Devotions By Jan

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Language Lab

labIMG_20160514_095058Scripture For Today: John 8:44 “…He (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

This photo takes me back to the early days of learning French in the language lab.  The teacher there in Albertville, France could quietly listen in on our progress, or lack of it!  Mastering French was quite a challenge.  And of course one never stops learning.  My motivation kept me focused as real life usage was just outside the door.

If in Heaven we all speak French then I have an advantage!  Who really knows what language we may be speaking there!  One thing is certain.  The devil’s native language will not be heard.  Today’s verse describes his native language as being lies.  He does not speak anything else.  The truth is just not found in him.  The devil is the “father of lies” and his goal is to deceive and destroy.

The only way I know to recognize his lies is to know and be convinced of the Truth found in God’s Word.  The devil will try to convince me that I am worth nothing.  He will bring up my past and my failures and chain me to feelings of unworthiness.  But it will not work.  God’s Word tells me I am forgiven and no longer under any condemnation (Rom. 8:1).  How could I be worth nothing when Jesus died for my sin?  He loves me with an everlasting love! (Ps. 103:17)  How fantastic it will be to one day never hear those lies again!

Thank you Lord, for speaking to me the language of truth and love!


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The Cedar Tree

Scripture for Today: Psalm 29:4-5 “The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.”

Our recent winds were impressive, sending tumbleweeds across the freeway and downing some trees.  It was so sad to see a majestic palm tree toppled over on its side.  But to topple a cedar tree would have meant a much more powerful wind.  This tree can reach up to 130 feet and diameters of eight feet.  The cedar is highly valued for its quality timber, oil and resin.  What a shame to see one of these mighty trees damaged!

Today’s verse uses the image of the cedar tree to illustrate just how powerful and majestic the Lord’s voice is.  Just one word from God can break the strong and mighty cedar into pieces.  Just one word from God can bring this impressive tree crashing down to the ground.  Something so seemingly powerful and stable is entirely vulnerable to the sound of His voice.

The cedar tree was used as a symbol of the arrogance of man in Isaiah 2:13-14.  It stands proud and lofty, much like those who seek to exalt themselves.  God will humble all pride and bring down low every arrogant thought.  He alone will be exalted.  He will break down the cedar-like pride of every individual who has not already humbled themselves before Him.  Instead of standing tall, one day every knee will bow (Phil. 2:10).

The majestic and powerful voice that breaks the cedar is the same voice that also speaks love and forgiveness when I bow the knee.  His voice becomes soft and gentle for His own sheep who recognize and follow Him.

Lord, open my ears to hear, respect and follow Your voice.

 


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Engagement Ring

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 1:13 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.”

I can still remember the day my husband and I picked out my engagement ring thirty eight years ago.  I was proud to show off that ring and would strategically position my hand so others were sure to see it.  Ancient Egyptians are thought by many to have started the tradition.  But whoever started it, the ring still serves in western cultures as an outward sign that a woman is promised to another.

Today’s verse is about being sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.  Better than an engagement ring, being sealed by Him means guaranteed security and the reassurance of belonging to Him.  I am His possession.  He cares enough about me to seal me to Himself.  He is marking me as His territory!  He has promised me an inheritance and His Holy Spirit is like a deposit or downpayment that guarantees it!

In Song of Solomon 8:6 there is also a seal.  It is a seal that pledges fidelity between the bride and the bridegroom.  This seal was over the heart and on the arm.  It was a sign of love.  I like to think of my seal of the Holy Spirit in the same way.  Because He loves me, He has marked me forever as His own.  And it is through the seal of His Holy Spirit that He speaks love and reassurance to my heart.  With His Holy Spirit “He whispers in my ear, I am His and He is mine.”

Thank you Lord for the reassurance Your Spirit gives me!


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Tandem Bicycling

bikeemily_and_justin-3-Edit-3_grandeScripture for Today: Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Now this is the way to ride a bike!  As much as I enjoy bicycling, I am not too thrilled about the soreness or leg cramps that often follow my rare excursions.  How much nicer to share the pedaling!  The rider in front is called the captain, the steerman or the pilot.  As the stronger and more experienced rider, he is responsible for steering, braking, shifting, changing gears and keeping the bike balanced.  The one in back is called the stoker and only helps with pedaling while listening and following directions.

Today’s verse is an invitation from Christ to come to Him for rest.  Work does not stop but there is help.  Being yoked with Him makes the burden of work lighter and easier to handle.  He is gentle and humble and does not force Himself.  But when I allow Him be the “steerman” than the load is shared and the result is rest for the soul.  Being connected to Christ makes all the difference.

It takes a conscious effort on my part to come to Him and yield to Him the control.  It is only when I come to the end of my own strength that I am open to the idea.  To relinquish the controls is not always easy.  I have my own ideas about how fast or slow I should be pedaling and what direction to take.  But His plan is always the better one.  There is relief when I allow Him to take charge.  There is a lightness of heart when I can look around me and enjoy the journey.  There is rest.

Lord, make my burden lighter today by giving me rest for my soul.

 


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Never Alone

Scripture for Today: Matthew 28:20b “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

I enjoy my alone times.  The solitude is often welcome after being around people, voices and noises all day.  There is something calming about that solitude.  We all need differing doses though.  My need in no way resembles that of my husband.  He is energized by people but for me, there comes a time when I need to retreat.  I even need retreat from the one most dear to me.  Living in a 900 square foot home, those alone times are sometimes difficult to come by!  But the alone times are starting to feel a bit long with my husband traveling.

Today’s verse reminds us that for the believer, one is never really alone.  These words of Jesus were said just before leaving earth and ascending into heaven.  How reassuring it must have been for those disciples to hear!  A Comforter, the Holy Spirit, was to come soon and they would never ever be alone again.  This promise is valid just until the end of time when we are brought into His literal presence in Heaven.

It is an incredible comfort to feel His constant presence.  He knows my unvoiced thoughts.  He can relate to all of my emotions.  As my Creator, He understands every motive, doubt and impulse.  No one on earth can possibly know me like He does.  And yet, He still loves me!  His presence means that I can open up and share every little thought or disappointment.  He is an active caring listener unlike any other.  It is incredible that I cannot bore Him.  I may be alone, but because He is always there, I do not ever have to feel lonely!

Thank you Lord, for always being there!