All Things: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

 Philippians 4:13-14, "I can do all things through Him that strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble."

All Things

Jesus gifts us with ongoing protection from without and within. His peace is present in our turmoil. And often works through the supportive care of family and friends and sometimes perfect strangers.

Too often, though, we can get so caught up in our troubles that we not only not recognize His care, but are blind to those around us who need support as well.

When we accept this reminder that we cannot do anything apart from Him, then we can let go of the struggles whether big or small. He offers His power and His strength in all things--always.

Thank you, Lord that You will always guide. Please help us to remember that first before despair and fear take root. And choose kindness within and without daily.

Your thoughts,

Lean: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

         Lean

        To be content

        in any situation

        requires letting

        go of ourselves

        relinquishing control

        instead lean on Spirit

        trust invisible solid ground.

Psalm 18:45, "Foreigners fade away, and come trembling out of their fortresses."

Reflection: Friction: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

 Reflection Questions

        1. How do  you define content?

        2. How important is it in your daily life and how do you react when it is not possible?

        3. In what ways can our definition of content clash with the Lord's relationship with each of us?

Share: What had been the most recent low experience you have dealt with? How did it turn to hope?

Friction: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 4:11-12, "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance,  I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need."

Friction

Why is that, despite all the many rescues and blessings we have been given from the Lord in so many situations, we still have not fully learned, or accepted, to be content in all?

In our minds we do know; and in our hearts we believe; but somehow cannot get our emotions and actions to agree.

Or sometimes we do recognize, and yet do not submit to trust and faith to act upon what we know is true. That the Lord is present in all situations.

Lord, as we move forward into more obstacles and uncertainties, please show us how to keep our eyes and hearts and feelings clinging to You and trusting all will work out in Your time.

Please show us how to face each day in faith and hope and love. To ourselves--to our loved ones--to our friends--and to strangers.

Your thoughts,

Compassion: Purpose:Prayers and Poetry

     Compassion

     Practice what is seen

     and heard from the Spirit

     teaching us to repeat

     again and again

     a new language or

     new understanding

     able to look

     beyond surface chaos

     and walk in His

     Presence

Psalm 18:44, "As soon as they hear, they obey me; Foreigners submit to me."

Reflection: Thoughtful: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

 Reflection Questions 

                1. In what ways can our concern for others become buried in our own busyness?

                2. How can we balance compassion with correction?

                3. What concern is most relevant to you today?

                4. How might you approach it from the Lord's alphabet?

Share: What is the most recent gift of compassion you have received unexpectedly?

Thoughtful: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

 Philippians 4:9-10, "What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity."

Thoughtful

Sometimes our busyness overpowers our basics.

We forget to act, or live, or think, from our heart's truth and Scripture words as we get caught up in the immediate concerns whether of our own or others.

Drama or not.

Yet the Lord's words are not a timed exam to pass like learning the alphabet. Instead it's being willing to listen every moment for the relevant letter to apply as He nudges.

Ongoing. Ever present. Ongoing. Practice.

Thank you, Lord, that there will never be any blank word or letter or note from You in any circumstance.

Your thoughts,