Reflection: Deceit: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Have you ever been deceived in a way that brought about brokenness in your faith walk?

2.     How did you react to others around you? To God?

3.     Have you been in a position where you have tried to help someone see they are being deceived?

4.     Were you able to share truth without condemnation? Why or why not?

Share: What helps you to discern truth?

Deceit: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: 2 Timothy 4: 3-4

“For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.”

We are not really surprised by this verse when we consider today’s culture. Sadly.

Publicly between advertisements, politics, and social media it is almost impossible to hear truth spoken. Partial truths, perhaps, innuendo certainly, but honest truth is too rare. And when it is shared opponents have a way of vilifying and shredding the integrity behind it.

Historically our churches at large too often fall into the power lure as well and preach only partial scripture, or consider only limited ways in which the precept should be applied. And through the centuries the legalism and control have wounded countless believers.

The Jewish leadership took God’s Ten Commandments and by Jesus’ time had added over 600 addendums to it, putting a terrible weight on the people struggling to uphold the law. And the leadership was not pleased when Jesus kept poking holes in their religiosity.

In Acts 17:11, Paul encouraged the Bereans in their integrity because when they heard the gospel they went directly to the scriptures to certify its truth. In its whole passage. Not just filtered excerpts. And here in Timothy the warning continues.

Not only do we have scripture but the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us. We have a responsibility to recognize deceit in all the areas of our lives so that we can stand firm in truth that heals and restores, unifies and uplifts, embraces and shares together. Not to pursue or ignore self-centered doctrine that pretends to be truth.

Lord, please give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to follow Your words, Your way.

Psalm of Worship: 1 John 1:2

“This life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us.

Stand Firm: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

           Stand Firm

            Because

            He is present

            kingdom readied

            take seriously command.

            Proclaim

            message in all circumstances

            with patience

            knowing of judgment.

            Persistent

            with compassion

            convince, rebuke, encourage

            life eternal.

Reflection: Persist: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     How do you stand firm in truth in times of battle?

2.     What do you think can be at stake in our souls even in what might be considered minor skirmishes?

3.     What kind of setbacks have you had to struggle with?

Share: How did His message give you courage to stand firm?

Persist: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-2

“In the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable, convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching.”

There are many situations in our lives that we come to recognize as an end. Perhaps a relationship, or a job, or a goal, or a hope, or a question. Opportunities have dissolved. And, as if in a battle, weariness, discouragement, and doubt invade our hearts and souls. We often quit trying in all areas of our life and not just the one where we have been disappointed.

That is not an option, Timothy reminds us, where God’s message is to be spoken—shared—sustained—with or without words.

Solving a solution or seeing results is not the measure. Faithful persistence is. Especially in times of setbacks and failure. When we most need to trust in His truth and His word. Which never fails even when we cannot see, and may never see, the outcome.

His word that we all need in all circumstances because if we don’t stand firm we lose any hope of strength. The damage goes deeper than the surface and erodes compassion in our hearts. Building more walls. Burying truth instead of sharing it.

He stands for us. We only need to ask.

Lord, please give us Your strength to persist in all situations and stand firm in battles that try to separate us from Your grace and truth. May Your message hold us up together, with each other and with You.

Psalm of Worship: 1 John 1:1

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“We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with out eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life.”

Message: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

           Message

            Sometimes so hard

            to speak

            when bound by chains

            of emptiness or neglect,

            fear and grief.

            Yet even there

            truth calls out

            to speak boldly

            after compassion and

            a way to restoration

            especially when

            understanding evades.

            Boldly speak

            message given,

            although a mystery,

            truth will deliver

            make known

            to each heart.

           

           

            

Reflection: Boldness: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Do you have difficulty recognizing a message from the Lord? Why or why not?

2.     What filters do you use to identify whether the words are His truth or your personal agenda?

3.     Do you ever struggle to share it? How do you pass it on?

4.     Do you consider yourself an ambassador for the Lord? Why or why not?

Share: What message have you heard from the Lord recently?