Devotions By Jan

Monthly Archives: September 2012


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Treasure Hunt

Scripture for Today:  Matthew 6:20-21  “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

I saw this man on the beach this morning, very intent on his search.  He must feel that what he finds with his metal detector is worth all his effort.  I imagine he will be finding plenty of coins dropped by beach-goers and maybe a lost watch or two.

The verse today talks about treasure without actually defining it.  It is treasure that is found here on earth and it is temporal.  That is a pretty broad category as one day everything on this earth will pass away to make way for the new earth (Matt. 24:35).  My husband and I have dealt with moths destroying clothes, rust messing up the paint job on cars and we have been victims of theft.  We tell ourselves it’s just things.  Luke 12:15b says, “a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”  And yet, we all have the tendency to store up things.  We treasure what is not going to last.  And unfortunately, my heart gets turned away from what has true value.  I am distracted by the superficial desire for more and better things.

So what has true value?  What are those treasures we are to store up in heaven?  Probably not gold, the streets will be paved with it.  And certainly not precious stones as that is just building material for the gates.  We do know that there will be crowns for our faithfulness that we will lay at the feet of Jesus.  Perhaps the true treasure is being in His presence.  That is a treasure I can enjoy today!


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Real Men

Scripture for Today: Psalm 105:4 “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.”

We were recently at Cave Creek, Arizona, a real cowboy town near Scottsdale.  I couldn’t resist buying this over-sized magnet.  I love the message, that even a macho cowboy needs to bow in humility before the cross.

In the American wild west culture, bravery and strength are part of the cowboy mystic.  To be what is considered a “real man” one must never show weakness.  This is not a new idea.  Whether it be a Japanese samurai, a Nordic warrior or the resident killer of spiders, man is commended for his strength and bravery.

There are plenty of times when our own strength, male or female, does not suffice.  Doing things in our own strength is a daily temptation.  We like to feel self-sufficient and capable.  We might even succeed and feel pretty good about ourselves.  But there are other times we feel overwhelmed or fall flat on our face when in fact we did not need to.  The Lord’s strength is available if we would avail ourselves of it.

It seems to me that this cowboy is looking to the Lord for His strength, seeking His face.  To do that requires seeing the need and humbling oneself.  That does not make one weak.  In fact it takes courage to ask and bend the knee.

His strength is so much better than my puny efforts.  He is there today waiting for me to just come and ask.  He knows I am made of dust and He offers His strength in any and all situations.  There is no shame in admitting our weakness.  Thankfully, God does not require His children to be “macho!”  Oh, how I need His strength today!


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Herded

Scripture for Today:  John 16:8   “When He  comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgement……”

Although we do not own a dog we enjoy those of others.  However, this morning on the beach I did not appreciate this “sheep herder dog” who ran headlong at me and head butted my ankle!  His owner was very apologetic, explaining that the dog’s instinct to herd got the better of him.  I guess he thought I was going in the wrong direction.

Today’s verse talks about the role of the Holy Spirit.  Like the herder dog that nudges the sheep in the right direction, so we need Him to direct and lead.  We are like sheep and left to ourselves would go astray (Is. 53:6).  We all need the Shepherd’s rod and staff for correction and for getting us out of danger!  His Spirit brings the conviction of what is wrong, what is right and the consequences a behavior brings.  The Spirit incites the positive godly guilt that leads to repentance, so it is a good thing. (II Cor. 7:9)

However, just as there was pain with that dog, the guilt and conviction from the Holy Spirit is not a comfortable experience.  The quicker I listen and obey, changing direction, the sooner the experience is over.  But that temporary discomfort is well worth avoiding that fall over a cliff!  His desire is always for my good.  As my Shepherd He leads me in the paths of righteousness where I can find quiet waters to refresh my soul (Psalm 23).  That is why His conviction as a rod and staff can actually bring me comfort!

Lord, help me follow You follow more closely today, and be listening for Your voice.


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Help Wanted

Scripture for Today:  Psalms 121:1-2  “I will lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

The French Alps were in our backyard that first year of language school in 1989.  When we revisited there, I had trouble getting this photo of my husband, Randy, without the clouds covering the peaks.  It reminded me of that first year when there were many days the Alps would be completely covered with clouds.  It was amazing how much those clouds affected my mood.  When I could see the mountain tops, I felt like anything was possible!  Even learning French!  But when the mountains were covered in fog and clouds for days and days, it was easy to believe they were no longer there.

It is easy to feel that the Lord is no longer there.  When we are in the middle of troubles and worries, they do the same thing those clouds do, obscure our view of His presence.  David expressed this in Psalm 69:17 when he felt that in the midst of his troubles, God was hiding His face.  Job had these same thoughts when experiencing his trials.  But regardless of our feelings, the reality of His presence does not change.  He has promised to never leave us or forsake us.

There will always be clouds. But rather than seeing those clouds, I need to see that the mountain is still there.  It has not moved.  Like David, I can look up to the Maker of heaven and earth and find help.  Nothing is too hard for Him.  I am so thankful that in His grace He gives me cloudless moments when the view of His presence is magnificent!


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Sunflowers

Scripture for Today:  Psalms 119:36-37a  “Turn my heart toward your statues and not toward selfish gain.  Turn my eyes away from worthless things…”

Sunflowers are amazing!  Especially when one comes upon a whole field of them!  This field is located in the Loire Valley of France.  And I’ll go ahead and say it, “we are outstanding in our field!”

It is commonly thought that this flower turns its head to follow the sun’s trek across the sky.  In fact the word for “sunflower” in French is “tournesol.”  The idea of turning to the sun is right there contained in the word.  The spiritual truth is obvious.  Like the sunflower, we as believers want to be gazing at the Son, following Him.  David in Psalms 27:4 asked the Lord for just one thing, to be able to gaze upon His beauty.

I am so often distracted from having the same priority as that of David.  There are plenty of things and activities in my life that are important and to me have lots of worth.  But I am basically a selfish and headstrong person.  My head and heart quickly get turned around to be all about me, me, me.  Deep down I agree with Paul in Phil. 2:8 that everything is rubbish compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ.  So why then  do I turn my gaze away from His beauty?  When I do, I cease to grow and thrive.  Like the sunflower, my head becomes bowed down when turned away from the Son.  Not only do I miss His beauty but I become less beautiful myself.

I love this old hymn,  “Turn your eyes upon Jesus.  Look full in His wonderful face.  And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”  Turn me, Lord, to You.