Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Faith and Trust


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How Many Steps?

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 4:11-12  “I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.  When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.”

If 10,000 steps are needed daily to keep in shape, then reaching that quota would be no problem when visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia!  This beautiful medieval town on the southern coast sits inside ancient walls.  Its historic old town is charming and filled with stone steps.  A team of young people took it upon themselves to actually count them.  Including the stone steps on the city walls, the grand total is 5,423!  No wonder the picture shows two tourists sitting down on those steps to rest!

Today’s verse talks about our steps.  When walking in the way of wisdom they are not hampered.  When walking straight paths we can even run without stumbling.  Wisdom gained from God’s Word and instruction makes the path more doable.  God’s Word is our source of wisdom allowing us to see our feet and making our steps sure.  Steps are hampered when we rely on our own understanding rather than taking Him at His Word (Prov. 3:5-6)

I do not normally think of running up and down steps, but I do find myself running headlong into decisions without asking for the Lord’s guidance first!  The resulting “stumble” is God’s way of reminding me that there is a better way……His way!  A stumble and boo-boo on the knee is uncomfortable but not life-threatening.   But how much more agreeable my life can be without all the band-aids on skinned knees.  I am to give “careful thought” to the path I choose (Prov. 4:26).  His wisdom is always there and available.

Lord, please guide my steps today.

 

 


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Grandfather Clocks

Scripture for Today: Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”

These beautiful Grandfather clocks stand proudly in the World Museum in Liverpool, England.  The first Grandfather clock (or Longcase clock) was produced around 1680 by a British clockmaker, William Clement.  The name “Grandfather” clock is thought to be the result of a song written in 1876 entitled, “My Grandfather’s Clock.”  Our modern ones have an eight day movement.  But earlier less expensive models had only a thirty hour movement.  In either case, time would run out if not wound by a key or if the chains were not pulled.

Today’s verse is another reminder that time is the great equalizer.  We all have the same daily twenty four hours handed to us.  But what is so amazing is that our God is in control of time.  Not only is my time in His hands but all time is.  He is eternal and outside of time.  His kingdom is an eternal one and His dominion endures forever (Dan. 4:3).  Here on earth we are frustrated with time constraints.  But time and seasons will only exist “under Heaven.”

Imagine having time for everything!  Someday it will be true, but today I need to trust the Lord to provide the time needed for what He thinks is important.  I love the song lyrics that say, “He is able, more than able, to accomplish what concerns me today…” He is in control of time, and He is the source.  The Lord is more than able to free up minutes I did not know I had!  As a result of trusting Him I find comfort that there is more than enough time for His plans.

Lord, help me to trust You, even when I seem to be running out of time.


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Block Chain

Psalm 55:19 “God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change – He will hear them and humble them because they have no fear of God.”

You can try but you cannot change it!  That is the idea behind the “block chain.”  It is a digital ledger that is designed so that transactions made with bit coin and other cryptocurrency are meddle-proof and unable to be deleted.  The block chain is an accounting method that verifies transactions and creates a record that cannot be changed.  Because everything is unique and traceable, it cannot be copied.  Because this system is “immutable”, it generates trust and truth.

Today’s verse tells us that God does not change.  He is “immutable” and this attribute also generates trust and truth!  His character is irrevocable.  Who He was in times long past is who He still is today!  He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb.13:8).  He does not need to change, grow, mature or self-correct because He is perfect.  His Word and promises are binding and permanent!  He hears the cries of the righteous because He has promised and He will humble those who have no fear of God, because He has promised.

I never have to worry that God will change His mind about me.  I never have to doubt His unfailing love that does not change.  He has promised His presence for “always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:20)  I do not have to question whether He is going to show up or not!  The fact that He does not change strengthens my trust in Him.  How relieved I am that I do not have a God who is capricious and unpredictable!  He is my solid, immoveable and immutable rock and I can trust Him completely.

Lord, strengthen my trust in You today.


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Lightning Rod

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 53:5 “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him and by His wounds we are healed.”

What a spectacular sight when it happens!  But in fact, the Eiffel Tower  is struck by lightning about ten times a year.  It happened again just recently on May 30th at 2:00am.  Around that time, France experienced a few days with record rainfall and lots of storms throughout the country.  (We were affected being stuck 3 days, trying to fly in!) The tower has lightening rods at the top, so it attracts the lightning and protects quite a large space around it.  The Parisians are safer with that large hunk of metal absorbing the electricity.

Today’s verse reminded me of a lightning rod or conductor.  The cross absorbed all of God’s wrath against sin.  Jesus, who was sinless, took the punishment on Himself that was rightfully ours to bear.  He was pierced, crushed and wounded, all in our place.  Because of His sacrifice, He was able to absorb all of God’s righteous anger against sin.  To talk about God’s wrath is not a comfortable topic.  Yet, without realizing God’s hatred against all wrong-doing, we do not understand how deep is His grace in taking our place!

I am guilty of sometimes treating sin lightly.  I have an amazing ability to minimize its seriousness, at least when it comes to me!  My sin is never as serious as someone else’s!  But when I examine my heart in the light of God’s holiness I become overwhelmed.  When I realize the pain and agony He suffered, then I understand how unworthy I am to have His mercy and grace poured out on me!

I am forever grateful to You Lord, for taking my place.

 


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Crossed Fingers

Scripture for Today:  “II Corinthians 1:20 “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are Yes in Christ. And so through Him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”

It is said that crossing the middle finger over the index finger as a gesture for luck or God’s favor became popular during wars in the 14th to 15th centuries.  Much later, those crossed fingers were made to silently ask for luck in getting away with a lie!  I still remember crossing my fingers behind my back as a little girl when lying, somehow feeling that in doing so the lie would not count!

Today’s verse teaches that all of God’s promises will be answered with a resounding “YES” in Christ.  The number of promises God has made is not a factor.  What God promises He fulfills as He cannot lie.  He is always faithful to His word.  There are no crossed fingers behind His back!  Some promises in God’s Word are made to a particular person or group of people.  Some promises are made with conditions attached.  But in any case, He can be counted on to honor His word.

Regardless of how I am feeling, what God declares is always reliable and trustworthy.  Sometimes, it is hard to believe that He is not like me; fickle.  If He were capricious, life would not be worth living.  I am so glad that He is not and I can always count on HIm.  I can and do build my life on His promises, trusting that He is faithful.  When I live with this kind of confidence, I am living out my “Amen” to His word and my life can give Him the glory He deserves!

Thank you Lord, for Your precious promises to me.  Help me believe them today.