Devotions By Jan

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Sand Berm

Scripture for Today: Psalm 124:1, 4-5 “If the Lord had not been on our side-let Israel say-the flood would have engulfed us ; the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away.”

Louisiana GOHSEP at https://www.flickr.com/photos/lagohsep/4791714510

This sand berm was built with the help of some heavy earth-moving equipment on the coast of Louisiana. It did not need to be especially high but just enough to protect the marshlands from an oil spill. The building of sand berms along the coast of Southern California is a yearly necessity for those times when tides are high. Extra protection is especially needed for those vulnerable low-lying beaches to avoid flooding! Residents are preparing now for the predicted evening tides of seven and a half feet.

Today’s verses describe a flood of waters that threaten to engulf David and his people. The sweeping torrent and the raging waters were an image to represent the opposition of their enemies. With the words, “let Israel say,” David encourages the Israelites to recognize from whom their help comes! They were saved from their enemies because of the help in the name of their Lord. He is the One with power as He is the Maker of heaven and earth (verse 8)

How important it is to be on the right side of that berm! If God is for me, who and what can stand against me? (Romans 8:31) He who controls the wind, the waves and the water levels of opposition in my life will be my ultimate protection. My sense of safety or well-being cannot come from any other quarter. Despite feeling overwhelmed with what looks like evil taking ground in our world, I can feel peace. How reassuring it is to know that I am on the side of the Victor!

Thank you Lord for Your protection.


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Reflections

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 27:19 “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”

This fox looks a little confused! The light and angle of the water is just right for him to see his reflection. Perhaps he is enthralled with himself or maybe he is startled to think he is not alone! I wonder how long he stood there looking at himself. Perhaps he stood rooted to the ground just until the image was distorted by a ripple in the water or a falling leaf.

Today’s verse likens the reflection of water to the way the heart of man is reflected in how he lives. It seems a very obvious statement. But there are so many things that muddy the waters and distort that reflection. A polished image on the outside can even be a distraction as to the state of our hearts. Add a suit and tie, a classy car, and a smooth tongue and assumptions are made as to the character of a man. A practiced smile and impeccable manners can go a long way to misrepresent who we really are. But eventually, like still waters reflect an image, so our hearts are revealed in the way we live our lives.

My heart is just as desperately wicked as described in Jeremiah 17:9. I am often deceived into thinking that I am really a pretty good person. But that is deception. I continually need His grace and forgiveness for all the hidden sins. The image I project to the world is lost on the Lord! He sees every ugly thought in my heart. The amazing thing is that He loves me anyway. He waits for me to turn my heart to Him for cleansing. He is always faithful to do it! And  when He does, His image in me is beautiful!

Lord, make my heart beautiful today.


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Humble Pie

Scripture for Today: James 4:6 “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”

This pie actually looks good! But the word “humble” in the expression “humble pie” actually came from a different word. In the early 1400’s “numble” was the word for chopped organ meat from venison, often baked in a pastry. The “n” was eventually dropped and the “h” added. Numbles were for the huntsmen, his family and his companions whereas the choice deer meat was sold to the upper class. Today, eating “humble pie” means to act apologetically and admit one’s error.

Today’s verse talks about more grace that is given to the humble. As undeserving as we are, those who can come clean with the Lord about their failures experience His favor. But 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. Eating humble pie is never a very comfortable experience.

As difficult as it is to humble myself, His grace makes it worth it! I would much rather live in His undeserved favor than have Him be opposed to me. But each time I allow pride, stubbornness and determined independence from Him to creep into my day, I am foregoing His desire to bless me. Half the time I do not even realize it is happening as I am so full of myself! How good of Him to bring me to my knees in humility!

Forgive me my pride, Lord. Oh how I need your grace today!


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Contagious Yawning

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 40:28 “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.”

Photo by Jen at https://www.flickr.com/photos/jenrab/2308543513

It’s true! According to scientific studies, yawning IS contagious! In fact, I stopped trying to count how many times I yawned picking out a yawning image! Some studies suggest that one is showing empathy or bonding. But this behavior does not appear in early childhood. That tells me who started the yawning in this picture! It has been found that contagious yawning is more likely with acquaintances rather than strangers, tired or not!

Today’s verse tells us that our everlasting God and Creator will not grow tired or weary. God is spirit, but to speak of Him in human terms, God would never yawn! His understanding is certainly beyond ours and His power is limitless! Not only is He never without strength, He promises to give strength to the weary and power to the weak (verse 29). And it is the believer’s hope in the Lord that gives renewed strength (verse 31).

The Lord’s knowledge of me is so intimate that He knows what I am going to say before I say it (Psalm 139:4). That means He sees every yawn as well. He knows when I feel physically tired, but more than that, He knows when I am weary and emotionally drained. I may put on a brave face, but He sees the hidden yawns of discouragement inside. How wonderful of Him to strengthen my resolve! How gracious He is to offer His power when I acknowledge to Him my weakness! His supply is limitless and He never tires of me asking Him!

Lord, I need Your strength today!


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Daddy’s Home!

Scripture for Today:  Romans 8:15 “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'”

The artist, Norman Rockwell, has certainly captured the joy of homecoming between daughter and father in this image. Our children may be brunettes rather than blonds. And Randy did not wear the suit and hat. But the feeling tones remind me of when our children were small and there was joyful reunion when Daddy walked through that door! I remember when my own Father would come through the door after a long business trip. My Mother would be relieved as things settled back to normal. The homecoming often included little gifts from his travels.

Today’s verse describes God as our Father. He chooses that image of Father to communicate love, care and belonging. Jesus addressed God as His personal Father in prayer and invites us to do the same. God, being named our Father, makes Him approachable and endearing. This relationship is intended to be intimate and tender. He is our perfect and loving Daddy. It is by grace that we are adopted as His very own. He wanted us and He chose us.

I did not fear the homecoming of my Father as our relationship was a positive one. I understand that not everyone can say that and I know I am blessed. But there is no fear in approaching my loving Heavenly Father. Because I am His child, I can approach Him boldly and often. What a privilege! But so often I am too proud, too independent or too busy to come and crawl up into His lap.

Lord, thank you for being my perfect Father.

(Look familiar?  This is a re-post from 2013 in honor of Father’s Day.)