Devotions By Jan

Monthly Archives: May 2019


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Bummer Lamb

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 40:11 “He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.”

This sweet lamb being bottle fed could very well be what is called in agricultural terms a “bummer lamb.”  These are lambs that need special attention and care having been rejected by their mothers.  If the shepherd does not intervene, the lamb would die.  Some shepherds go so far as to bring the lamb into their home and raise him there until strong enough to join the rest of the flock.

Today’s verse is such a beautiful depiction of the Lord.  This tender picture is sandwiched between two verses describing God’s power; His ruling power and His creative power.  How amazing it is that His tenderness can co-exist with that incredible power!  The Lord is our Shepherd and cares about each of His sheep individually.  He carries them when they feel weak, not under His arm or even on His back, but close to His heart.  Our Shepherd leads and guides His sheep but does it oh so gently for the ewes with their young ones.

In a world that can sometimes seem so cold and harsh, it is this quality of His love that I so appreciate.  I especially need His tenderness when I am sore from beating myself up.  I need His tenderness when I feel hurt and rejected.  His gentleness is like a balm for my soul.  Close to my Shepherd’s heart I feel warm and cherished.  His arms hold me up when I just can’t anymore.  There is a time for His rod and staff.  But there is a time for His tenderness.  And He knows exactly what I need.

Thank you Lord, for Your gentle care today.


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Measuring Tape

Scripture for Today:  I John 2:21  “I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and you know that no lie comes from the truth.”

We have several measuring tapes around the house.  They never seem to be at hand when needed.  Instead they are hiding out in the most inconvenient place in the house.  They must change places behind my back.  In my Sunday School class I handed out home-made rulers.  One was correct, but the others were off in some small way.  When I asked the children to measure the same object, they each came up with different results.  The arguments that followed were lively and comical!  Before they came to blows I stepped in to explain how the measures they used were different from each other.

Today’s verse talks about truth as if it were indeed an absolute and not up for individual interpretation.  One can know and discern what is true and what is not true.  Just as there was only one ruler with a true standard, so there is objective truth and not contradictory ones, even in the spiritual realm.  This way of thinking is so contrary to today’s prevailing thought that what is true depends on one’s point of view and experience.

“What is truth?” was the question Pilate posed to Jesus.  And His response?  “Everyone who is of the Truth hears My voice.”  (John 18:38)  I can be confident that hearing His voice is hearing truth.  The lies of the Deceiver are designed to restrict and bind me but His truth, found in His Word, sets me free (John 8:32).  I am to intentionally set my mind on truth. (Phil.4:8).  I do not want to waste mental energy on anything less!

Thank you Lord, that You are truth.


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The Lily of the Valley

Scripture for Today:  Psalms 56:8  “You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle.  Are they not in Your book?”

In France,  bouquets of lily of the valley are offered to friends on May 1st to wish them luck and happiness.  This day (their Labor Day) is called “Fête du Travail” or “Fête du Muguet” meaning lily of the valley.  I love their delicacy and sweet smell.  Legend has it that these are the tears of Eve as she was banished from the Garden of Eden.

Today’s verse tells us there is a bottle belonging to the Lord that holds our tears.  With this beautiful imagery we understand that God knows about every deception and every sorrow. The Lord is aware of every wandering and every tear drop.  King David had plenty of occasions to shed tears.  When he wrote this Psalm he was on the run for his life.  His enemies were constantly after him.  Apparently, real men DO cry.  But he was confident the Lord knew of his circumstances and his feelings.  When David cried out, he was reassured that God was with him and for him.

He sees my tears too.  Although this is poetic imagery, I like to think of Him saving every drop.  It shows me that I am precious to Him.  He even sees the unshed tears that stick in my throat.  God’s awareness of my circumstances and emotions would be meaningless if He did not also care.  But He not only cares, He has the power to do something about it!  He consoles like no other.  He comforts.  He sees and understands.  He reassures me that He is on my side.  No other one can dry my tears like He can.

Lord, thank you that one day there will be no more tears.