Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Devotions


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Hurry Up and Wait

Scripture for Today: Psalm 106:13 “But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold.”

Nothing annoys me more than a driver who races around me and cuts me off, all to gain a few seconds or a few yards.  Just as annoying is the tailgater who sits on my bumper when there is no chance for me to move to the right.  When the great equalizer of the red stop light stops that driver, it is hard to keep the smirk off my face as I pull up beside him.  We both have to stop and wait.

Today’s verse refers to the Israelites who quickly forgot God’s miracles.  When the Lord dried up the Red Sea and delivered them from the Egyptians, they responded with songs of praise.  But soon after, they forgot what He had done when faced with the next crisis.  They did not wait to see what the Lord had in mind.  Instead they complained.  God had given them the promise of their own land, but they had to wait for His plan and His timing.

God gave a promise to David that he would be king.  But he had to stop and wait for the Lord to work it out.  Sarah was given the promise of a son, but she waited years and years for the miraculous way God would bring it about.  Over and over I wait for God to unfold His plan for me.  I have the promises.  I believe.  But I do not have the details.  God so often asks me to stop my own efforts and wait for Him to work.  He wants me to wait as a show of faith that I really do believe Him.

Lord, help me to wait with joy and expectation for Your perfect plan.

 


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The Acorn

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 61:3b “…They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.”

It is pretty amazing that this small acorn can grow to be a mighty oak.  It seems such a small insignificant beginning to this towering tree which has so long been a symbol of strength and endurance.  I do not give much thought to those acorns littering the ground although people do eat them.  They are eaten as nuts after leeching out the bitter tannins.  They are also used to make flour and oil.  But if the acorns are correctly planted and cared for, some species will produce an oak measuring as high as ninety-eight feet!

Toady’s verse uses the oak tree as an image of the righteous, displaying the splendor of God.  He is the One who plants that acorn to become the mighty oak.  He chooses the best spot for good soil and sun exposure.  He plants that small acorn at the right depth in the soil and watches over it, guarding it from pests.  He displays His righteousness through His followers so the planting is exactly right.

The only way to become that oak is by His righteousness.  On my own, I stay as little and insignificant as the small acorn.  I know myself.  I cannot produce righteousness.  “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (Romans 3:22a).  I have right standing with God because of Christ.  My position is secure in Him.  But I want my daily walk to reflect right living too.  Right choices and obedience will make me stand tall, firm and fruitful.  He has planted me exactly where He wants me to display the splendor of His righteousness!

Lord, may Your splendor be seen in my life.


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Art or French Fries?

friesIMG_20160510_101032Scripture for Today: Scripture for Today: Psalm 63:3-4 “Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live and in Your name I will lift up my hands.”

I recently attended a painting workshop where the goal was to express praise to God through art.  There were no rules or grand expectations.  There was just some Christian music playing and some Psalms read.  The facilitator gave a title to our work; “Adoration.”  I tried not to look over at my neighbor’s work.  I tried to focus on what I was feeling towards the One who created me.  But my praise came out looking like french fries!  I guess I should not quit my day job just yet!!

Today’s verse expresses praise to God in a different way.  David used his lips in word and in song to glorify God’s name.  He lifted up his hands in praise to God’s incredible love that he calls, “better than life.”  This psalm was written when he was in the desert of Judah, on the run from his enemies.  His praise to God is that much sweeter being in the midst of a “dry and weary land” (verse 1).

My praise to Him may not be of a professional quality.  My painting is maybe good enough for the back closet wall!  I love singing but my song may even be a little off key.  I lift my hands now, but someday my arms may be too weak.  But  He sees to the heart’s expression.  Praise to Him is always welcomed.  Whatever I do or say can be done in His name and to His glory (Col. 3:17).  Praising Him for His love and power is about the most important thing I can accomplish today!

Keep me praising You today, Lord!


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Indoor Herb Garden

herbsIMG_20160312_113134Scripture for Today: Psalm 19:8 “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”

My grandsons were pretty excited to help their Daddy put this herb garden together!  They started with pots of rosemary, cilantro and basil and have since added several more.  When “helping” their Mommy make dinner, they are much more likely to eat that strange dish when they have picked the herbs for it.  But to begin with, the herbs did not do so well in the living room.  They did not have much light there.  It was not until they were placed in brighter room full of light that there was growth.

Today’s verse describes God’s commandments as light to the eyes.  His precepts are radiant with light and can even make us joyful when obeyed.  He has made His light to shine in the heart of the believer.  That light comes from the glory displayed in the face of Christ! (II Cor. 4:6)  Following His commands and precepts places us in the light of His presence.  Being there produces the “fruit of the light;”  goodness, righteousness and truth (Eph. 5:9).

I can tell when I am trying to produce these fruits on my own.   The goodness starts to wilt.  Righteousness and truth are looking a bit peaked.  Without His light I am not so robust but a bit tired.  Everything is an effort and it all seems too much.  Whether the image is light or being connected to the vine, without Him I can do nothing.  But in His light I can grow and thrive.  When I feel discouraged and lacking motivation, I just need to get back into the light of His presence!

Shine on me today, Lord.  Help me stay in Your light.

 

 


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Fresh Strawberries

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:103 “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.”

There is nothing better than the surprise of biting into an especially sweet fresh strawberry!  I am surprised as I have grown accustomed to strawberries that are not as flavorful being picked too soon.  But when they are local and picked at exactly the right time, the flavor is amazing!  I will sometimes buy less-than-sweet strawberries for their pop of color and still enjoy them.  I will even use frozen strawberries on occasion.  But it is never the same as that fresh sweet strawberry with the juice and texture exactly right!

Today’s verse likens God’s words to that kind of sweetness.   His words are like honey for the soul.  Whether we hear them from a Bible teacher, a song or a devotional, it is always sweet.  But there is a different more intense flavor when we discover a nugget of truth for ourselves in His Word.  The taste is better and sweeter when He speaks to us directly from His Word without any other intermediary.  It is just picked.  It is fresh and there is a special sweetness.

I am encouraged by others’ teaching.  God uses the study and clear exhortation of Bible scholars in my life.  There is a myriad of wonderful study guides.  They are all sweet and have their place.  But there is a more satisfying and intense flavor to His Word when I take the time to open it on my own.  It is especially sweet when the Lord meets me and speaks to me directly.  His Spirit is so personal, guiding me into a truth for that moment and for my exact need.

Lord, I need Your sweet words.  Make them fresh for me today.