Scripture for today: Romans 8:17 “Now if we are God’s children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.”
I’ve always been drawn to the fleur de lys, symbol of French royalty! I wear it as jewelry and enjoy seeing it in the architecture and decoration of the French châteaux. It means lots of different things to different people. I like the symbolism of life, love and perfection! In any case, I do not intend to show allegiance when wearing this symbol. I have a higher allegiance as a child of God.
Our verse reminds me of my identity in Christ. I am not only a subject of the King, I am a child of the King. What an amazing thought! As His child I have access to the throne room of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! (Heb.4:16) I belong there! Because of the grace shown by Christ’s sacrifice, God extends to me His scepter, just as King Xerxes did for Queen Esther so long ago. His throne is called a “throne of grace” because there He dispenses His mercy and help in time of need. Isn’t that all the time?
I am not so sure I like the part about suffering. But in our fallen world suffering is inevitable, especially for doing the right thing. Thankfully, the verse ends on a positive note! I have hope and can look forward to sharing in His glory! Would that I remember that my allegiance belongs to the King and not to the world. He is a King full of love and grace, welcoming me to His throne room.
Remind me today Lord, that I am Your child and heir.
Author Archives: devotionsbyjan
Balanced
Scripture for Today: I Thessalonians 5:23 “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit, soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
I sometimes feel guilty when I relax. There are times when I want to do absolutely nothing. After an intense stress-filled period I look for ways to put my mind on pilot. Some people call it “vegging.” That phrase seems to go hand-in-hand with “couch potato.” In any case, times of relaxation are so important and we all need it.
Our verse today tells us we are made of three parts: body, soul and spirit. When I fail to take care of one part of those three components, I become out of balance. I teeter and totter and risk falling down on my face! We recognize that our bodies have physical limits. But our souls, the seat of our will and emotions, also need care and attention. My emotional health is also important to have God-honoring relationships. Then of course my spirit needs to be in good health. It is in my spirit that I commune with my Lord. When I ignore this part of my being, it is usually evident in every area!
Just as this verse says, I need the Lord to be sanctifying me in every area. He sets me apart as His very own in every part of my being. It may seem strange but my most spiritual activity today may be a nap! I need to give attention to physical and emotional needs and not only to what is recognized by others as spiritual.
Thank you, Lord, that one day I will be complete and blameless in spirit, soul and body! Keep me balanced today.
Shadows
Scripture for Today: James 1:17 “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”
The changes in light can make for some interesting photography, one of my husband’s passions. Shadows add depth and interest to any photo. When shadows shift and change, the whole look and mood of a scene changes.
With the Lord there is no changing or shifting shadows. He is the same yesterday, today and forever! (Hebrews 8:13) Everything I learn about who He is in the Bible is true today and will be true tomorrow. He is the same powerful and miraculous God!
We however, are constantly in a state of change. Our circumstances change, our thinking changes and our abilities change with age. My emotions change with the weather! I agree with the quote, “There is nothing permanent except change.” But it is not true when we speak of our Heavenly Father. He does not improve with age. He does not change His plans for us!
It is a comfort to know He does not change. There is security in this assurance. I do not serve a capricious God. He will always be true to His word and to who He is. I do not have to worry if He will be faithful or not, holy or not, just or not. I can ALWAYS count on Him. The fact that there is no shadow of turning with Him means that He is worthy of my trust and confidence tomorrow as well as today.
Thank you, Lord for being who You are and for always being true to Yourself!
My Rock
Scripture for Today: Psalms 61:2 “From the end of the earth will I cry to You. When my heart is overwhelmed and fainting, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.”
I see this rock every time I take my walk up in the vineyards behind our house. It is placed about where I turn around and head home. There is something reassuring about its presence. I wonder how long it has been sitting there. It is big and strong and solid. I do not have to wonder if it will be there tomorrow.
I love the image of the rock in Scripture. The Lord is spoken of as our Rock in numerous passages, especially in the Psalms. This rock image is used to connote strength, protection and permanence.
In today’s verse the image of the rock speaks to our fatigue and weakness. The prayer of the Psalmist is that he would be led to the Rock. That tells me that the Rock is not necessarily in my line of vision during those times when I am overwhelmed. When my heart is fainting within me, I am not seeing too clearly. The Rock is even higher than I am, and yet I need to be led to it.
My first inclination when overwhelmed is not always to cry out to the Lord. But what a wonderful promise is written here that when I do, He comes to my aid. He leads me to a place of strength and refreshment for my spirit. This Rock is higher, bigger and better than any of my feeble attempts to tough it out on my own. His strength is constant and constantly available. With His strength I can be strong, firm and steadfast! (I Peter 5:10)
Lord, please be my Rock today.
Seagulls
Scripture for Today: Matthew 6:26 “Look at the birds of the air, they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?”
Seagulls are beautiful and annoying all at the same time. They can look so stately in some settings. But when they fly low and deem you worthy of one of their souvenirs, they are a pain. The French call it “good luck” when they make a deposit on you! I am not so sure.
The verse today talks about our God being a God who cares for His creation, including the birds. Birds do not need to plant for the coming season or hoard their food for the lean times to come. Yet, they do not go hungry. God cares for their short little insignificant lives. By contrast we, being created in God’s image, are of so much more value to the Lord. He is intimately involved in every little aspect of our lives, down to the number of hairs still left on our heads. If He cares so much about daily details, why do I worry that He will not care about the big issues in my life?
I need to remind myself that God will take care of what I eat, what I drink, what I will wear and every other detail. For Him it is just small stuff. Those who do not belong to Him are consumed with these issues. The food and fashion industries encourage us to “seek after these things.” But as a believer, I am to have different priorities. My mental energies are to be spent on His Kingdom and what is of eternal value!
Thank you Lord, for taking care of all the details!
Devotions By Jan 