Reflection Possess: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     What do you see as limitations in your life right now?

2.     How would your perspective change if you knew God had appointed this situation?

3.     What do you need to possess the circumstances thorough His promises?

4.     Where can you see promise where the world might see failure?

Share: What boundaries have you found to become a blessing in your life?

Possess: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Joshua 17

“But the hill country shall be yours for though it is a forest, you shall clear it and possess it to its farthest borders; for you shall drive out the Canaanites…”.

 Joshua 17: 18

Often we see boundaries as limitations—not always as blessings. Or we see only the complications before us with no vision for possibility.

As Joshua continued the allotments more questions and, perhaps, attitudes of entitlement arose. The house of Joseph only received one lot of the inhabited land and the inheritance of both sons continued to have Canaanites in their midst.

Why? They asked. We are a numerous people. And Joseph pointed out that the forest of the hill country was theirs as well. It would be more than enough but they would need to clear it to possess it. And as a numerous people they had the means if they stepped out in faith. 

One line of Manasseh had no sons, but only daughters, and they came to Joshua and reminded him, “The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers” And Joshua honored that commitment reminding Israel of the foundation that in God both male and female receive an inheritance. Unheard of in the surrounding tribes—but from the very beginning in the Lord’s creation. If they had not had the courage and faith to speak, would they have received?

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3: 28-29

Lord, help us to accept the boundaries You choose for us and look only to You for the work that You ask of us. Not in comparison to other fields, or other positions, but the ones that You provide. Let us not place automatic limitations on ourselves, or others, but look to Your counsel and stand on Your promises. Help us to truly live and possess the terrain You have given each of us in You.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 137: 4

“How can we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?”

Captive: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

     
                           Captive

                                    Canaanites

                                    clung to their land

                                    could not be removed

                                    captured for Lord labor

                                    captors themselves coerced

                                    co-exist as reminder or

                                    conflict

                                    choices everyday which

                                    corner—stone.

Reflection Command: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Have you ever wanted a position or an assignment so badly that you were willing to work in adverse circumstances for the opportunity? Or were forced to?

2.     What gave you the strength or courage to stay the course?

3.     How did the cost affect you personally, spiritually, relationally, or financially?

4.     Did you choose this by prayer or by your own desires? How did that make a difference?

Share: In what ongoing “low estate” has God continued to bring you strength?

Command: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Joshua 16

“They did not, however, drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer; so the Canaanites have lived within Ephraim to this day but have been made to do forced labor.” Joshua 16: 10

The Canaanites clung to their land and refused to be evicted regardless of the consequences. They stood firm. Maybe in the hopes that Israel would fail, or that their opportunity would open to revolt at a later time. Or because to them this was the land they worked and were bonded to stay. They had history here.

The sons of Ephraim were granted an inheritance within the lots of their brother tribe Manasseh. Not singled out alongside Manasseh—but within. Generations earlier Jacob, as patriarch, had given the younger son Ephraim the blessing normally for the older. But here in this era Manasseh as a tribe had a far greater portion.

And it was the tribe of Ephraim that had to co-exist with the Canaanites.

Within another’s inheritance—with an enemy—without recourse—yet.

Same situation for both tribes, even though one considered the victor.

What circumstances have we found ourselves in that are a culmination of hard work, desire, and outreach, only to find: barriers within, critical or even hostile coworkers, and indifference? And there is no transfer out in sight.

Both tribes faced a daily decision as to how they would co-exist in a long-term relationship that in some ways neither had expected nor chosen. But each individual did have a heart choice to allow bitterness or relationship grow.

Lord, please give us wisdom and courage to live wholly for You in all areas of our life regardless of unexpected consequences of our own actions or those of others. Our inheritance rests in You and that cannot be taken away regardless of where we live or, where we work, or the people that come into our lives. May You remain at the center and may we be willing to follow Your will.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 136:23-24

“It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever; and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

Surrounded: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

                                    Surrounded

Boundaries marked

cities, villages

rivers to seas

springs of water

hill country, lowlands

dry deserts, pasture

numbered and named

God’s provision

promised.

But still within

center remain

inhabitants with

deep roots

refuse to leave

dwell side by side

wheat and weeds

living together

until final battle.

Reflection Boundaries: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Do you find boundaries difficult to accept or as a comfort? Why

2.     Choose a specific area in your life now—either spiritually or relationally or vocationally. Make a list of all the pros and con’s of boundaries there.

3.     How would a negative boundary cause change your heart if you knew that God had set that boundary?

Share: What boundary in your life has been a blessing you did not expect?