Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Contentment


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The Clinging Jellyfish

Scripture for Today: Deuteronomy 13:4 “You shall follow the Lord your God and fear Him, and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him and cling to Him.” (NASB)

The variety of shapes, sizes and colors among starfish is amazing! To see their long tentacles floating in water makes them seem eerie and other-worldly. This guy is one of the smaller ones being only about an inch in diameter. He is found off the coasts of the Northeastern states and can easily escape detection being almost entirely transparent. But two characteristics are notable; the orange-brown cross on their bodies and their ability to cling tenaciously to the seaweed.

Today’s verse is a command of the Lord to His people, the Israelites. Together they were to be set apart from all the nations around them and worship Him alone. In no way were the people to tolerate the worship of other gods. To love Him with all the heart and soul (verse 3) was shown by following His commands, listening for His voice, serving Him and clinging to Him. To do that they had to resist the pull of the cultures around them, holding fast to Him.

The Lord asks me to cling to Him as well. Following and obeying Him is a choice that can weaken. My world entices me to let go and live a little! The temptation to compromise and indulge myself is always present, like the current in the water, pulling me away from Him. Anything I value more than Him becomes an idol. But clinging to the worthless idols of this world means turning away from God’s love for me. (Jonah 2:8) Why would I want to let go of the love and goodness He shows me! That effort to hold fast is well worth it!

Keep me clinging to You, Lord.


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At the End of the Roll

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”

Who would have thought it! First folks were hoarding toilet paper in this time of pandemic. And now, so many months down the line, the hoarding has moved to paper towels! There are similarities in the material being disposable paper and in being on a roll. With both there may be a sense of panic or at least concern when coming to the end of that roll! The French have a saying for running out of money; “au bout du rouleau,” meaning to be at the end of the roll.

For the believer, we need not ever panic when it comes to finances.  Today’s verse gives us a promise.  He will supply all our needs.  His store of supplies will never run out.  One can never come to the end of the riches of His glory. Paul wrote this verse while in prison.  He experienced all kinds of hardship and yet he was able to affirm this truth.  God took care of all his needs.  I am sure that while traveling on his mission trips, he saw God supply all his needs.

I can affirm the truth of this promise.  For the last 33 years in full time ministry my husband and I have seen God provide for all of our needs through individuals and churches.  Some times were leaner than others.  But the Lord has always come through for us. My problem is distinguishing between what is “need” and what is “want.”  God’s Word does not promise to supply all I want.  (I know, I’ve looked!)  He knows the difference.  But He loves to give good gifts and His generosity is amazing!

Thank you Lord for Your faithful care.


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Lap Cat

 

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:12  “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

This is not our cat.  Tiger would never consent to sit in our laps, let alone relax and sleep there.  I tried so hard to make him a lap cat, but he would have none of it!  There is something soothing about having that little heater rest on one’s knees.  But when a cat is that relaxed and contented I feel pinned in place, not wanting to disturb him by getting out of the chair.

Today’s verse is about experiencing contentment regardless of our circumstances.  Having every need and desire fulfilled is no guarantee to having contentment.  Nor is experiencing lack a recipe for discontent.  Paul knew what he was talking about as he lived both of these scenarios.  What is encouraging is that contentment can be learned.  It is not always our first reaction but with enough practice it can be.  There is a secret to learning this contentment and that secret is found in our relationship to Christ.  He gives me the ability to find contentment in Him.

What this suggests to me is that when I am feeling disgruntled and deprived, I just need to crawl back up into His lap!  Rather than focusing on the negatives in my life, I turn to Him.  Reminding myself of who He is and all the blessings He has already given me helps me find that lap of contentment.  For me, it is really a choice as to where I am focusing my thoughts.

Lord, help me to find that elusive contentment in You.

(Look familiar?  Summer reposing while reposting!)


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Counting Stars

Scripture for Today: Philippians 2:14-15 “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

It seems an impossible task, to count the stars.  But who among us has not at least tried as a child?  I was surprised to learn that there is an answer!  9,096 stars are visible to the naked eye if one could see both hemispheres at once!  So of course, we have to divide that number in half.  Maybe the number 4,548 seems underwhelming but in fact that number becomes even less impressive with poor visibility or in lighter skies over cities.  However, with only a three-inch telescope that number jumps to about 5 million!

Today’s verse describes those who do not grumble or argue as shining stars in the sky.  Perhaps it would not be so difficult to count these stars!  Someone who does not grumble and argue stands in stark contrast to everyone else.  And the light from even just one of these stars pierces the spiritual darkness around it.  People notice when there is a sweet uncomplaining spirit in the face of adversity.  I know because my Mother was one of these stars.  Even though at 95 she had to depend on others, lose her mobility, and suffer all kinds of indignities, she did not grumble or complain.

I often wonder how best to “let the light shine” (Matt  5:16) so that people see and God is glorified.  This answer seems too simple.  But I find it is one of the hardest to live out.  Thankfully, it is God who works in me to bring about what is not natural! (verse 13)

Lord, make me a star!  Keep me sweet and uncomplaining today.

(Look familiar?  Summer reposing while reposting!)


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Stork Sightings

Scripture for Today:Psalm 84:2 “My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”

How fun to be back in the land of the storks!  Here on the French/German border I see them daily on my walks and they always take my breath away, soaring above my head or foraging in the fields.  There are lots of beliefs and legends surrounding this magnificent bird.  In ancient Egypt a stork was used as a hieroglyph for the “Ba”or “soul.”  And in Germany storks have long been protected because of the belief that their souls were human!

Today’s verse describes a soul that yearns and even faints for the presence of the Lord.  The soul of man is created to have intimate relationship with his Creator.  The courts of the Lord are a lovely place (verse 1).  Being in His courts for even just one day is better than a thousand days anywhere else! (verse 10)  We are told to “dwell” in His house as a sparrow and swallow would nest in her home (verse 3).  This is not just a Sunday church experience but a daily closeness with Him.  Those that dwell in His house are happy and blessed, praising Him for His goodness (verse 4).

I know I am far from His house or presence when I am dissatisfied and negative.  When I am feeling far away from my Creator, there is a lack of joy and praising Him is not a natural impulse.  When I have had enough of my own company I feel my soul being drawn again to His wonderful and lovely presence.  I yearn for those soft sweet whispers of love and reassurance.

Thank you Lord, that You always welcome me back to Your presence!

(Look familiar?  Summer reposing while reposting!)