to walk holy ground.