Devotion
Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free
David Jacobs
The Statue of Liberty in New York City is (or at least was) emblematic of the American spirit: caring, welcoming, and free. The title of this devotional is the inscription on the statue, written to welcome the new immigrants to the United States of America at the early part of the 20th century.
Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.
America truly opened its doors at the time welcoming people from any country, of any creed or religion, and under most circumstances. The USA wanted the meek and lowly, offering them a chance at a better life, together.
Take a look at the verses here and consider your own life: do you feel tired? Overworked? Hopeless? Brothers and sisters, there is hope! Life may drag us down more than we like to remember, and so often we may stumble through our days tired, worn, and heavy. Turn to the Lord: His word, His truth and His arms, for they are always open to receive us. If you don't know where to turn, think of where you can go: the church. We are all there for each other, willing to worship, rest, and relax in the name of Christ, our Lord and Savior. We may feel beaten down at times, but God is there for us, waiting to take some of our load. It is our decision whether or not we ask.
Prayer
Dearest God, I come to you heavy with burden. I need you, my Lord. I love you. When I tire, please give me rest. Aid me to heal my broken bones and tired body through your word, igniting the light within my heart. Give me strength, so that when I falter and fail, for I wish to serve and labor only under you Lord, and wish to speak only your name. Amen.
Night Prayer
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
