I've recently started a new daily devotions. Part of the devotion is dedicated to praying for the church. The other day as I was praying for the church and its people I got this picture of a cradle. The cradle was nurturing God's children. The cradle was caring for the orphaned, widowed, slaved, powerless, ill, homeless, oppressed. Do you want to know what the cradle symbolized? THE CHURCH!!! ME!!!! A baby cannot survive on its own. It needs to be loved, educated, supported, raised, protected, encouraged, looked after, discipled and cradled. The cradle is in works all of the time, not some of the time when it's most convenient for us or doesn't require much sacrifice, effort or risk. As I think back to the situation on the train today, I see one example where it doesn't always come easy for me to care for God's children. It's not something I can do on my own so openly and freely. It takes a lot of boldness and courage. Though in these acts, the greatness of the Kingdom shines through. We are meant to live in relationship with one another. We are meant to get down and messy in other people's lives. Church let's get to work. Church let's become a spiritual family for one another.
Again back to the devotions I'm doing. Every week there is a different hymn to focus on. The one from this week seems very fitting.
I like this version --> Come Thou Long Expected Jesus - Kings Kaleidoscope
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Peace & love