Devotions By Jan

Monthly Archives: October 2015


by Leave a comment

Feeling Down

IMG_20151015_130732-1Scripture for Today: Psalm 126:6 “Those who go out weeping carrying seeds to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”

In all my years living in Europe, I had never seen a European Weeping Beech tree.  But recently in Rhode Island, on the grounds of the Château sur Mer in Newport I saw this incredible sight!  The drooping branches were so thick, the trunk was not even visible.  The English call it the “upside down tree!”  I am familiar with the Weeping Willow, but apparently there are several species of trees that are called, “Weeping,” if they grow pendulous branches.  That sad weepy look is so strange looking.  I am not sure I would want such a sad looking tree in my yard.

Today’s verse describes a weeping that ends in joy!  What an amazing reversal promised to the Israelites!  The Lord would bring back their captives and restore their fortunes causing all the neighboring nations to sit up and take notice.  The Lord will be known as having done great things for them.  All those tears are replaced with laughter and songs of joy!

This promise has many layers as we too can look forward to a time when our weeping and sorrow will be transformed!  Laughter and joy will echo in the halls of Heaven as I enjoy a hope that is realized forever!  Weeping will be a distant memory.  Everything sad and awful will seem light compared to the weight of glory that I will one day enjoy! (II Cor. 4:17)

So much sadness in this life now, but before long, “One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase!”  Better than anything I can dream, His joy and recompense will exceed every expectation!

Thank you Lord, for the songs of joy yet to be sung!

 


by Leave a comment

Thin Ice

george-the-cat-on-thin-ice-480x350Scripture for Today: Psalm 89:2 “I will declare that Your love stands firm forever, that You have established Your faithfulness in Heaven itself.”

This kitty is trying to walk on thin ice.  I have yet to meet a cat who enjoys getting wet.  This one is walking oh so gingerly to avoid falling through the ice and getting an unintended freezing bath!  So many factors are against him.  The ice could be thinner in spots or the air temperature could change.  A sideways slip could move him off the ice and into the surrounding cold water.  How much more reassuring to walk and stand on firm ground!

Today’s verse is about standing on something that is firm forever.  There is no chance of it failing to take our weight.  It will hold us up when every other kind of love lets us down.  There are no outside factors or circumstances that will change it.  God’s love is completely dependable and faithful.  When God establishes something, nothing under Heaven can change it as His decrees are firm (Psalm 19:9).

He has not only declared that He loves me but He has proved it with the ultimate sacrifice; His death on the cross.  What other evidence do I need?  And yet, there are times when I do doubt it.  Knowing my dark heart I wonder how He could possibly love me.  It is a true miracle that He does.  Thankfully, He does not love me because I am lovable.  If that were the case, it would be thin ice indeed!  It is out of His grace that He has committed Himself to love me and not because I deserve it.

“O, the wonder of it all….just to think that God loves me!”  Help me to stand firmly in Your love today.


by 1 Comment

Giving Up?

Scripture for Today: Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

I can relate to the frustration this young woman must be feeling.  I can guess at the pressure she is feeling to meet a deadline.  Perhaps she is irritated at a failed communication or the lack of any response at all.  I wonder if she feels that her work will never produce the desired effect.  In any case, this image suggests a discouragement and weariness we all sometimes feel.

Today’s verse lets us know that though we do not see an immediate result to our good works, there will be a future time when we will see the fruit of our labor.  The “proper time” for seeing results may not be the present.  But eventually, God brings about results.  The harvest we reap is in His timing and control.  Our part is to keep on keeping on, regardless of the results.

It is easy for me to feel weary and wonder if God is really using me.  I do not want to give up serving Him, but it can be discouraging to wonder if I am making a difference.  Is He hearing my prayers for my loved ones?  Is He using my story to draw others to Himself?  God’s work of changing hearts is often initially unseen.  But the promise of reaping a harvest is only for those who do not give up!  I have to trust that His Word does not return void but accomplishes what He intends (Isaiah 55:11).  Yes, there are moments of weariness, but in His grace He gives strength and motivation to continue!

Help me Lord, to never give up serving You!


by Leave a comment

Plumping Lips

Scripture for Today: Psalm 12:3-4 “May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue that says, “We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips – who is our master?”

Who is it that decided that plump overly large lips are sexy?  That pouty look is all the rage and whole industries have been created to make those lips look more kissable.  There are lots of make-up tricks to achieve the look.  There are also methods using cinnamon oils and other natural ingredients.  For the truly courageous there is the option of collagen injections.  For my daughter, full lips were discovered accidentally as a result of an allergy to fresh plums!

Today’s verse describes the flattering lips.  These are lips that use words to manipulate and gain power.  What these lips say is pleasant to hear.  Truth plays no part.  These is boasting and arrogance communicated with these lips.  They answer to no one and they are their own master.  No one has the right to tell them what to say or refrain from saying.  They can use the truth when convenient, or not.  They use words like, “misrepresent” rather than “lie.”  Rather than apologize, these lips will say, “it was regrettable.”

What a contrast these lips are to the words of the Lord.  They are described as “flawless” (verse 6).  God’s words are like silver refined in a furnace and purified seven times.  I would much rather my lips resembled His.  But I am unable to attain that standard on my own.  He alone is capable of controlling what comes out of my mouth. (James 3:7).  Through His Spirit, He provides that self-control.  My lips may not look like the photo, but “an honest answer is like a kiss on the lips!” (Prov. 24:26)

Lord, be the Master of my lips today.

 


by 1 Comment

Underdog

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:31b-32 “…If God if for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”

This poor dog is in a humiliating position of defeat!  He is literally the “underdog!”  We often like to cheer the underdog or the one who seems to be facing insurmountable odds.  In sports, the team who is not favored to win can excite more cheering than the one thought to be stronger.  There is something about the weaker one carrying the victory that encourages us to hope and to greater effort in our own circumstances.

Feeling like the “underdog” as a believer is all too common.  Those who follow Christ are more often outnumbered and in the minority.  This can lead us to think that we are in the weaker position and cannot expect to have victory.  But nothing is further from the truth!  Today’s verse encourages the heart of every underdog.  God sees our predicament.  He understands that we are limited and often powerless to stand firm in our faith.  We are mocked and maligned, misunderstood and marginalized.  But we are on the right side and that changes everything!

God is for His own.  He has sacrificed His dearest Son to have this relationship with me.  No one can snatch me out of His hand (John 10:28).  No one can separate me from His love (Rom. 8:38-39).  No one.  He has won the victory for me (I Cor. 15:57) and I can hold my head up!  I may feel outnumbered and insignificant, but with God on my side, suddenly the playing field changes.

How could I live this life without You being for me?  Thank you that I do not have to!