Devotions By Jan

Author Archives: devotionsbyjan


by Leave a comment

Hurry Up and Wait

Scripture for Today: Psalm 106:13 “But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold.”

Nothing annoys me more than a driver who races around me and cuts me off, all to gain a few seconds or a few yards.  Just as annoying is the tailgater who sits on my bumper when there is no chance for me to move to the right.  When the great equalizer of the red stop light stops that driver, it is hard to keep the smirk off my face as I pull up beside him.  We both have to stop and wait.

Today’s verse refers to the Israelites who quickly forgot God’s miracles.  When the Lord dried up the Red Sea and delivered them from the Egyptians, they responded with songs of praise.  But soon after, they forgot what He had done when faced with the next crisis.  They did not wait to see what the Lord had in mind.  Instead they complained.  God had given them the promise of their own land, but they had to wait for His plan and His timing.

God gave a promise to David that he would be king.  But he had to stop and wait for the Lord to work it out.  Sarah was given the promise of a son, but she waited years and years for the miraculous way God would bring it about.  Over and over I wait for God to unfold His plan for me.  I have the promises.  I believe.  But I do not have the details.  God so often asks me to stop my own efforts and wait for Him to work.  He wants me to wait as a show of faith that I really do believe Him.

Lord, help me to wait with joy and expectation for Your perfect plan.

 


by 1 Comment

Magnifying Mirror

lighted mirrorIMG_20160522_075402Scripture for Today: Lamentations 3:40 “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”

The morning routine of a mature woman is revolutionized when two essentials are included; tweezers and a lighted magnifying mirror!  Seriously, it has changed my life!  Of course, such minute detail is rarely noticed by anyone else.  But all that scrutiny is now making my morning preparations much longer.  It takes more time but it is all good as I examine and put right the details.  It is rare that I do not find something to remedy each time I dare to look!

When it comes to examining what is on the inside, the experience can be much more uncomfortable.  Today’s verse is an encouragement to do just that.  When we examine our ways and test them, more often then not a correction is needed to return to what God wants.  The self-examination can be revealing and humbling.  But the results are worth it as a new closeness to Him develops.

There is no condemnation as a believer (Romans 8:1) but there is discipline and a loss of intimacy with the Lord as a result of sin.  Examining myself means I can avoid much of that grief.  Because of His unfailing love, He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone (Lam. 3:32-33).  But He will lovingly use the negative in my life to bring me back to where I need to be.  As uncomfortable as that self-examination is, it is so much better than going through discipline or feeling He is far away.  I want to see what He sees and not just think everything is fine!  I want a deeper more satisfying walk with Him without that sin getting in the way!

Lord, help me see my heart like You do.


by Leave a comment

Mustard Flower Field

mustard flower4Scripture for Today: Luke 17:5-6 “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’ He replied, If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”

When I was little, a friend and I would play in a field of mustard flowers  behind our school during recess.  We loved playing pretend games there and hiding from the teachers when they called us in.  We were sad to see the flowering season end, not realizing what the harvest of that tiny seed could bring.  It is called the least of all seeds (Matt. 13:31) but some varieties can grow to the size of a tree in the Mediterranean climate.

Today’s verse is a very familiar one.  The disciples had just heard Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness and it prompted this request to increase their faith.  Jesus responds by addressing the kind of faith needed rather than the size.  The faith they needed was fast growing and prolific, just as the mustard seed.  After they received the Holy Spirit, these men did exemplify this kind of faith in establishing the early Church with miracles.

This kind of faith, even when tiny, is powerful!  My faith can be size extra small, but if it is placed in One who is all powerful, than it can accomplish His purposes!  He can do above and beyond all I could ask, think or imagine (Eph. 3:20).  It is a tremendous relief to me that true unwavering faith can be tiny and yet bring about His will..  Do I really believe that if I ask anything according to His will, He will answer? (I John 5:14)  I want this kind of faith!

Lord, make my faith like the mustard seed, aligned with Your will.

 

 


by Leave a comment

Flip Flops

flip flopIMG_20160519_085943Scripture for Today: Numbers 23:19 “God is not human, that He should lie, not a human being that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?”

I would never have thought to use flip flops as a table centerpiece!  Thankfully, the flip flops were new and not used!  Living in this beach culture, I see this footwear in most any social setting imaginable.  Our local mall has a store exclusively dedicated to flip flops.  But the name of this footwear also calls to mind the idea of changing one’s mind or position.  In this presidential election year, flip flopping seems to be common on both sides of the political aisle!

Today’s verse reassures us that God will not flip flop.  He is not like us but always says what He means.  He never says He will do something and not come through.  When He speaks, He acts.  When He makes a promise, it will happen.  He can back His word with the power to do it.  Being all knowing, God would never say that He was unaware of the extenuating or changing circumstances.  No matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ (II Cor. 1:20a).

Living in a world of broken promises, it is sometimes hard for me to really take the Lord at His word.  Too many times it is easier to doubt than to believe that He means what He says.  He says He loves me.  He says He will care for me and cause all things to work for good.  He does not disappoint.  I cannot think of even one time that He has proved Himself unfaithful.  Yet, I still hesitate to live like I really believe it!

Give me grace Lord, to trust You more.


by Leave a comment

The Acorn

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 61:3b “…They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.”

It is pretty amazing that this small acorn can grow to be a mighty oak.  It seems such a small insignificant beginning to this towering tree which has so long been a symbol of strength and endurance.  I do not give much thought to those acorns littering the ground although people do eat them.  They are eaten as nuts after leeching out the bitter tannins.  They are also used to make flour and oil.  But if the acorns are correctly planted and cared for, some species will produce an oak measuring as high as ninety-eight feet!

Toady’s verse uses the oak tree as an image of the righteous, displaying the splendor of God.  He is the One who plants that acorn to become the mighty oak.  He chooses the best spot for good soil and sun exposure.  He plants that small acorn at the right depth in the soil and watches over it, guarding it from pests.  He displays His righteousness through His followers so the planting is exactly right.

The only way to become that oak is by His righteousness.  On my own, I stay as little and insignificant as the small acorn.  I know myself.  I cannot produce righteousness.  “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (Romans 3:22a).  I have right standing with God because of Christ.  My position is secure in Him.  But I want my daily walk to reflect right living too.  Right choices and obedience will make me stand tall, firm and fruitful.  He has planted me exactly where He wants me to display the splendor of His righteousness!

Lord, may Your splendor be seen in my life.