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Monday, October 17, 2016

Decay: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2: 29-31

“Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Forseeing this David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying, ‘He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh experience corruption.’”

A promise made to which David clung throughout turmoil, war, death, and corruption. A relationship he cherished. He saw beyond the limitations of earth bound decay to God’s promises. He trusted God’s oath—living—breathing words beyond man’s experience.

Although not descendants of David, we too are given the same promise of a new life—a new image—a future and a hope beyond the cycle of creation.

And yet we do not often trust. Instead we fight to conquer the corruptions of heart and body and mind and death with our limited skills. Not ready or willing to give up control, not willing to believe, or hope, in His image of resurrection. We hold onto our limited sense of power to find a way to cheat death our way.

A place is prepared for each of us. A promise extended to all. Nature unfolds the design cycle daily as one realm closes and new life grows again. Re-birth in His image the gift of life. Re-birth in His sacrifice the oath of eternal life.

Lord, help us to truly hear the blessing of Your invitation to live our lives in a daily relationship that fully trusts now and into a future You alone can give. The only source of no corruption or decay. Remind us daily that You have created us in Your image.


Psalm of Worship: Genesis 1: 27


“So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

Friday, October 14, 2016

Known: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry


            Known

           
            Squiggly lines on parchment

            Straighten into words of wonder.

            Blurry shapes of imagination

            blend into vision.

            Jumbled contours on maps

            join into detailed routes.

            That which was unknown

            territory droned as history

            now known as truth,

            nearness brings hope

            gladdens heart with anticipation.

            Guardian walks alongside.

            Regardless journey’s length.


            Restores every step.

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Reflection: Gladness: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry


Reflection Questions


1.     In what ways did you depend on your own abilities before recognizing God’s ongoing presence?

2.     What helped you recognize His truth?

3.     How did your perception of life shift?



Share: How has a new truth gladdened your walk with Jesus?

Monday, October 10, 2016

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.’”



Friday, October 7, 2016

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.

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

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?

Monday, October 3, 2016

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.”
 
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