Absolutely no flaming! These daily threads are intended to be devotional in nature. If a particular day's offering says nothing to you, please just go on and wait for the next day. Consider these threads a DMZ of sorts, a place where a perpetual truce is in effect and a place where all other arguments and disagreements from other times and places are left behind.
I can attest from personal experience that reading from Chambers daily will almost certainly change - not one's faith - but one's perspective of his/her own faith, and open up new vistas in your spiritual life. If - when - this happens to a reader of these threads, and they choose to share what has happened within them - we are treading on hallowed ground. Be respectful.
- Religion Moderator
I pray God will encourage others to continue the tradition by posting devotions or meditations, Scriptures or prayers, Bible studies or hymns.
So I will allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak to her heart....and she will respond there as in the days of her youth. - Hosea 2:16,17
O Lord,
again and again it seems
you come calling us -
we,
who are so enamoured
of our own brilliance,
the flash of things,
the pleasures of our own toys,
the promise of our own power,
who deserve nothing
from you,
how often we
forget you,
run after the bright toys
that lead to our sorrow,
our loss,
our emptiness,
our death.
Lost in the desert,
we so often taste the dust
of our own shattered dreams,
the death of our own schemes,
the ashes of our own weakness.
And yet,
there, if we look,
we can see you,
calling our name.
There, if we listen,
we can hear the sweetness of your voice
saying, "Come, beloved,
let me heal your hurts,
let me soothe your pains,
let me love you."
There, in the desert,
you offer us shelter,
shade against the burning,
protection from the stinging sands,
forgiveness,
love,
acceptance.
"Return to me,
let me love you,
let me show you
peace,
joy,
truth," you whisper.
Lord,
without your call,
we would be truly lost indeed.
May each of us,
hearing your voice,
take your hand
and find shelter in your arms,
this day,
and always.
Amen.
Eternal God, both day and night are yours, and to you the darkness is no threat. Be present, we pray, with Alamo-Girl, whose labors in these hours of darkness are always on behalf of others. Grant her continued diligence in her watching, continued faithfulness in her service, courage in danger, and continued joy in her calling. Help Alamo-Girl to keep serving others with confidence and compassion and bless her by raising up others to assist her in this noble labor. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Your Service to our Lord and your Love and Dedication to Him have Brought Him Much Glory, Thanksgiving, and Praise! Thank you, dear (((((((Alamo-Girl)))))))!
Thank you for your dedicated service to our Lord, AG.
Now that you have "retire", I've bookmarked your source (RBC.org).
Again, thank you. Praying for our Lord's blessings upon you and yours.