Devotion
I Remember
Frances Taylor
The exiles in Babylon were being forced to sing "Yahweh's" songs and they were really not happy! Every time they sang of Jerusalem, of God's goodness they were reminded of what they had lost.
Music is an interesting force in our lives even if we're not aware of it. Think about when you were first in school, how did you learn the alphabet? I bet you sang the letters. Music can trigger memories either good or not. Why is it that couples have "their" song? And if the couple breaks up, that same song is painful to hear rather than joyous. For the Israelites their liturgical songs, their victory songs, all brought awareness of the fact that they were in exile because they had abandoned their God. This singer vows that he would rather lose his hands – that play the instrument – and his tongue – his ability to sing – than to give in to his captors.
The hymns we sing in our churches are prayers. Just as the book of Psalms was and is the hymnal and prayer book for the Jewish people. The hymns, more than sermons last in our memories. If you don't believe me, try to remember the last three sermons you heard, and then remember your three favorite hymns. We remember "In the Garden" when we need to be comforted by God's presence; "Rock of Ages" reminds us of God's saving acts. "Let There Be Peace on Earth" is an anthem that gatherings in churches and in communities unite to sing as a prayer of hope. I'm sure you can think of other hymns that have meaning for you. Think of how you would feel if you were in exile and were forced to sing these songs by your captors so that they could mock you. And then how you would feel if all of this was your own fault. The psalms have been kept alive for us so that we can relate to our ancestors in faith and know that we have a God who understands us as he understood them.
Prayer
Lord, may the music of our hearts bring us ever closer to you and remind us of the great love you have for us. 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.
