Reflection: Sorrow: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. In what ways does our grief for loved ones in their death keep us from the peace that they are now whole again?

2. How can we measure each day as a gift for ourselves and for those around us?

3. What hope and truth can carry us through the grief and sorrow?

Share: What word, or verse, or memory, gave you courage to ease the pain?

Sorrow: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 2: 26-27, “for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.”

Sorrow

We are reminded that the Lord’s mercy extends not only to each of us personally, but also to those near us. In this circumstance it seems that Epaphroditus’ healing was for those around him—because if he had died he would have been in heaven and whole.

Could that also mean that when we are given extra life—extra time—that there is a purpose or a work we are still included to do. Even if our limitations have become restrictive?

Whether in health or not, we still need the Lord’s guidance into understanding His call and to follow with confidence.

Lord, only You know our need for clarity. It is so difficult to focus on anything when each day shifts physically and emotionally, and spiritually. Especially in times of worry and despair. Please guide our steps.

Your thoughts,

Waiting: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                               Waiting

                                                To trust

                                                may mean no agenda

                                                no course of action

                                                no direct plan

                                                or maybe all

                                                without any sense

                                                of accomplishment

                                                direction

                                                uncertainty each step

                                                into a void

                                                yet keep going

                                                in trust.

Psalm 18:27, “For Thou dost save an afflicted people; But haughty eyes Thou dost abase.”

Reflection: Believe: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. What does trusting in the Lord look like in practical applications to you?

2. What response do you have in heart and mind when time goes far past our expected answers and directions?

3. In what ways does stepping into each day in trust without an agenda counter our schedules and plans?

Share: How have you handled a long wait without understanding?

Believe: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 2:24-25, “and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also. I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.

Believe

How often do we put our trust and belief in the Lord first? Especially when we don’t have any immediate questions, or concerns, and our to-do-list looks very solid?

Then later, when everything seems to unravel, we then turn to seek His help and the Spirit’s insight.

But here Paul is first trusting with no agenda at all. No plans. No timeline. No list.

He trusts with hope and waits in expectancy.

But is still not sure what or if his hope will be answered.

He believes in faith that whatever the choice will be the plan.

Lord, in our multiple busyness it seems impossible to not have schedules and plans and timelines. At the very least to keep us focused. Yet, too often our purpose gets buried under our structure instead of being the center of Your choice. Please show us how to believe from our hearts first and be ready to trust each day under Your time.

Your thoughts,

Mends:Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                                Mends

                                                To serve where

                                                the Lord leads

                                               

                                                brings unknown

                                                blessings often unseen

                                                a service of hope

                                                a life of growth

                                                starts with a willing heart

                                                seeking truth

                                                grows into compassion

                                                grows in relationships

                                                mends brokenness

                                                mirrors the Lord’s love

                                                seen or unseen His

                                                Spirit is present.

Psalm 18:26, “With the pure Thou dost show Thyself pure; And with the crooked Thou dost show Thyself astute.”

Reflection: Serve: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. Who has been a faith “parent” to you in your life? What do you consider to be the most grateful insight you received from them?

2. How have you been able to serve others because of the teaching they gave you?

3. Where and how do you desire to serve at this particular point in you r life now?

Share: What is one of your gifts they helped you to discover or grow?