Reflection: Daily Bread: Prayers and Poetry

 Reflection Questions

        1. Make a list of some astonishing glimpses of God's grace in your life that caused you to be curious or thankful or both?

        2. How many of them were seen through simplicity, or briefly, yet changed your whole perspective?

        3. What are some ways we can begin to sense His ongoing wonder in our routine days?

Share: In what ways can different types of art also give us brief reminders of how to engage in awe in the ordinary?

Daily Bread: Prayers and Poetry

 Matthew 6:11: "Give us this day our daily bread..".

Daily Bread

Manna, "food of the desert".

"And He rained down manna upon them to eat, And gave them food from heaven. Man did eat the bread of angels; he sent them food in abundance." Psalm 78:24

Completely mystified by the flaky fiber carpeting surrounding their camp, Israel asked Moses "what is it?"

God's provision given one day at a time. Morning by morning. For forty years. Did they still marvel in awe every day or began to take it for granted? Or annoyed when it stopped and they had to learn to provide for themselves?

Bewildered disciples struggled to understand Jesus' kingdom too. Not of this earth, but sufficient for the needs of each day. Not a fact explainable, but a fact undeniable.

A different reality, sent from God, delivered by Jesus' own hand--then and now.

Thoughts crowd, convict our minds. God's kingdom present here? Can we grasp it? Explore it? Live it? What does it mean?

Far reaching implications that extends beyond only physical food but extends to heart and mind and soul hunger as well. Daily we are given this gift of wonder--even in times of deep grief and sorrow.

Open our eyes Lord to see bright glimpses of Your presence clearly, and live each day nourished by Your spiritual daily bread.

Your thoughts,

Got This: Prayers and Poetry

                 Got This

                Too often we forget

                we cannot see the whole

                picture or misinterpret

                our will for His.

                Focus on solution

                a plan to succeed.

                Except He searches hearts

                to be washed of sin

                and become unbroken

                in His love.

Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied."

Reflection: Thy Will: Prayers and Poetry

 Reflection Questions

         1.What are some ways we can distinguish between the Lord's purpose or our  own weak interpretation? 

        2. How can the world's ways bend our understanding or attitude away from God's intentions?

        3. How can delighting in His will and His law keep us grounded in His guidance?

Share: What is the most difficult situation you have experienced under the Lord's grace and mercy to fulfill His will? How has that transformed you?

Thy Will: Prayers and Poetry

 Thy Will: Prayers and Poetry

Matthew 6:10: "Thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven."

Will

Have you ever watched a toddler struggling with an action and leaned in to help or show the way and been refused? And then came a temper tantrum or cries of frustration?

How often as adults do we also assume we know what is needed in a situation and instead of praying, or thinking it through, we take an "I've got this" attitude? Then when it doesn't work out, or someone else has to take over we let embarrassment, or annoyance, or resentment, or anger creep in?

A strong personal heart can give us the strength to undergo serious life circumstances. But when we put our will our way above the Lord's guidance or His directions we often cause personal friction and possible failure.

Knowing truth and living into truth can be very different.

So how can we tell the difference? "I delight to do Thy will, O my God: Thy law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8 His words--His way. Jesus continually faced jeers, arguments, disbelief, and hatred, but he continued to follow God's plan in all circumstances.

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

Your thoughts,

Protect: Prayer and Poetry

                  Protect

                Although we cannot see

                or often feel His presence

                His Holy Spirit

                stands guard

                moment by moment

                ready to protect

                when we remember

                His kingdom is still whole

                waiting in His power.

                His healing. His life. His creation.

Matthew 5:5: "Blessed are the gentle, for they will be comforted."

Reflection Questions: Kingdom: Prayers and Poetry

 Reflection Questions:

        1. How does this promise from God give us a new perspective to face the repetitive ongoing man-made battles for power?

        2. In what ways can we each approach "His kingdom" within our own daily struggles?

        3. How can this promise affect our prayers?

Share: In what ways does the reminder of the protection of His tree of life give us comfort now?