To Accept or Not

“And Nahash the Ammorite answered them, ‘On this condition I will make a covenant with you; that I may put out all your right eyes, and bring reproach on all Israel’.” 1 Samuel 11:2
“So the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and told the news in the hearing of the people. And all the people lifted up their voices and wept.” 1 Samuel 11:4

The people began to weep when they heard Nahash’s statement.

Lord, we desire to pray and seek You first before we accept anything into our lives. And here’s a simple poem . . .

I Need To Know

When I hear the news
do I concede right away
think it’s a done deal
before I even pray?

Please help me to discern
just what I need to know
to stand in the gap
not giving in or letting go.

What to Bring

“And if she is not able to bring a lamb then she may bring two turtle doves or two young pigeons – one as a burnt offering and the other as a sin offering.” Leviticus 12:8

I like this understanding that not every woman would be able to bring a lamb. So they could bring something smaller, even pigeons.

Jesus, thank You for accepting whatever we can offer today, even something as small as simple words of gratitude and praise. And here’s a simple poem . . .

Still Able

When it feels like I have nothing
good at all to bring
I’ll offer up my voice
and let Your praises sing.

When my hands are still empty
but my heart is over full
I’ll let my joy in You be known
for now and evermore.