Oath: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Joshua 21

“Not one of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.” Joshua 21: 45

As the Lord had sworn the Levites received an inheritance of towns and pasturelands within the lots of all the tribes.

As the Lord had sworn all Israel received the lands that He had promised their ancestors.

As the Lord had sworn to their ancestors He gave them rest on every side.

In His time.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Jesus promised to preach the gospel to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives, to free the downtrodden, and recovery of sight to the blind.

Jesus promised to take up our burdens, and listen to our prayers, and send His Holy Spirit.

Jesus promised His Presence, His refuge, His strength, His forgiveness, His mercy and so so much more.

Jesus promised He will return.

In His time.

Forgive us, Lord, for the many times we allow our doubts to cloud Your promises. Help us to remain as faithful to You as You are to us. And to remember that in Your time all will be fulfilled.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 141: 8

“But my eyes are turned towards you, O God, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; do not leave me defenseless.”

      

"And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.  1 John 1:5

Refuge:Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Refuge

Refuge

safety from avengers

wracked with grief

fury

place to plead

mercy

be heart heard

delivered

from evil

within and without

Refuge.

Reflection: Protection: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Do you have habitual sins of error or intent?

2.     What circumstances tend to magnify them?

3.     Do you sweep them away as  ‘human’ frailty or take them to the Lord for forgiveness?

4.     What damage do you need to see healed in relationships?

Share: What does the Lord’s refuge look like for you?

Protection: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Joshua 20

“These were the cities designated for all the Israelites and for the aliens residing among them…until there was a trial before the congregation.” Joshua 20: 9

Long before they settled the land, Moses had appointed cities of refuge according to the Lord’s directions. Now the time had come to implement the protection that would be necessary to uphold justice for both Israelites and aliens in their midst.

Refuge—not pardon.

Sins of error—not sins of deliberate intent.

Real justice—not revenge.

Time for adrenaline, and fury, and searing emotional pain, to subside from a roaring firestorm into a focused trial. To examine all the circumstances and separate out the innocent from the guilty before more death occurred.

Time for mercy to be examined both for the accused and the bereaved.

Time before time existed, before the foundation of the world, the Lord prepared a refuge for us in Jesus to give hope instead of death in the face of all sins. As a costly gift from God.

“But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scouring we are healed.” Isaiah 53: 5

Thank you, Lord, for the protection You offer us in all circumstances. Thank you for Your gifts of justice, and mercy, and faithfulness, when we do not deserve it and can never earn it. Thank you for Your deliverance from ourselves, both the enemies within and without. Thank you for

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 140: 7, 12

“O Lord, my Lord, my strong deliverer, you have covered my head in the day of battle.”

“I know that the Lord maintains the cause of the needy, and executes justice for the poor.”

Settle: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Settle

Distributed by lot

before the Lord

received at tent of meeting

accepted inheritance

by His hand

still needed to

settle in

rebuild ruins

diligence needed

to fulfill opportunity

faith unto completion.

Reflection Territory: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     What does your inheritance look like in family, friends, gifts, and place?

2.     Are you grateful or resistant or uncertain?

3.     Are there areas that need to be rebuilt or begin planting?

4.     How does each affect your faith walk with purpose?

Share: What has kept you from being settled in God’s inheritance?  What have you embraced with joy?