Devotions By Jan

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Pillars

Scripture for Today: I Timothy 3:15 “…I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and the support of the truth.”

What a thrill it was for my husband and I to stand before these pillars in Ephesus, Turkey!  They are part of the restored facade of a library built in AD 135.  To think that Paul could have addressed the Ephesians from its steps!  This library used to store as many as 1200 parchments.  Celsus, an avid reader for whom it was named, is buried in a vault inside.  I learned that once there stood four female statues representing wisdom, fortune, knowledge and virtue.

Our verse for today describes the church as the pillar of truth.  The image of the church is to be one of support for what is true and right.  It is a strong image that is unwavering and without compromise.  There is no question for the church as there was for Pontius Pilate when he asked of Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:38)  We have the Truth in the person of Jesus Christ Himself. (John 14:6)

Collectively, the church is to stand up for the truth about who Jesus is.  In a world that denies His deity, believers are to stand firm.  Upholding the truth in a climate of hostility and mockery is not easy.  Yet, He calls us to testify to the truth of who He is what He says in His word.

Christ came into this world to bear witness to the Truth (John 18:37)  Now, He asks the same of me.  Can I be strong and unwavering?  Regardless of opposition or ridicule, can I hold firm?  Not without You, Lord.  Please make me a pillar of truth today.


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Feedback Speakers

Scripture for Today: Matthew 25:23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share in your master’s happiness.’

During rehearsals and concerts for my French Gospel choir, Joie Et Vie, these feedback speakers play an important role.  When they are working well, they let us know when the balance is good.  If the altos are overshadowing the sopranos, the speakers give us that feedback so adjustments can be made with the microphones.  If the altos are flat, we can hear ourselves and self correct!  Without those speakers, we cannot hear ourselves.  It is amazing how that affects one’s morale.  We can be singing our hearts out, but without any feedback, it falls flat and our enthusiasm is dampened.

The context of our verse for today is the parable of the talents taught by Jesus.  The master of the house, after being away, calls for an accounting from each of his servants.  He commends two of them for their faithfulness in increasing what was entrusted to them.  Not only were they commended but they were rewarded with more responsibility.

One day, I hope to hear the same words of this verse when entering His presence.  But I need feedback today too.  Positive feedback from Him is motivating!  But how does He communicate that feedback?  Many times it is through His reassuring Word.  Sometimes it can be through the encouragement of other believers.  More often, I just feel a closer sense of His presence.  His love  and strength seem more real somehow.  Intimacy and connection feel deeper.  There have been times I have even felt His pleasure!

Feedback or not, Lord, may I be found faithful to the end!


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Morning Person?

Scripture for Today: Psalm 59:16  “But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength.  Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your loving kindness in the morning.  For You have been my stronghold and refuge in the day of my distress.”

I do not understand a “morning person.”  Being chipper and bright early in the morning is somehow non-human!  Coffee helps start my engines, but oh so slowly.  My husband is a “morning person” and I attribute it to his childhood.  My Father-in-law had a unique way of rousting my husband out of bed for early mornings.  He would play John Philip Sousa marching band music full blast!  Thankfully, my husband does not try that with me!

Our verse for today is all about joy and singing in the morning.  I do not always feel in top form first thing but God’s strength does not falter.  If I am not feeling rested or strong even after eight hours of sleep, I can be assured that He is strong and He is my strength! (Psalm 28:7)  With a song in my heart, if not on my lips, I can thank Him.

“Loving kindness” does not describe me in those early hours.  It takes concentrated effort to sweeten my voice.  But God’s loving kindness does not fluctuate with the hour!  He continues to show me love even at my most unlovable moments!

How thankful I am that my God is constant.  Early mornings may change my disposition but never on His part!  When I take even a moment to reflect on His care and protection, I start to feel a melody of gratitude begin its first trembling notes in my spirit.

Coffee may wake me but it is thoughts of Him that make me want to sing, regardless of the hour!


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Shielded

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 5:12 “For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O Lord.  You surround him with favor as with a shield.”

There is a beautiful castle not far from us called Haut-Koenigsbourg.  It is perched high in the Vosges mountains and from its windows there are some amazing views.  It is a furnished castle with an armory filled with all kinds of ancient instruments of war.  Included in their collection are some antique shields.  Every piece of armor is critical but maybe none more than the shield that protects.

Normally, when I think of biblical references to the shield, my mind either goes to the list of spiritual armor in Ephesians 6, or the Psalms that talk of the Lord Himself being a shield.  Our verse for today talks about the shield being His favor.  What a beautiful thought, that He surrounds the righteous  with His favor and blessing!

He promises favor and blessing for those who are in right standing with Him.  I have no righteousness of my own, but I am the recipient of His righteousness.  I am His own and He in His grace takes care of His own.  I do not deserve such care and attention.

Because of His favor shielding me, I can take refuge in Him.  He is my Protector and that means I can move through this life without fear.  It also means I can face death without fear.  Putting my trust in Him is my defense in the midst of battle.  I can sing and shout for joy regardless of the circumstances.  I know the outcome of every skirmish as He is the Victor!  As Psalm 3:3 says, He is my shield and the “lifter of my head!”

I am so unworthy.  Thank you, Lord, for surrounding me with Your favor today.


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GPS

Scripture for Today: James 4:6 “But He gives a greater grace.  Therefore it says, God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

The other day while finding our way in the mountains, our GPS got totally confused.  Her voice stayed confident as she told us take the second exit at the round point where there was none!  There were several times that had we obeyed her, we would have turned right into the mountainside!  After listening to her continue to give us outrageous directions, we finally just turned her off!  Thankfully, we had an old fashioned map as a back up.  But not once did she apologize!  She never said, “I was wrong and you were right!”  Of course, had she admitted her mistake I would have fainted with surprise!

There is something in all of us that bristles at the thought of admitting our errors.  Sometimes, the only way it can happen is if we can point to extenuating circumstances!  Or we can maybe admit we were wrong if someone can share our chagrin.  It is never a comfortable experience.

In our relationship with the Lord, humbling ourselves and admitting our wrongs is the starting point to our relationship with Him.  We cannot receive forgiveness without confession.  But pride can keep us from admitting our sin.  Pride itself is the root of so much sin and heartache.  This is why it tops the list of abominable sins in Proverbs 6:17.   There are those who would rather face the opposition of the Almighty God than be humbled.

The good news is that there is grace for those who come clean with Him.  He shows me unmerited favor when I humble myself in honest confession.  Forgive me my pride, Lord!  Oh how I need your grace today!