Devotions By Jan

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Zip Lining

IMG_7374Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:9-10 “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.”

I had never tried zip lining until just recently and I was plenty nervous!  The staff there was very reassuring but still, that first lunge off the platform made my heart drop all the way to my feet!  I had seen others ride the line with no hands, turning and laughing and calling to friends below.  I was strangely silent and still, holding on for dear life!  Just as I was starting to relax and enjoy it, the ride was over.  I wished I could have come to that confident place sooner!

Today’s verse is reassurance from Someone who is in control of the whole life-long ride.  He holds fast those who belong to Him.  Whether we are zip lining, mountain climbing, or living overseas in a strange culture, He promises to guide, direct, and never let go.  His love hold us in the palm of His hand and nothing can touch us without His permission (John 10:28).  No one can snatch us out of His hand!

When I really grasp this truth, like I did that line, I can more quickly reach that place of confidence and enjoy the ride!  I have experienced His faithful care living overseas these last twenty-six years.  He has carried me through some unbelievable challenges in most every area of life.  I do not have to fear what tomorrow may bring because He has proved Himself faithful and true to His Word.  If life seems to be going too fast or I cannot see what is ahead, I can still be confident and relax.

Lord, help me feel Your reassuring hold on me!


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Art or French Fries?

friesIMG_20160510_101032Scripture for Today: Scripture for Today: Psalm 63:3-4 “Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live and in Your name I will lift up my hands.”

I recently attended a painting workshop where the goal was to express praise to God through art.  There were no rules or grand expectations.  There was just some Christian music playing and some Psalms read.  The facilitator gave a title to our work; “Adoration.”  I tried not to look over at my neighbor’s work.  I tried to focus on what I was feeling towards the One who created me.  But my praise came out looking like french fries!  I guess I should not quit my day job just yet!!

Today’s verse expresses praise to God in a different way.  David used his lips in word and in song to glorify God’s name.  He lifted up his hands in praise to God’s incredible love that he calls, “better than life.”  This psalm was written when he was in the desert of Judah, on the run from his enemies.  His praise to God is that much sweeter being in the midst of a “dry and weary land” (verse 1).

My praise to Him may not be of a professional quality.  My painting is maybe good enough for the back closet wall!  I love singing but my song may even be a little off key.  I lift my hands now, but someday my arms may be too weak.  But  He sees to the heart’s expression.  Praise to Him is always welcomed.  Whatever I do or say can be done in His name and to His glory (Col. 3:17).  Praising Him for His love and power is about the most important thing I can accomplish today!

Keep me praising You today, Lord!


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My Roses

rosesIMG_20160327_161331Scripture for Today: James 1:3-4 “…because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

I am thinking that my roses need some fertilizer.  They bloomed for this spectacular show and then decided to quit.  Probably, the soil needs to be replenished with nutrients.  In my area the soil is especially dry and full of clay and in need of some help.  But we all know how fertilizer is made from animal matter, human excreta or vegetable matter, at least the organic variety.  Rotting vegetables from a compost pile is not too appetizing.  And the bat and bird guano is just a discreet way of saying something else!

The Bible is full of references to plant growth and fruit to picture our spiritual journey.  Today’s verse explains that we become mature in our faith by developing perseverance.  It all sounds wonderful until we realize that the only way we develop that lovely flowering perseverance is through some stinky trials.  The hard times drive us to our knees and cause us to cry out to Him for help.  When we see God work, our faith grows.  The next time we find ourselves in the middle of hard times and heartache, we are more likely to stay strong and healthy.

I wish there was a less painful way to grow and bloom.  But the beauty and color is more vibrant when born of hardship.  It is a comfort to me to know that a horrible circumstance that has nothing to recommend it can be used by Him.  He does not waste that stinky situation.  In His hands it serves to develop something beautiful in me!

Thank you Lord, for using it all to grow my faith!

 


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Indoor Herb Garden

herbsIMG_20160312_113134Scripture for Today: Psalm 19:8 “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”

My grandsons were pretty excited to help their Daddy put this herb garden together!  They started with pots of rosemary, cilantro and basil and have since added several more.  When “helping” their Mommy make dinner, they are much more likely to eat that strange dish when they have picked the herbs for it.  But to begin with, the herbs did not do so well in the living room.  They did not have much light there.  It was not until they were placed in brighter room full of light that there was growth.

Today’s verse describes God’s commandments as light to the eyes.  His precepts are radiant with light and can even make us joyful when obeyed.  He has made His light to shine in the heart of the believer.  That light comes from the glory displayed in the face of Christ! (II Cor. 4:6)  Following His commands and precepts places us in the light of His presence.  Being there produces the “fruit of the light;”  goodness, righteousness and truth (Eph. 5:9).

I can tell when I am trying to produce these fruits on my own.   The goodness starts to wilt.  Righteousness and truth are looking a bit peaked.  Without His light I am not so robust but a bit tired.  Everything is an effort and it all seems too much.  Whether the image is light or being connected to the vine, without Him I can do nothing.  But in His light I can grow and thrive.  When I feel discouraged and lacking motivation, I just need to get back into the light of His presence!

Shine on me today, Lord.  Help me stay in Your light.

 

 


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The Nightingale

Scripture for Today: Psalm 42:8 “By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me – a prayer to the God of my life.”

The nightingale is not much to look at being a plain and uninteresting brown.  He is shy and likes to hide in dense thickets and bushes.  But he has been the subject of songs, fairy tales, operas, books and poetry over the centuries.  His song is exceptional for its variety, range and power.  While the female is strangely quiet, the male regales his listeners with whistles, trills and gurgles.  Although he sings during the day, his song is especially noticeable at night without any other noises to distract.

Today’s verse describes another song that occurs during the night.  This song can be just as beautiful and there is only an audience of One.  This song is a prayer of gratitude and praise to the Lord.  Without audible notes, it rises up within our souls to be heard by our Creator.  Because He loves us, He listens intently to our impromptu concert, and we feel His pleasure.  There are no other noises or distractions in those dark quiet hours.

All day long I feel His love directed towards me.  I am aware of His presence throughout the day.  But in the mundane tasks, the hurried schedule and all the distractions, I forget to respond with praise.  But at night, when the house is finally quiet I can turn my thoughts to Him.  Instead of being frustrated at being awake, I can use those moments to compose a song only He will hear.  Regardless of words or notes, He is honored by the melody of praise in my heart.

Thank you Lord, for putting a song in my heart tonight!