Devotions By Jan

Monthly Archives: February 2021


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Out of Power

Scripture for Today: Deuteronomy 8:17-18a “You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth…”

Photo by Bryan Alexander at https://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanalexander/15981387716

The recent winter storms in so many of our States have produced incredible winter wonderlands. Bare, unremarkable branches suddenly become ethereal when robed in snow and ice. The dazzling white changes the landscape from boring to beautiful! But as stunning as it is, there is a price to be paid for all that beauty when power lines go down. For those who are equipped, out come the home generators and life goes on. But for others, they limp along without power until crews come out for repairs.

Today’s verse is a reminder about the Source of power and of strength. When a winter storms disrupts life, we realize how little power we really wield. But when everything is going well and all our creature comforts are in place, we begin to believe that we can take credit for any wealth we have. This whole chapter warns us of the danger of forgetting the Lord and becoming proud. (verse 14) This happens when there is plenty to eat (verse 12) and bank accounts are solid. (verse 13)

Whatever wealth I enjoy is a direct result of Him and His gifts. He even gives the ability to produce that wealth. I have no power on my own. I have no strength on my own. And it is often a realization I come to only when faced with difficulty. That storm, whatever form it takes, drives me to my knees in humility. He responds to my cries for help with His incredible strength and power.

Thank you Lord, that with You I am never out of power!


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Face to Face

Scripture for Today: Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.“

Being “face to face” has new meaning in our day. And perhaps with all the connections we make through the computer screen, we have come to value and more deeply appreciate those in-person times. But with masks covering faces, even those in-person opportunities seem to lack an important component; the face. Sometimes that fleeting smirk, the quickly lifted eyebrow or the passing twinkle in the eye can be missed. So much of connection is made through our facial expressions. We communicate acceptance, compassion, and forgiving grace without ever saying a word.

Today’s verses are a priestly prayer given directly by the Lord to Moses. He was to pass it on to Aaron and his sons to be spoken over the Israelites in order to bless them. When God turns His face towards us, we are restored and saved. (Psalm 80:3) When He shines His face or presence in our lives we experience His grace and peace. We are told to seek His face (Ps. 27:8) and when we see His face we are satisfied. (Ps.17:15) As God is spirit, His face is a picture of His favor and blessing.

God’s “face” is turned away from those who are evil. (Ps. 4:16) It is only because of Christ and His righteousness that God can look on me with favor and blessing. His face is turned toward me every day because of His grace and mercy. It is because of this face-to-face relationship that I can live and move and have my being. (Acts 17:28) His face turned on me means deep heart-felt peace and blessing found nowhere else.

Thank you Lord, for turning Your beautiful face on me!

 

 


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Hanging On

Scripture for Today: Psalm 63:8 “I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.”

The koala, although a marsupial, looks like a cute cuddly teddy bear. He can hold on to those smooth-barked gum trees and even sleep there 18-20 hours a day without any worry of falling off. That is because he has two opposable thumbs on his fore paws that allow a sure grip. He also has big toes that are set at an angle to the foot, giving him a vise-like hold. They cling so well to the tree that they leave scratches on the bark.

Today’s verse tells us that we can cling to the Lord because He upholds us with His right hand. David writes this psalm while in the desert of Judah. He remembers and thinks on his bed, not about his enemies but about God’s love that he considers better than life! (verse 3) He clings to the truth that God is his help. (verse 7) David is confident of the end his enemies face. He may be in a clinging position now, but he knows that they will be destroyed and he will rejoice! They, as liars, will be silenced but he will glory in the Lord. (verse 11)

I feel as if I am barely hanging on when surrounded by those who oppose Jesus Christ and when surrounded by liars. But what I am clinging to makes all the difference! The piece of wood to which I cling is the cross! Jesus, by His death on the cross, has won the victory over every enemy! I cling to Him as He is the THE truth in a world full of liars. (John 14:6) His Word is eternal. His promises are true. He is the One who holds me up when I cling to Him.

Lord, keep me hanging on to You.


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Blue-Footed Booby

Scripture for Today: Romans 10:15 “And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written; ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’

No, these birds did not step into a puddle of blue paint, although it sure looks like it! This unusual sea bird can be found in the Pacific from Southern California to Northern Peru and the Galápagos Islands. The males do a high-stepping dance to attract the female, lifting up those blue feet. Their name, “booby” comes from the Spanish word, “bobo” meaning foolish. Perhaps they are seen as foolish because they look so clumsy on land. Or they may be considered foolish as they are so willing to approach people.

Today’s verse describe another pair of beautiful feet. These feet are also willing to approach people in order to share good news. The feet are beautiful because they proclaim peace and salvation. (Isaiah 52:7) The good news is that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (verse 13) The Israelites did not accept this good news and were zealously trying to establish their own righteousness. (verse 3 & 16) But there is no peace with God apart from His Son. And there is no salvation under any other name but the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:12)

I do not think my feet are too beautiful but the message certainly is! Peace on our planet is so fragile and many times unattainable. But I do enjoy a peace that the world cannot give me (John 14:27) and it means that my heart is not afraid or troubled. Because of His salvation I enjoy peace with my Creator. He has taken care of the judgement my sins deserve. And He offers this peace and salvation to all who call on Him in faith!

Lord, make my feet beautiful today.


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Do I Follow My Heart?

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”

This saying on a poster is beautiful, and there are many like it. We enjoy thinking of the heart as lovely and romantic, and so often it is. We counsel each other to just follow your heart and all will be well. Somehow, the heart will guide us to the right way, the right solution, the right love. When we listen to our heart, we discover what we really desire.

Today’s verse has a message of warning about the heart. The heart, which in the Bible is the seat of all our emotions and will, can deceive us. We try to understand what our heart is saying to us. But no one can quite understand. One day it says one thing and the next, another. The heart is fickle and incomprehensible. We ourselves cannot cure its deceitful nature. The only cure comes from its Maker. He sees the pride and selfishness hiding out there and His love and forgiveness are the cure.

I have often been quite sure about what I have wanted. Then, when I have managed to receive it, I find that I did not want it after all. That brings to mind the dog who chases after a car. He has no clue what to do with it once he catches up to it! Because I cannot cure it, I need to follow Someone who knows my heart better than I do. The Lord searches my heart and tries it. As my Creator, He understands my heart. He knows what I really want and what will bring me true satisfaction and fulfillment. He knows so much better than I do what is good for me and what is not.

Lord, do not let me be deceived today. Help me follow Your heart!

(Look familiar? This is a re-worked post from 2018)