Devotions By Jan

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Glass Harmonica

Scripture for Today:Romans 5:3-4 “Not only so but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character, hope.” 

Who hasn’t rubbed their fingers around the rim of a crystal wine glass to produce that ringing sound?  That is the principle behind this glass harmonica, made of a series of glass bowls or goblets in varying sizes spinning  on a single shaft.  The haunting ethereal sound of the notes are produced by moistened fingers and the friction they create.  The pressure of the fingers can change the volume and duration of a note.  The “incomparably sweet” sound of the glass harmonica is really due to friction and pressure.

Paul makes an incredible statement in today’s verse.  He can glory or revel in his sufferings because he understands what it will develop in him!  Perseverance, character and hope are those harmonious notes his sufferings will produce.  But these characteristics do not show themselves except through the friction and pressure of suffering.  He knows and is confident of this positive outcome, affirming that this hope is sure.  This hope will not ever put him to shame because of the love that God has poured out into his heart (verse 5).

How amazing it is that in the middle of suffering Paul can keenly feel God’s love for him!  When things go wrong and I am hurting, I am tempted to think that God may not love me quite so much.  If He really loved me would He make me go through this?  Couldn’t I just have that perseverance, character and hope without all that suffering?  I have to trust that He knows what He is doing.  His love never changes and He is making me more like Him!

Lord, help me never to doubt your love for me.


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Ruby Red

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 20:15. “Gold there is and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.”

This is called the “Carmen Lucia ruby” and has been on display at the Smithsonian Museum since 2004.  It was mined in 1930 in Burma, known for the most vibrant rubies in the world.  This 23 carat-faceted stone was in the collection of Carmen Lucia, purchased for her by her loving husband in anticipation of her recovery from cancer.  Sadly, she died and her husband donated it to the museum to honor her memory.  Of course this ruby is valuable but what makes it stand out even more is the story behind it.

As beautiful and rare as some rubies are, there is something that is described in today’s verse as a “rare jewel;” lips that speak knowledge.  We value gold and rubies for their beauty, rarity and worth.  Yet, lips that speak knowledge are even more rare and beautiful.  Knowing what to say and when to say it is invaluable!  It is the Lord that gives wisdom and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding (Prov. 2:6)  He is the source and it is when we fear, respect and show the awe due Him that we can possess this rare jewel. (Prov. 1:7)

I enjoy beautiful gems and jewelry, especially when the light catches them just right.  But there is nothing so off-putting as a woman bedecked in gold and rubies that opens her mouth and spoils the effect!  Knowledge, wisdom and understanding attract others.  More than a recitation of factual information, the knowledge and wisdom He gives allows me to use the right words to build up others (Eph. 4:29) benefitting those who listen.  His knowledge and wisdom coming out of my mouth will point others to Him.

Lord, make my lips a rare jewel today!

 


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Hex Signs

Scripture for Today: II Thessalonians 3:2-3  “And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith.  But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”

I had heard about hex signs but had never seen them in use.  Recently, we drove through the Pennsylvania countryside and saw a billboard advertising them.  They are put on barns or outbuildings and were originally meant to ward off evil.  They typically have a design that is circular and have a wheel or rosette in the middle.  They can be simple or elaborate and in modern times are used more for decoration than for any other purpose.

In today’s verse Paul asks the church members in Thessalonica to pray that he and his co-workers are delivered from wicked and evil people.  In proclaiming the Gospel Paul would encounter opposition from others.  More than that, he would encounter opposition from the evil one, meaning Satan. But in the same breath, Paul declares God’s faithfulness in giving strength and protection, reassuring the church that the same is true for them.

I am reassured as well in reading this verse.  I live in such an evil-ridden world but my soul is safe in His hands.  He always keeps His word and He promises that His strength is available.  His protection is real and He will not allow evil to gain the upper hand with me!  Regardless of how weak I may feel in the presence of evil, He will strengthen my faith and my resolve to resist (James 4:7).  He is faithful!  I know in whom I have placed my confidence.  It is He that is able to keep the soul that I have committed to Him until the very end (II Tim. 1:12).

Lord, help me be confident of Your protection.

 


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Muddy

Scripture for Today: Psalm 101:3 “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.”

This dog looks absolutely thrilled to be covered in mud!  Dog owners say there are three seasons for a dog; grass, snow, and mud!  There is something about that gooey slimy mud that can feel so good to a dog.  Some dogs cannot wait to roll around in it and then blithely track it all through the house!  There are all kinds of articles that deal with mud removal for dogs and training dogs to stand still for that all-important towel off.

In today’s verse David is resolved to separate himself from anything that is vile.  He avows that he will have nothing to do with faithless people.  In his house, which in his case is a palace, he is determined to conduct the affairs of his household with a blameless heart (verse 2).  David wants nothing to do with evil (verse 4).

I have the same desire to make my house an evil-free zone!  The dirty slime of sin daily enters my home by my own dirty feet but thankfully, just as for the disciples, Jesus washes them with His forgiveness (John 13).  However, additional dirt seems to make its way in the door by what  I allow my eyes to look upon with approval, ie the media.

For me, what used to be shocking no longer rattles me.  What was formerly disturbing now passes by unnoticed.  It is not that I am looking on images and story lines with approval, but I do let them take up residence without comment or resistance.  How much better to fill my mind with what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable! (Phil. 4:8)

Lord, keep me out of the mud.

 


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Walled City

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 18:19 “A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.”

We see many of these walled villages in Alsace, France.  Pictured here is Eguisheim, one of our favorites.  Its cobblestone streets and beautiful flowers make for a pleasant walk.  The town is laid out in concentric circles, the outer most circle of homes forming a wall.  Charm oozes from these quaint 16th century homes as they not only house families but provide a line of defense from attack.  It would be difficult to scale the wall without attracting the attention of the home owners or their neighbors.

Today’s verse describes how difficult it is to win back someone who has been wronged.  He has put up an impenetrable wall around his heart.  His resolve not to be further wronged is like being barricaded behind the gates of a fortress.  Because of hurt and a deep sense of betrayal, he is as unyielding as stone and metal.  This proverb does not say it is impossible to win him back, but that getting past that natural self-protection will be very difficult.

It took nearly eighteen years to get back in the good graces of a brother who felt we had wronged him.  There have been countless attempts to scale that wall with numerous apologies and expressions of regret.  We would not have continued our efforts had we not cared for him so much.  Eventually, he felt that love and our sincerity.  Small cracks in the wall began to grow and now, our friendship is back on good footing and we are thankful!  Being forgiven was one thing.  Becoming close again was quite another and well worth the effort.

Thank you Lord, that because of You, healed relationships are possible!