Promises: Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Hebrews 12:2, “and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Personally we have all made promises that we could not keep. Perhaps made in haste and forgotten, or deeply sincere but without the means or the authority needed to see them through to completion.

We have also all had promises broken to us, and so we are either leery of promises or consider them casual commitments when others make them. Especially from those in power.

Publicly our world history is replete with misused and manipulated promises made in almost every field of our lives: political, educational, financial, and spiritual as leadership at all levels break their words. Abuse their positions.

When Jesus went to the cross the disciples thought He had broken His promises made when He began His ministry. That the authorities had won. His hope, spoken from Isaiah, given at the beginning of public ministry, now merely dust. 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are downtrodden, To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19)

Purpose shattered.

When in reality, Jesus completely fulfilled all the promises God has made to His people forever. Past, present, and future promises all completed by Jesus’ grace and mercy.

Words now concrete—irrefutable.

Jesus fulfills His promises through absolute authority. Protects His promises. Exercised through immeasurable sacrificial love.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 93: 1-2

“The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty;

The Lord has clothed and girded Himself with strength;

Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.

Thy throne is established from of old; Thou art from everlasting.”

Opinion: Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Opinion

Click clack confidence

beats a path across

the room, up the stairs

matching inner hum.

Footsteps in sync

catches glimpse of a frown

step falters slightly,

shrug, resume, then a repeat.

Halts for a moment

takes stock

resumes pace now as

unobtrusive shuffle

confidence pierced.

Reflection Shame: Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

 

1.     Have you ever chosen to accept shame regardless of your innocence? Why?

2.     Was your decision influenced by the Holy Spirit or by peer pressure? How did that affect your faith and your heart?

3.     Who has the most influence on your personal reputation? Why?

Share: What has helped you to cope with false opinions?

Shame: Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Hebrews 12:2, “disregarding its shame,”

The time had come. Time to complete His heart’s goal. Time to return to glory, to His Father’s side. Time to bridge the chasm of separation. Time to bring redemption and reconciliation. Time for timeless Grace.

Public shame and personal reputation were of no account. Slander, lies, deceit, unlawful trials, illegal beatings, could not deter Him or prevent Him from reaching His purpose. For us.

Yet, how easily do we get pulled away from a purpose, or a call, or even a nudge by the Spirit, when ridicule or sarcasm whispers their influence? It doesn’t even need to come from others. Often we talk ourselves out of an action when we consider all the personal and public inconvenience that might be involved.

Verbal and non-verbal disapproval. Actual shame and embarrassment. Misunderstanding from those closest to us. Humiliation.

So we fold. And then are in shame before the Lord’s presence. Because we didn’t cling to His voice alone. And we failed Him.

And then His Spirit brings us back to the cross where He disregarded shame and we are redeemed again and again.

Lord, please give us Your strength to put all personal reputation aside when You ask. Disentangle us from our-self-first and put You first. Please put Your heart’s desire into our hearts that we might be messengers of Your grace.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 69:18-19                                 

“Oh draw near to my soul and redeem it;

Ransom me because of my enemies!

Thou dost know my reproach and my shame and my dishonor;

All my adversaries are before Thee.”

Passion: Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Passion

Pure love alone

breathes mercy

gift of reconciliation

perfect love

beyond comprehension

crumples our hearts

passion alone

brings power to

change lives.

Reflection Sacrifice: Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Do you find it emotionally too painful to consider Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for you alone?

2.     Do you believe that He would have gone to the cross for you alone? Why or why not?

3.     What keeps you hesitant to seek His forgiveness day to day? Or what keeps you anxious to seek His forgiveness day to day?

Share: What sacrificial gift of love have you received that changed your life?

Sacrifice: Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Hebrews 12:2, “endured the cross,”

When we see sacrificial acts given among us we are often humbled at the capacity of love shown. Especially when between strangers. And sometimes the question lingers how?

We get a glimpse of potential human compassion, of grace and mercy, and perhaps hope that when called upon we too can give beyond our measure.

Then we turn to Jesus’ sacrifice and that can become too painful to face. Because He endured His sacrifice for everyone. For all our sins. For my sins—the sin still alive and active in my everyday. So instead of gratitude I often turn away in shame and embarrassment that I have accepted His gift so carelessly. And miss His ongoing grace that restores—every time I ask.

Lord, please forgive us our part in Your suffering. Forgive our ongoing disobedience to Your healing grace. Instead of emotionally tuning out when we come to a time of sacrifice help us to care with Your heart and see through Your eyes of love.

Only in Your name can true love be given. Only in Your name can we become truly compassionate towards others. And recognize the truth behind the wonder.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 72:17-19

“May his name endure forever; May his name increase as long as the sun shines;

And let men bless themselves by him; Let all nations call him blessed.

Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who alone works wonders.

And blessed be His glorious name forever;

And may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.”