Faithfulness | Devotions By Jan

August 31, 2016
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Wishful Thinking

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”

How can one visit Rome without seeing the famous Trevi Fountain? Sculpted in 1762, it was built as an outlet for an ancient aqueduct. This Baroque fountain with its figure of Neptune is touted to be the largest and most famous fountain. And yes, I did the tourist thing. Like so many others, I threw a coin in with my right hand over my left shoulder! The original tradition involved drinking the fountain water to insure good fortune and a return to Rome. But today it is coin tossing that is said to guarantee a return. Since the 1954 film, “Three Coins in a Fountain” one coin does not suffice. Now it is expected to throw in that second coin to get me a new and exciting romance, and a third coin to lead to marriage. But I couldn’t get my husband to hand me more than one coin!!

Our verse for today speaks of hope. Hope in Scripture is not just wishful thinking. That is because the object of our hope is something sure. We are to hope in His Word (Psalm 130:5) as well as His unfailing love (Psalm 147:11). Hope like that does not disappoint. But hope in anything else has the potential to disappoint.

The Lord has plans for me. He has my future in His powerful and loving hands. He promises blessing for obedience. I cannot possibly know what is ahead but with hope I am confident that it is all good. It is amazing to me that He loves me enough to plan it all out.

Thank you Lord, that my hope is in You, and You never disappoint.

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

August 26, 2016
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Lost Sheep

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:176 “I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek Your servant for I have not forgotten Your commands.”

This sheep looks a bit lost. His companions are no where in sight and it looks as if he has completely lost his bearings. Thankfully, he does not seem to be in any apparent danger. He is not stuck in thorns or falling off a cliff, yet. I can imagine that this sheep strayed because he did not follow the commands of the shepherd. But even knowing he is lost does not solve his problem. He needs to be sought out by his shepherd.

Today’s verse is the last verse of the longest psalm. The author, even though he has tremendous love and respect for God’s commands, still has a problem always following them. After so many verses extolling and exalting God’s precepts, he ends with a cry for help. He confesses his weakness and closes with a heartfelt prayer.

Seeing this verse reassures me. The author is made of the same stuff I am. I wondered if he was “super spiritual” to love and exalt God’s Law so much. But in fact, like Paul, even knowing what is right to do does not mean we do it! (Romans 7:18-21) We all stray from what is right.

Our Shepherd always seeks us out. He will even leave the other ninety-nine to go out after the one who strays. He keeps searching until that lost one is brought back! (Luke 15:4) Christ’s whole purpose in coming to earth was to seek and save the lost! (Luke 19:10) But to be found I need to realize that I am lost. When I cry out for help, He is faithful to bring me back to His waiting arms.

Thank you Lord, for finding this lost sheep!

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

June 2, 2016
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Polish Flint

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 50:7 “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.”

Normally when I think of a stone with origins in Poland, I think of amber. But the polish flint is another that almost mesmerizes with its swirling patterns. The markings can even look like abstract landscapes. This stone can be found in cream, taupe, grey and brown giving it a natural coloring that can go with just about anything when worn as jewelry. But more common is the grey or black quartz-like hard flint that formerly was used in making weapons, tools or in starting fires.

In today’s verse, Isaiah is using the image of flint to picture his resolution to be faithful to God’s calling. As a prophet, Isaiah sometimes had a message that was difficult to hear. The truth he spoke was sometimes unpopular and he was persecuted for it. He was mocked, spit upon, and beaten. Yet, Isaiah could reaffirm his commitment to obedience. He could not be shamed into giving up. That is because he trusted the Lord to vindicate him (verse 8). He set his face like flint and was not deterred, counting on the Lord for his help.

What an incredible model! Isaiah was faithful to the Lord and resolute to continue despite opposition. I have not been tested like he was. But I do have the same promises as Isaiah. The Lord is my help to continue despite rejection. I will not be put to shame because He has promised His power, His help, and His vengeance on my enemies! Because I can trust Him, I can set my face like flint as well and be faithful.

Lord, I need Your help to always be faithful.

May 23, 2016
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Flip Flops

Scripture for Today: Numbers 23:19 “God is not human, that He should lie, not a human being that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?”

I would never have thought to use flip flops as a table centerpiece! Thankfully, the flip flops were new and not used! Living in this beach culture, I see this footwear in most any social setting imaginable. Our local mall has a store exclusively dedicated to flip flops. But the name of this footwear also calls to mind the idea of changing one’s mind or position. In this presidential election year, flip flopping seems to be common on both sides of the political aisle!

Today’s verse reassures us that God will not flip flop. He is not like us but always says what He means. He never says He will do something and not come through. When He speaks, He acts. When He makes a promise, it will happen. He can back His word with the power to do it. Being all knowing, God would never say that He was unaware of the extenuating or changing circumstances. No matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ (II Cor. 1:20a).

Living in a world of broken promises, it is sometimes hard for me to really take the Lord at His word. Too many times it is easier to doubt than to believe that He means what He says. He says He loves me. He says He will care for me and cause all things to work for good. He does not disappoint. I cannot think of even one time that He has proved Himself unfaithful. Yet, I still hesitate to live like I really believe it!

Give me grace Lord, to trust You more.

May 13, 2016
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Zip Lining

Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:9-10 “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.”

I had never tried zip lining until just recently and I was plenty nervous! The staff there was very reassuring but still, that first lunge off the platform made my heart drop all the way to my feet! I had seen others ride the line with no hands, turning and laughing and calling to friends below. I was strangely silent and still, holding on for dear life! Just as I was starting to relax and enjoy it, the ride was over. I wished I could have come to that confident place sooner!

Today’s verse is reassurance from Someone who is in control of the whole life-long ride. He holds fast those who belong to Him. Whether we are zip lining, mountain climbing, or living overseas in a strange culture, He promises to guide, direct, and never let go. His love hold us in the palm of His hand and nothing can touch us without His permission (John 10:28). No one can snatch us out of His hand!

When I really grasp this truth, like I did that line, I can more quickly reach that place of confidence and enjoy the ride! I have experienced His faithful care living overseas these last twenty-six years. He has carried me through some unbelievable challenges in most every area of life. I do not have to fear what tomorrow may bring because He has proved Himself faithful and true to His Word. If life seems to be going too fast or I cannot see what is ahead, I can still be confident and relax.

Lord, help me feel Your reassuring hold on me!