March 9 God-Given Wings

image by stevematch81

Devotion taken from Streams In The Desert, compiled by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

“Look from the top” (Song of Solomon 4:8)

Crushing weights give the Christian wings.  It seems like a contradiction in terms, but it is a blessed truth.  David out of some bitter experience cried, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove!  for then I would fly away, and be at rest.” (Psalm 55:6).  But before he finished this meditation he seems to have realized that his wish for wings was a realizable one.  For he says, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.”

The word “burden” is translated in the Bible margin, “What he (Jehovah) hath given thee.”  The saints’ burdens are God-given; they lead him to “wait upon Jehovah,” and when that is done, in the magic of trust, the “burden” is metamorphosed into a pair of wings, and the weighted one “mounts up with wings as eagles.”  From Sunday School Times

Lord God, whatever “burdens” we are given today, may we acknowledge that You are with us, to help carry them, to make them light, to make them work a “work” in us.  Thank you, Lord, that you have carried the heaviest burden of all–that of the sins of the whole world.  During this Lenten season may we remember your sacrifice and not take it for granted.  May we always give you thanks and praise for this great gift–this “burden.”  For Jesus’ sake, we pray, Amen.

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April 3 Stir Me To Mercy

Photo by Marian Trinidad

Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19;  Luke 10:13-37;  Psalm 75:1-10;  Proverbs 12:12-14

“Who is my neighbor?”

“In reply Jesus said:  A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers.  They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.  A priest happened to be going down the same road and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.  So, too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him he took pity on him.  He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.  Then he put him on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.”  Luke 10:30-34

 

Whir the wings of my

spirit, Lord

and take me where

you want me.

 

Stir me to mercy.

Open my eyes to

see my neighbor’s

need,

trusting You to

supply.

 

Loving You with all my heart,

with all my soul,

with all my strength,

and with all my mind

means loving

my neighbor as myself.

 

Just as you have loved me.

 

Whir the wings of my

spirit, Lord,

and take me where you

want me to be,

for Your sake,

I pray.

Amen.

July 21 Wings

2 Chronicles 4:1-6:11;  Romans 7:1-13;  Psalm 7:1-15;  Proverbs 19:22-23

“How precious is your steadfast love, O God.  The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:7

 

“Keep me as the apple of your eye;  hide me in the shadow of your wings.”  Psalm 17:8

 

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge.  In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge till the storms of destruction pass by.”  Psalm 51:1

 

“The fear of the Lord leads to life:  Then one rests content untouched by trouble.”  Proverbs 19:23

 

Lord God Heavenly Father, today I rest in you–underneath your wings–where you protect me from the evil one and temptation.  Thank you for the peace that passes all understanding as I rest in the knowledge of your love and grace.  Thank you that your arms are always open–that you are ready to take me in–to shelter me–to give me respite from the stresses of life.  Just as a mother hen dedicates her entire body to protecting her baby chicks, I thank you for giving yourself–your Body and Blood–to protect me from sin, death and the evil in this world.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen