Devotions By Jan

Monthly Archives: July 2016


by Leave a comment

His Whispers

Scripture for Today: I Kings 19:12 “After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.  And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”

There are all kinds of whispers.  My husband tells me that mine are too loud.  In public, I think I am being discreet when I whisper something in my husband’s ear.  But I do not seem to know my true volume.  Unfortunately, my husband is not the only one to hear me!  There are whispers that one does not want to hear; things that are shameful if heard aloud.  But the best kind of whispers are those sharing sweet secrets or those speaking love!

Our verse for today is in the context of the Lord appearing to Elijah.  One would expect the mighty God of the universe to show Himself spectacularly.  But God was not in the wind, the earthquake or the fire.  God revealed himself through a gentle whisper.  Elijah needed reassurance after being threatened by Jezebel and running for forty days and forty nights.  He had been miraculously cared for physically by an angel (verse 7).  But Elijah needed something for his soul.  What did that whisper say?

What does God whisper to me?  He whispers to me through His Word, which is inspired or “God breathed.”  He whispers His love and reassurance.  He tells me He is in control.  He whispers to me throughout my busy day saying, “I am here.  I love you.  You can count on Me.”  And He does not mind repeating Himself!  His whispers are precious and beautiful.  They remind me that I belong to Him.  They reassure my soul and keep me going.

Oh, how I need to hear Him whisper.  Lord, keep me listening to Your whispered reassurance of love.

Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.

 


by 2 Comments

Promenade Tapestry

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 4:18 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

This beautiful tapestry called, “Promenade,” hangs on the wall of the Cluny Museum in Paris.   Pictured here is just a small part of a larger scene and the detail is incredible.  It was made in the fifteenth century and is from a series of six.  It is hard to imagine all the long hours it took to painstakingly place each stitch by hand on the loom.  I am drawn most to those tapestries with dark backgrounds.  The dark blue seems to emphasize the people in the scene, making them more visible.

Our verse for today tells us to “see” what can not be seen.  What is normally seen by our physical eyes is only temporary.  Paul encourages those going through difficult times to look to the unseen, to look towards what is eternal.  The images and beauty of a tapestry are not seen from underneath.  Seen from the under side, nothing makes much sense.  We do not see how the dark colors are adding to the scene.  We do not see what God is doing or how everything will be working out.  But He promises to be working in us the very beautiful image of His Son.

Sometimes the Lord is using beautiful silk thread.  On rare occasions He may even use gold or silver thread.  But sometimes the threads are dark and coarse.  I may never understand why God allows excruciating pain or what looks like senseless tragedy.  But then my view is incomplete.  He is seeing the images emerge on my “tapestry” and it will be beautiful one day!

Thank you Lord, that I can trust Your unseen eternal work in me.

Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.


by Leave a comment

People Watching

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 10:12 “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves.  When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”

One of the best things about living in Europe is enjoying all the outdoor cafes.  And one of the best things about sitting outside is people watching!  Ordering and eating is almost secondary to that all-important activity.  It is an art to do it discreetly, but we all do it!  And as long as one does not make eye contact, it is all perfectly acceptable.  Part of the fun is guessing the nationality of a tourist by how they are dressed.  Not only am I noticing fashion but I find myself wondering about the social standing of a passerby.

Our verse for today addresses those who compare themselves to themselves.  Paul is admonishing those who are looking only on the surface of things (verse 7).  He did not fit their ideas of a dynamic speaker or an impressive presence.  In the context of this verse, Paul is teaching that boasting has no place in the life of a believer.  And boasting is what can so easily happen when we compare ourselves to those like ourselves.  Rather than looking for approval by commending oneself, we are to seek God’s approval (verse 18).

Comparing myself to others believers can sometimes lead to complacency and smugness.  Perhaps I am not struggling with some of the same issues as a “weaker brother” in Christ.  But God knows my heart and how much work still needs to be done!  Being well viewed by other believers is never the point.  True wisdom is comparing myself to Jesus Himself and asking the Lord to make me more like Him!

Keep me focused on You, Lord.


by 1 Comment

Jade Imitations

Scripture for Today:  John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

We got taken.  It was the summer of 1980 and after doing a summer missions trip in Taiwan, we went to Hong Kong.  The shopping there was wonderful.  Being young and naive, we thought we would get a good price on real jade from a street vendor.  We got a real good price on two simple matching bands.  But as they were imitations the price was a bit high for just green glass!  We felt very embarrassed when we learned that we were cheated.

Satan is in this same business of selling imitations.  He tries to sell his version of “life.”  But according to our verse for today, his real intent is to steal, kill and destroy life.  Unfortunately, he has lots of buyers.  His customers love the sound of freedom without consequences and without restraints.  Imitation life can be quite convincing when one has education, comfortable finances, family and friends.  It can feel real.  It can feel right.  But a way that seems right to man can end in death rather than life (Proverbs 14:12).

Jesus says He is the Life.  He has come to give real and abundant life, found in relationship to Him.  Anything else is imitation life.  When we find that intimate daily relationship with our Creator, we experience life as it is meant to be lived.  I do not want imitation life.  I want the real thing.  Regardless of what kind of day I am having, I want it to be genuine.  For even a day in His courts is better than a thousand outside (Psalm 84:10).  He makes my life abundant by His very presence!

Thank you, Lord, for REAL life!

Look familiar?  This is a re-post due to summer ministry schedule.