The Daily Devotional
Saturday, January 20, 2024
Embracing Grace and Hope
Saturday, January 20, 2024
Embracing Grace and Hope
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
Psalm 25:16 (NRSV)
Introduction
In Adopted for Life, Dr. Russell Moore vividly captures the poignant journey of adopting from an orphanage, marked by a haunting silence in the nursery where infants lay quietly in their cribs, having learned that their cries wouldn't elicit a response. This powerful scene parallels the deep longing for compassion and presence echoed in Psalm 25:16, a central theme in Moore's narrative. The book serves as a compelling exploration of the adoption process, shedding light on the profound need to care for the orphaned and vulnerable, and the emotional landscape that shapes these experiences.
Reflection
In the silent corridors of an orphanage, where each child harbors a quiet hope for love and belonging, the words of Psalm 25:16 echo with special significance. This cry for God’s attention and grace is a powerful reminder of the loneliness and affliction faced by children in orphanages. It's a call that Dr. Moore amplifies in his book, urging us to see the face of God in these little ones.
Adopted for Life opens our eyes to the realities of orphaned children—their struggles, fears, and the deep-seated longing for a family. Just as the psalmist pleads with God to turn towards him, these children look towards us for compassion, understanding, and a sense of belonging. They remind us that our response to their plight is not just a matter of social responsibility, but a reflection of our relationship with God.
When we engage with these children, be it through adoption, support to orphanages, or simply by being a presence of love in their lives, we are responding to a divine calling. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, to show grace and to be a source of comfort. In doing so, we not only bring light into their lives but also experience the transformative power of God’s love in our own hearts.
Application
1. Reflect on Adoption: Consider the role of adoption in your life. Can you support it, advocate for it, or even consider it as a path for your family?
2. Support Orphanages: Engage with local orphanages. Your time, resources, and attention can make a meaningful difference.
3. Be a Voice: Use your platform to speak for those who cannot. Raise awareness about the needs of orphaned children and the impact of adoption.
4. Pray Intentionally: Pray for these children and the families that take them in. Ask God to provide them with strength, love, and grace.
Conclusion
Concluding our reflection on Psalm 25:16 and Dr. Russell Moore's Adopted for Life, we find ourselves profoundly connected to God's compassionate heart for the orphaned. This journey into the depths of biblical laments and the sincere appeals of Israel, God's "firstborn," as they sought His intervention, mirrors our own call to action. The psalms, especially Psalm 25's earnest request for God's grace and relief, reveal a pattern of trust and vulnerability akin to that of children confidently seeking care from a loving guardian. In embracing this call, not only do we become beacons of hope for these children, but we also align ourselves more closely with God's heart, uncovering the immense depth of His love and grace. Through this, we are reminded of our own status as children of God, encouraged to express our needs and rest in the assurance of His loving response.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the heartfelt words of Psalm 25:16 and the touching journey described in Adopted for Life by Dr. Russell Moore, we come before You with a deepened understanding of Your love for the orphaned and vulnerable. Lord, instill in us a spirit of compassion and action, that we may be Your hands and heart in this world, especially to those children in orphanages who long for love and care. Guide us to be bearers of Your grace, showing the same unconditional love You have for us. Help us to see Your face in every child we meet and respond with the kindness and mercy You so freely give. May our actions reflect Your love and bring hope to those who need it most. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
----------------------------
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA www.ichthus-dnm.org
The Bible texts are from New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional…
In Adopted for Life, Dr. Russell Moore vividly captures the poignant journey of adopting from an orphanage, marked by a haunting silence in the nursery where infants lay quietly in their cribs, having learned that their cries wouldn't elicit a response. This powerful scene parallels the deep longing for compassion and presence echoed in Psalm 25:16, a central theme in Moore's narrative. The book serves as a compelling exploration of the adoption process, shedding light on the profound need to care for the orphaned and vulnerable, and the emotional landscape that shapes these experiences.
Reflection
In the silent corridors of an orphanage, where each child harbors a quiet hope for love and belonging, the words of Psalm 25:16 echo with special significance. This cry for God’s attention and grace is a powerful reminder of the loneliness and affliction faced by children in orphanages. It's a call that Dr. Moore amplifies in his book, urging us to see the face of God in these little ones.
Adopted for Life opens our eyes to the realities of orphaned children—their struggles, fears, and the deep-seated longing for a family. Just as the psalmist pleads with God to turn towards him, these children look towards us for compassion, understanding, and a sense of belonging. They remind us that our response to their plight is not just a matter of social responsibility, but a reflection of our relationship with God.
When we engage with these children, be it through adoption, support to orphanages, or simply by being a presence of love in their lives, we are responding to a divine calling. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, to show grace and to be a source of comfort. In doing so, we not only bring light into their lives but also experience the transformative power of God’s love in our own hearts.
Application
1. Reflect on Adoption: Consider the role of adoption in your life. Can you support it, advocate for it, or even consider it as a path for your family?
2. Support Orphanages: Engage with local orphanages. Your time, resources, and attention can make a meaningful difference.
3. Be a Voice: Use your platform to speak for those who cannot. Raise awareness about the needs of orphaned children and the impact of adoption.
4. Pray Intentionally: Pray for these children and the families that take them in. Ask God to provide them with strength, love, and grace.
Conclusion
Concluding our reflection on Psalm 25:16 and Dr. Russell Moore's Adopted for Life, we find ourselves profoundly connected to God's compassionate heart for the orphaned. This journey into the depths of biblical laments and the sincere appeals of Israel, God's "firstborn," as they sought His intervention, mirrors our own call to action. The psalms, especially Psalm 25's earnest request for God's grace and relief, reveal a pattern of trust and vulnerability akin to that of children confidently seeking care from a loving guardian. In embracing this call, not only do we become beacons of hope for these children, but we also align ourselves more closely with God's heart, uncovering the immense depth of His love and grace. Through this, we are reminded of our own status as children of God, encouraged to express our needs and rest in the assurance of His loving response.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the heartfelt words of Psalm 25:16 and the touching journey described in Adopted for Life by Dr. Russell Moore, we come before You with a deepened understanding of Your love for the orphaned and vulnerable. Lord, instill in us a spirit of compassion and action, that we may be Your hands and heart in this world, especially to those children in orphanages who long for love and care. Guide us to be bearers of Your grace, showing the same unconditional love You have for us. Help us to see Your face in every child we meet and respond with the kindness and mercy You so freely give. May our actions reflect Your love and bring hope to those who need it most. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
----------------------------
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA www.ichthus-dnm.org
The Bible texts are from New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional…
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