Reflection: Corruption: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     What hope does this ongoing offer give you for your own family?

2.     How might you share your own journey as an example of God’s grace?

3.     How can we be diligent against false lures in this generation?

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Share: What truth helped you to choose life?

Corruption: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2: 39-41

“’For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’ And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them saying, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.”

Not a one time deal with a clock ticking down the minutes to expiration.

Throughout every generation. Timeless. Cannot be revoked because the Lord God Almighty has given His word. His covenant—which stands forever.

Each generation also faces corruption. Each has the opportunity to challenge falseness—resist lies—refuse—choose forgiveness.

One to one—heart to heart—unlimited.

What a hope to cherish alongside our children and grandchildren. What a gift to pass on to them. Even though we cannot choose for them we can pray. Share the truth. Share our struggles. Share the changes a life with Christ brings.

Lord, give us Your words to reveal Your promise to our family and friends and strangers that none should be lost or denied Your message of life everlasting. Help us to face our own darkness so that our words and our actions are in sync with Your light.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 27: 2

“When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh—

my adversaries and foes—they shall stumble and fall.”

Indwell: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

                       

                       Indwell

                        Heart, broken

                        chastised

                        seek forgiveness.

                        Opportunity to

                        make amends

                        restore relationship.

                        And God gives so

                        much more

                        His own Spirit

                        to indwell forever.

                        Raises us from ash heaps

                        to fellowship with princes

                        when our selves break in repentance.

            

Reflection: Gift: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Have you been in a situation where you believed that making amends was impossible?

2.     Did it change? How?

3.     How difficult is it for you to give the gift of forgiveness to others? Why?

4.     In what ways has the Lord’s gift to you helped you bridge conflict and personal injury?

Share: What is one way that you have experienced the Holy Spirit’s indwelling?

Gift: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2:38

“Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

Repent—Baptized—Forgiven—Receive.

Not the known ritual repentance of synagogue and temple worship to be made right in God’s eyes. Not any less accountable. Not any less to commit to by heart and head.

Yet so much more given by grace instead of by works. A new foundation of relationship. Astonishing! Holy Spirit given as a gift. To walk alongside. To assist in keeping God’s laws within and without. To abide forever! Washed and forgiven.

How trustingly do we accept this gift? How trustingly do we extend it to others? Especially those against us. When we are wronged by either friend or foe? Do we mirror God’s gift of grace to us or expect a long list of emotional legal restitution before we agree to consider forgiveness?

What about when we sin again to others? Or against ourselves. How willing are we to accept God’s restoration His way instead of substituting our version of being sorry? Because we can’t quite believe His ongoing grace.

Lord, your gift of Your Spirit continues to astonish us when we are willing to listen. Guide our hearts into Your  repentance, mercy, and forgiveness.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 27:1

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Life: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

            Life

                       

            Word that cuts to the heart

            as sharp as a two-edged sword

            and a terror of guilt.

            Instead a surgeon’s precise

            knife to bring healing

            accountability removes disease.

            Before spreading, before cold

            refusal can stop truth or

            barricades sanctuary.

Reflection: Pierced: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     What truth has pierced your heart recently?

2.     How did you respond? With refusal to listen or gratitude for honest accountability?

3.     What changed for you re your acceptance or denial?

4.     What barricades against truth have you set up in the past?

Share: What is one warning sign for you that you are avoiding a word of truth?