And The Glory: Prayers and Poetry

And The Glory

Matthew 6:13: "and the power and the glory,"

Glory

One Biblical concordance defines some glory phrases as "honor, worship, exalted, great, splendor, and exalt."

Except whenever we are referring to nature it feels like the Bible's insight into the concept of glory is much deeper and powerful than our current use or understanding.

We tend to tune in to understanding basic power because whenever it is used humanly, honestly or not, we acknowledge the wide range of man-made interpretations. We recognize how different and higher the quality of use is according to who is wielding it.

And we also know that no one can reach the Lord's realm of power. Thankfully!

But true glory--Biblical definition glory--seems far away from our comprehension. As magnificent glory that we do not recognize when experienced it seems so much less in comparison to a tiny drop of God's glory.

Yet in this prayer Jesus includes us as recipients of earthly and heavenly glory.

What might that look like?

Your thoughts,

Moving: For Thine Is: Prayers and Poetry

                 Moving

                Often mixed with

                hope and dread

                not sure of our choice

                whether made or forced.

                Open door to His

                heavenly realm

                not described

                wonder beyond us.

                Only He has a place, a

                haven He created

                new life, new soul,

                woven by His love.

Matthew 5:12: "Rejoice and be glad for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Reflection: For Thine Is: Prayers and Poetry

 Reflection Questions

         1. What brought you ongoing joy in the most favorite place you have lived?

         2. How did that special factor help when in difficult situations?

         3. What parts of our earthly kingdom make you think and wonder about eternity? Why?

Share: What part of nature do you hope we will still see in heaven? Why?

For Thine Is: Prayers and Poetry

 For Thine Is

Matthew 6:13: "For Thine is the Kingdom...".

Thine=Yours=HIS 

His heavenly kingdom. Of which we have no understanding or specific details.

We have been given the overall sketches of how our earthly kingdom began, and yet, after all these centuries, new discoveries are still being found. Or new connections made between past and present.

And too often we have misused the gifts from the original Garden and onward, here on earth.

Yet our Father still prepares a place for us--with Him--with our families--with His grace. He invites us into His kingdom--His domain--His home. And we cannot imagine. A kingdom where there is wholeness and life and His presence always.

Death of any kind is heartbreaking and shattering when we say goodbye.

And sometimes we forget that in His kingdom is complete restoration on every level possible. He will welcome us into a new life when we move to heaven. A place we cannot imagine. No understandable details or descriptions.

Except His presence.

And a new beginning in His home.

Your thoughts,

Safety: Prayers and Poetry

             Safety

            Within and without

            can only be seen

            from clear knowledge.

            Experience both a

            sorrow and a search

            to walk the road chosen.

            In faith in trust

            regardless of persecution

            when our heart is firm.

            Within and without

            wrapped in His grace

            we can live in soul safety.

Matthew 5:11: "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me."

Reflection: But Deliver Us: Prayers and Poetry

 Reflection Questions

        1. How often do we forget to ask for guidance and protection before a danger whispers to us?

        2. When you recognize that slight nudge of warning what do you use to get a deeper sense of truth?

        3. How can we extend that to personal prayers and protection prayers for others as the Lord leads?

Share: What prayer request have you found most helpful to stay focused on the Lord's presence in all circumstances?

But Deliver Us: Prayers and Poetry

But Deliver Us 

Matthew 6:13: "But deliver us from evil."

Save

Evil comes in many forms. Sometimes clear and fearful. Sometimes hidden and dangerous. Sometimes ready to battle and sometimes not. Sometimes false.

How to know when to walk away? Or how to identify?

Ask in prayer. Always.

From the tiniest nudge that something is not quite right to a clear confrontation demanding a fight.

Some things may look okay on the outside--a new opportunity--a new friendship--a new adventure. Like Satan's offers to Jesus in the wilderness. Looks great on the outside. Maybe even a position to do much needed good. But there are hidden chains that will weave through our lives and hearts like vines crawling up tighter and tighter until we are bound.

Prayer. Always.

Only the Lord knows our very being. What may be a wonderful opportunity for growth and ministry to one person may be a terrible collapse for another. Each of us have specific boundaries--each of us are fragile to lures. Unless we accept His deliverance we will and do falter. repeatedly.

Prayer. Always.

Your thoughts,