Devotions By Jan

Monthly Archives: September 2013


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Bird Bandits

Scripture for Today: Matthew 13:4  “and as he sowed some seeds fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate them up.”

I thought these Canadian Geese were just beautiful!  But the homeowners in a Tallahassee neighborhood were not quite so enthusiastic about them!  Instead of staying in the area of the lake, they roamed the streets and made themselves at home in the yards.  They were even so bold as to enter open garages!

For anyone planting a lawn, these geese were especially worrisome!  They considered any seeds their personal lunch buffet!  I learned that they would only go after the seeds lying on the surface.  Even just a fourth inch of topsoil covering the seed would keep them from being interested.

Our verse for today is part of the parable of the sower.  The seeds sown did not sprout and grow as they were quickly devoured by birds.  Jesus explains in verse 19 the meaning.  Those who hear the Word but do not understand it are prey to the evil one who snatches away what was sown, before it can take root.

That seed is exposed and vulnerable without the topsoil of understanding.  And understanding comes with faith.  Those that are sincere in diligently seeking Him in faith will find Him as He has promised in Hebrews 11:6.  In response to a heart of faith, He gives understanding.

I also learned that if a homeowner begins the germinating process in a plastic bag, then the sprouted seeds will not be eaten by the birds when sown.  It only takes the first sign of faith and understanding to ward off those birds.  Satan has no victory where there is faith!

Thank you, Lord, for giving me Your understanding.  In my heart, may the seed of Your Word never stop growing!


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Stubborn

Scripture for Today: Nehemiah 9:17a “They refused to listen (to Your commandments) and did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You had performed among them.  So they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt….”

We came across this donkey while hiking around a lake.  He was calmly grazing with his friends, paying us no attention at all.  As donkeys have the reputation of being stubborn, I imagine that if I had tried to move him, he would have resisted.  As it was, I could not make him look up at me for the camera no matter how much noise I made!  He just would not listen!

The Israelites were sometimes called, “stubborn,” in the Old Testament.  Our verse for today gives the reason for their stubbornness.  They refused to listen to the Lord’s voice.  God had made His commandments very clear.  They also chose not to remember all His miracles in leading them out of slavery in Egypt.  The result was a stubborn conviction that their way was best, even if it meant returning to that slavery!

It seems amazing to me that they could be that stubborn.  But perhaps it is easier to see it in others than it is to see it in myself.  Any time I refuse to listen to God’s voice of conviction, I am at risk of stubbornly returning to sin’s slavery.  Any time I forget all of what He has done for me, I am likely to stubbornly do what seems best to me.

Thankfully, God does not give up on me.  Our verse continues,”But You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving kindness.  And You did not forsake them.”

Thank you, Lord for not forsaking me.  Help me to listen and remember today!


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Pillars

Scripture for Today: I Timothy 3:15 “…I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and the support of the truth.”

What a thrill it was for my husband and I to stand before these pillars in Ephesus, Turkey!  They are part of the restored facade of a library built in AD 135.  To think that Paul could have addressed the Ephesians from its steps!  This library used to store as many as 1200 parchments.  Celsus, an avid reader for whom it was named, is buried in a vault inside.  I learned that once there stood four female statues representing wisdom, fortune, knowledge and virtue.

Our verse for today describes the church as the pillar of truth.  The image of the church is to be one of support for what is true and right.  It is a strong image that is unwavering and without compromise.  There is no question for the church as there was for Pontius Pilate when he asked of Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:38)  We have the Truth in the person of Jesus Christ Himself. (John 14:6)

Collectively, the church is to stand up for the truth about who Jesus is.  In a world that denies His deity, believers are to stand firm.  Upholding the truth in a climate of hostility and mockery is not easy.  Yet, He calls us to testify to the truth of who He is what He says in His word.

Christ came into this world to bear witness to the Truth (John 18:37)  Now, He asks the same of me.  Can I be strong and unwavering?  Regardless of opposition or ridicule, can I hold firm?  Not without You, Lord.  Please make me a pillar of truth today.


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Feedback Speakers

Scripture for Today: Matthew 25:23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share in your master’s happiness.’

During rehearsals and concerts for my French Gospel choir, Joie Et Vie, these feedback speakers play an important role.  When they are working well, they let us know when the balance is good.  If the altos are overshadowing the sopranos, the speakers give us that feedback so adjustments can be made with the microphones.  If the altos are flat, we can hear ourselves and self correct!  Without those speakers, we cannot hear ourselves.  It is amazing how that affects one’s morale.  We can be singing our hearts out, but without any feedback, it falls flat and our enthusiasm is dampened.

The context of our verse for today is the parable of the talents taught by Jesus.  The master of the house, after being away, calls for an accounting from each of his servants.  He commends two of them for their faithfulness in increasing what was entrusted to them.  Not only were they commended but they were rewarded with more responsibility.

One day, I hope to hear the same words of this verse when entering His presence.  But I need feedback today too.  Positive feedback from Him is motivating!  But how does He communicate that feedback?  Many times it is through His reassuring Word.  Sometimes it can be through the encouragement of other believers.  More often, I just feel a closer sense of His presence.  His love  and strength seem more real somehow.  Intimacy and connection feel deeper.  There have been times I have even felt His pleasure!

Feedback or not, Lord, may I be found faithful to the end!