Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Faith and Trust


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Blocked

IMG_20140302_150852Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:93  “I will never forget your precepts, for by them You have preserved my life.”

When walking in the vineyards above our house, I encountered a metal barrier.  Apparently, work was being done as I could see some equipment in the distance.  I really did not want to change my route, being a creature of habit.  So, I made my way around that barrier.  Maybe it was not such a good idea.  As the picture shows, work was being done to shore up the path that had fallen away.  To continue my walk I had to hang on to that chain link fence.  It was not a comfortable experience!

I could have blamed the advice of a fellow walker who had come from that direction.  She told me it was just fine to ignore the barrier.  It was really only there for the bicyclists.  But in fact, I could only blame myself for finding myself in a precarious position.

I could not help but think of the road blocks the Lord erects in my life.  His precepts and commandments turn me back, turn me around and basically change my route.  When I ignore them, I also find myself in uncomfortable and sometimes precarious positions.  He blocks my way to save my life!  He changes my wayward path because He loves me and wants to see me succeed.

Rather than see His precepts as positive and a blessing, I often think like the woman on my path.  The rules are not really for me.  Somehow, I am exempt.  They are really meant for others who are weaker.  I forget that those barriers are there for my good!

Thank you Lord, for Your infinite patience with me!  Help me never forget that going Your way means life!

(Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule)


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Spider Web

Scripture for Today:  Job 8:13-15  “Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless.  What they trust in is fragile.  What they rely on is a spider’s web.  They lean on the web but it gives way.  They cling to it, but it does not hold.”

A spider’s web is beautiful and intricate.  I would be more enthusiastic about them if they did not involve spiders!  It is said that spider silk is stronger than steel.  By some criteria that is true.  Most spider silk has a high tensile strength comparable to that of a high grade alloy steel.  The “tensile” strength refers to the largest stress that a material can stand before breaking.  The spider silk is one of God’s wonders in creation as it can stretch up to five times its relaxed weight before breaking.

Our verse for today is part of a conversation between Job and one of his three friends, Bildad.  Much of what his three friends said was discouraging for Job as they assumed his trials were a result of some hidden sin.  But the observation Bildad makes in this verse is absolutely true.  Those that forget God and do not trust in Him find themselves relying on a spider’s web!  Trusting on anything or anyone other than the Lord is a fragile trust that will eventually give way.  My own ideas, my own strength or even my own resources are like that spider web.  It will only hold me up temporarily.  It is just too flimsy and fragile.  How much better to lean on the One whose power and might can hold me up in any circumstance!

Thank you Lord, that I can lean on You and Your strength!

(Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule)


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Tents

turkeytentScripture for Today:  Psalm 27:5 “For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling.  He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.”

My adult children complain that we never took them camping.  I am not a fan of hard ground, cold temperatures or bugs!  I am not too happy to hear noises and worry about being invaded by some animal making its way into the campsite.  Give me a comfy hotel and I am happy!  If I hear noises of room service, it will not worry me!

There is no roughing it in a tent like the one pictured.  The rich thick rugs below look comfortable and the thick tapestries that form the ceiling keep things dry and cozy.  I imagine that the nomad lifestyle prevalent in David’s day had the best ideas for tent living.

In our verse for today is a tent that is sacred and set apart.  It represents God’s presence.  The context describes enemies surrounding the tent.  They are looking to devour, just like wild animals.  But the one who trusts in the Lord is unconcerned.  In God’s tent or temple there is confidence and safety.  Inside that tent there is no fear.  Instead there are shouts of joy!  There is music and singing!  God protects His children and fills their heart with joy.  Trusting in Him I have no fear.  What can mere mortal man do to me? (Psalm 118:6)  My soul is at peace as my eternity is forever secured.

I can lift the flap of that tent and peek out at my enemies.  Or, I can turn my eyes to gaze on His beauty!  Thank you Lord, that whatever this day brings, I can rest confident in Your presence.

(Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule)


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Bleeding Grapevine

Scripture for Today: John 15:1-2 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

Did you know that grapevines “bleed?”  At the very site of a pruning cut in the wood, the sap will gently seep, sometimes up to two weeks.  After being dormant all winter, it is the first sign of a vineyard reawakening.  It is no cause for concern and can even help the vine.  The process can push out trapped air bubbles avoiding interrupted water flow later in the season.  Calling this process, “bleeding,” almost makes me think that pruning might be painful for that vine!

Our verse for today describes our dependent relationship with the Father and Son.  We bear fruit when we are connected to Him just as branches do connected to the vine.  There are seasons when it does not look like much is happening.  But God, our Gardener, does everything to make us fruitful, all in His perfect timing.  He knows when to start and when to stop.  He knows just how far back He needs to cut.  Pruning can seem drastic and losing sap through the “open wound” can seem counter-productive.  But He knows what He is doing, using the hard times in our lives to make us even more fruitful.

There are times I know I am “bleeding” and it hurts.  It is especially in those times of transition and change that I can feel those shears working on me.  But I can trust the hands of my Gardener.  He will not put me through more than I can bear (I Cor. 10:13).

Lord, make me fruitful for You, even if it hurts.


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Jello

Scripture for Today: I Peter 5:10 “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

Jello leaves me feeling ambivalent.  On the one hand it is very versatile.  Anything and everything can go in it and it can take on so many forms and shapes.  On the other hand, it is slimy and unnaturally colored.  It wobbles and slithers and is usually too sweet for me.  The French as a rule do not want to even try it, so perhaps they have influenced me over the years.  Too many times, I have unmolded a jello only to have it not be firm enough to hold the shape!

Our verse for today promises strength, firmness and steadfastness.  It is a promise directed to those who are called by God’s grace and belong to Him.  This promise is always needed but especially so after going through a time of suffering.  I am not firm and steadfast in the middle of trial.  I am like that jello, all wobbly and ready to slide off the plate.  No one stands strong when their legs feel like jello!

The suffering we go through is usually unexplainable.  The only thing I know with certainty is that it is unavoidable.  My comfort is that God uses it.  The pain is never wasted.  It is through suffering that I draw closer to the Lord and learn to love Him more.  Sometimes my suffering is used to encourage others.  In any case, it is to be counted a privilege to suffer for Him as He suffered so much for me!

What comfort to know that He personally restores me and renews my strength!  Thank you, Lord.