Devotions By Jan

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Claustrophobic

claustrophobic-elevatorScripture for Today: Psalm 118:5  “In my distress I cried out to the Lord.  The Lord answered me and put me in a wide open place.”

Thankfully, I have never experienced claustrophobia firsthand.  In reading about it, this phobia sounds awful.  People who suffer from this irrational fear of confined spaces can get the shakes, sweat, and have heart palpitations.  They may yell or cry, feeling as if the walls are closing in on them.  Their panic drives them to get out by any means possible.  For self-help, people use visualization or do their best to avoid small closed spaces.  Perhaps what these sufferers visualize is a wide open place.

Our verse for today comes from a psalm of thanksgiving.  God has proven Himself faithful yet again.  Enemies have been vanquished and the people are celebrating!  The king had cried out in the distress of the enemies’ attacks and the Lord answered and put him in a wide open place.  This feeling of distress may well have resembled what the claustrophobic experiences.  Being surrounded by the enemy and seeing them close in must have been terrifying.

I may not have the distress of enemies attacking, but I do feel surrounded on all sides by different pressures.  The distress of finances, health issues, coming changes or family issues can feel like the walls are closing in on me.  If I allow my imagination to join in I can easily slip into a state of panic!  The only and best thing to do is to cry out to the Lord.  In His lovingkindness, He pushes back the walls.  He leads me to wide open places where there are green pastures and quiet waters. (Psalm 23:2)

Lord, help me to stay in that wide open place of trusting You.


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Proud Eagle

eagle1970647_10201741368512184_283370718_nScripture for Today: Obadiah 1:4  “‘Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,’ declares the Lord.”

There is nothing more regal looking than the proud eagle!  Its keen vision and powerful flight makes it stand out from other birds.  It symbolizes strength and independence.  Their nests are built in the top quarter of the tallest trees.  These nests are high and inaccessible and from that vantage point they can easily spot their prey.

There is something about being at a higher elevation that makes one feel strong and invincible.  Years ago we visited Adlerhorst, or Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s military command complex.  It was built in a beautiful mountainous area behind and underneath the Krarsberg Castle.  The eagle was a symbol of the Third Reich, but Eagle’s Nest, refers to the elevated position and commanding view.  Of course, the Lord brought down its proud former resident.

Our verse for today is a warning from the prophet, Obadiah, to Israel’s enemy, Edom.  They were feeling proud and secure, trusting in their own defenses.  Pride, or haughty eyes is something the Lord particularly hates (Prov. 6:16).  Pride sets itself up against God and leads to just about every other sin.  At the heart of every disobedience is the prideful feeling that I do not need God, that rules do not apply to me, or that I somehow know better than my Creator what is good for me!  No wonder He hates it!

I am so grateful to be forgiven and under no condemnation in Christ (Rom. 8:1).  Even so, my pride can get me in so much trouble!  How much grace I forgo by my lack of humility! (James 4:6)

Lord, help me recognize and confess my pride.  I do not want to miss out on your grace today!


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Longevity

IMG_20140319_172509Scripture for Today: Mark 13:31  “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”

My dear friend just lost her husband.  He was 94 when he died, but no matter the age, it always seems too soon.  This sweet French lady is 90 and likely to soon be knocking on the door of eternity herself.  These advanced ages always impress me.  But what is even more amazing is the Bible she is showing me in this picture!  She received it as a young girl from her godmother.  That precious volume is at least 75 years old!  Yes, it is completely falling apart from years of use, but she still reads from it.  The leather is cracked and soft.  So many of the pages are torn and crinkled.  But what memories it holds for her of God’s faithfulness!  In her deep sadness and loneliness, she continues to turn to the source of comfort (Rom. 15:4).

Our verse for today talks about what will last and what will not.  Everything is temporal in this life but God’s Word stands forever.  It is eternal.  Some have tried to eradicate it.   But it is the Word of God and it will never pass away.

On the inside cover of one of our Bibles is the saying, “Either this Book will keep you from Satan, or Satan will keep you from this Book!”  Satan tries his best to keep people from reading God’s truth.  Its words reveal God’s character and plan of salvation.  It teaches us how to defeat Satan and his lies!  The Bible gives comfort and courage to persevere in my faith.  God’s Word changes my heart and mind.  There is blessing and renewed closeness to my Lord every time I open its pages!

Keep me in Your Word, Lord.  Keep me close to You!


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Rest Stops

rest-area-closed-300x300Scripture for Today: Numbers 9:18  “At the Lord’s command the Israelites set out, and at His command they encamped.  As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp.” 

We have done our share of road trips but fortunately, we have never encountered a sign like this one!  We have had plenty of occasions to compare rest stops throughout the States and Europe.  We have been most impressed with those in North America designed for truckers that come with cots and showers!  They really know how to rest!

I have noticed that the French media encourage drivers to stop and rest every two hours.  Strict laws govern the bus drivers on how long they can drive without stopping.  Without adequate rest, drivers are at risk for accidents and put others at risk as well.

Our verse for today is about the Israelites as they journeyed towards the Promise Land.  The Lord guided them by a cloud in the daylight hours and by a pillar of fire at night.  When the cloud stayed stationary, they were to stop and rest.  What a wonderful example of God caring for all our physical needs, even that of rest!

Sometimes I feel guilty when I rest, doing nothing at all.  There is always pressure to perform, to achieve and to do.  One real benefit of being just a little sick is having the luxury of doing nothing without the guilt!  But of course, those “down times” are needed.  Rather than dividing my activities into those that are”spiritual” and those that are not, I need to look at everything I do as potentially glorifying Him! (I Cor. 10:31)

Thank you Lord, that You give me needed times of rest and relaxation!  May You be glorified in everything I do!


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The Dawn

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 112:4 “Even in the darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.”

Trying to sleep on a transcontinental flight is always a challenge.  Sleep is cut short when someone lifts their shade after just a few hours to see the early dawn.  The proverb, “the darkest hour is just before the dawn” was first seen in print in 1650 written by theologian, Thomas Fuller.  I could never make that observation as I am the one always trying to sleep!  But I wonder if the inspiration behind that proverb came from this verse.

Often in Scripture darkness represents calamity and light represents well being.  No one is exempt from dark times.  Regardless of education, wealth, health or status, we all face some kind of crisis or suffering.  But for the believer, there is a dawn coming!  For the one made righteous through Christ, there is hope.

The Lord is first and foremost my Light (Psalm 27:10).  He is the loving Source of all that is positive in my life! (James 1:17)  When everything seems dark and awful and hopeless, I can still see that small glimmer in the distance.  I know He is there.  As I seek His face the Light of his love grows stronger and stronger.  Before long, the darkness dissipates and the dawn has arrived.  With the dawning realization of His love and presence, I feel His warmth and light and I am reassured.

There is another meaning to the dawn; our eternal home.  It is still on the horizon, but with every year it approaches.  And it is full of light.  There will be no need for any sun, moon or lamp as the Lord Himself will be our light!

Thank you, Lord, that You are my Light and my Hope.