Gladness: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2:28

“You have made known to me the things of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.”

The Lord has made known to us His presence.

His presence makes known to us the ways of life. According to His creation.

When do we react with gladness to the news that we have been confused or deceived or misunderstood by ourselves or by others?  Sometimes a defensive barrier of excuses blocks our new perception. Because if we have been guided by wrong information then suddenly a whole new process of accountability stretches before us.

And yet—what gladness—to realize that in our weakness we have been loved. We have been sought after. We have been given a new strength—a new hope. The Lord does not leave us in the dark.

He offers His likeness—His creation—His power—His presence.

We no longer have to struggle alone in our weakness and sorrow. Wonder begins to shape our vision. Days can become a new journey, a new adventure.

Restoration.

Thank you Lord, that You walk with us moment by moment and give us Your time, Your ways, Your likeness, and Your words to guide and shape all our days.

Psalm of Worship: Genesis 1:26

“Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’”

Redeem: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

            Redeem

            Like leprosy seen

            sin unseen brings

            decay, corruption

            abandonment

            souls lost

            removed from love.

            God alone keeps

            watch, free from

            stain stands by

            waiting to redeem

            all with compassion

            regardless how long.

Reflection: Abandon: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Think of a time when you felt abandoned? What was your worst fear?

2.     How do you deal with corruption around you in your daily life?

3.     What barrier have you put up against God’s light in a time of despair?

Share: In what ways has Jesus taken away your fears?

Abandon: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2:27

“For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One experience corruption.”

God will not abandon us—ever.

Do we fully believe that with all of our being? Do we act on that promise in the darkest moments?

What about the corruption all around us? What about the corruption within us? Doesn’t that change the outcome? We are marked with stains.

Why do we allow the fear to creep into our hearts and minds when we have experienced His grace and forgiveness?

Perhaps because even when we are able to forgive, or be forgiven, by those closest to us, we still hold on to some emotional barriers of protection against a repeat.  And convince ourselves we are just being responsible instead of admitting we are afraid to trust them just yet, or at all.

Peter had seen Jesus’ miracles many times but resisted the idea of Jesus washing his feet. When Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” Then Peter volunteered for hands and head as well—everything to be washed. Not necessary, Jesus answered, you are already bathed, cleansed—just the feet. John 13:3-13

Maybe we too forget how easily the dirt and grime of each day can cling to us. And as it layers upon us the fear grows within us clouding our faith.

Jesus will not abandon us—ever.

Psalm of Worship: Genesis 1:25

“God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.”

Timeless: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

                       Timeless

                        Time before time

                        stands next to each one

                        today, tomorrow

                        until day’s end

                        through all nights

                        regardless how dark

                        tramples.

                        Gladdens hearts with courage

                        therefore speak truth

                        hope always in His light.

                        Trust timeless words.

            

Reflection Hope: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Why do you think Peter used this quote of David’s to his audience?

2.     What circumstances, either personal or global, shake your hope?

3.     How can we bridge our emotional fears with words of truth as David did?

4.     In what ways can we step out in faith even when our fears grip us?

Share: What scripture has the Lord given you to cling to in times of struggle?

Hope: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2:25-26

“For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope.’”

Peter shifts his audience’s knowledge once again to remember history—to remember prophecy fulfilled in David, by God’s hand.

Despite the battles—the betrayal—the barriers David faced throughout his life he never doubted God’s word.

“I will not be shaken,” he said. Despite his own sin, his family torn apart, political power struggles, lies, jealousies and much more, David chose life and faith and hope.

“To live in hope,” he had continued. How under the grueling wars he waged did he claim gladness of heart?

I wish I could say that even when I’m holding tightly to my beliefs I maintain gladness of heart and am not shaken, but I cannot. Even when I cling to hope my emotions still ricochet all over the place at times. I think because I keep looking at the darkness resignation enters and courage weakens.

But David looked at the Lord at his right hand. His sight kept focus on God’s promises and power. A power that overcame Jesus’ death.

Lord, help us to see Your light and live in it—regardless of our sin and our circumstances. Let us see the gladness of Your timeless Presence in the midst of our own history and respond with a thanksgiving that cannot be ignored or silenced.

Psalm of Worship: Genesis 1:24

“And God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.’ And it was so.”