Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Love


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Message in a Bottle

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 31:3 “The Lord appeared to us in the past saying, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.'”

The idea of putting an important message in a bottle is nothing new.  There are records of it being done as far back as 310 BC!  But the story of a British WWI soldier, sending a message in 1914 was especially touching.  It did not discuss enemy movements, or a shipwreck story nor was it an experiment to test the movements of the currents.  It was a love note addressed to his wife.  This soldier died two days later and although the wife had since died by the time it was discovered in 1999, his daughter at the age of 86 was thrilled to have it!

The verse for today describes the Lord’s love for us as everlasting.  Much more dependable than a floating bottle, He has written His message of love in the Bible that dates back centuries.  It is a timeless message of a love that is kind and unconditional.  The everlasting nature of His love draws the receptive and searching heart.  But like the passerby pictured, too many walk by that message, never stopping to investigate.  He has been faithful to communicate His love clearly, but the message is not always received.  Or the message is misheard to be, “I will love you if…”

His love for me changes how I look at myself.  I am important enough for Him to actually write down how He feels about me!  Of course my husband’s love and my family’s love is important.  But nothing is as wide, long, high or deep as His love (Eph.3:18).  It is always kind.  It will never fail.  And He loves me in spite of who I am!

Thank you Lord, for Your everlasting love!

 


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Enclosed

Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:5 “You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me.”

I love the feeling of being enclosed!  Whether it is in a home or in a garden, I feel safe and comfortable when I can see the whole space at once.  The image of this enclosed garden gives me that feeling.  I know where I am.  I know where the limits and boundaries are.  Closed in spaces can make one feel peaceful and secure.  The fences keep out what is not wanted.  The enclosed space seems to invite intimacy.

Our verse for today comes from a psalm that describes how vast is God’s knowledge of each one of us.  He is acquainted with all of our ways and all of our movements.  He is everywhere and there is no fleeing His presence.  But this verse is so very personal.  He encloses or hems us in with His presence.  He puts a limit ahead of us and a limit behind us.  He does not do this to frustrate us.  He does this in a gesture of love, to place His hand on us.

It is understandable that He needs to enclose me to put His hand on me.  I am so often in constant movement and activity.  I hardly stand still.  Taking time out for Him and being still seems impossible sometimes.  The pace of life makes me forget He is even there.  There are times I need to be stopped in my tracks in order to see His hand and recognize His presence.

Being hemmed in and enclosed by the Lord is a good thing.  His hand on me is a loving one.  When I cannot go forward or turn backward, it is then that I look up.  That is just how He wants it!

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

 


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Broken Pottery

unnamedScripture for Today: Psalm 31:12 “I am forgotten as though I were dead.  I have become like broken pottery.”

This happened.  I do not want to name names.  It was just one of those unfortunate freak accidents.  My Polish pottery is not only beautiful but special as it reminds me of trips to Poland with friends.  I doubt I will ever have the chance to replace it.  I had to bite my tongue so as not to make the culprit feel worse.  It is only an inanimate object and relationship is certainly more important.  There is not much use for it now unless I want half portions, which I do not!

In our verse for today David feels like broken pottery.  He feels the utter contempt of his enemies.  He is shunned by his neighbors and becomes an object of dread.  It is as though he were useless and of no importance.  David feels himself slipping into depression and views his life as falling apart.  The psalm turns around in verse 14 when he says, “But I trust in You, Lord.”  He begins to see the abundance of good things God has done and ends the psalm addressing all who hope in the Lord to be strong and take heart!

There are times I can relate to these feelings of loneliness and brokenness.  But like David, I can turn to the only One who can pick up those broken pieces and make something new and useful from them.  It is never too late to trust Him because in His capable hands, nothing is beyond repair.  It is because of His grace that I can take heart, regardless of my circumstances, regardless of my failures and regardless of broken relationships.

I am never forgotten or defeated because of His incredible healing love!  Thank you, Lord.

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


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Pedometer

Scripture for Today: Job 31:4 “Does He not see my ways and count my every step?”

I do not consider myself athletic but I do enjoy walking.  For many years the Black Forest nearby encouraged long walks.  These last eight years the Alsacian vineyards have been beckoning me to walk its scenic paths.  Walking is a great way for me to clear my head and have that needed alone time.

I sometimes wear a pedometer for encouragement to keep moving.  These days all that is needed is an app on one’s phone.  To reach the often-recommended 10,000 steps per day involves some intentional effort above and beyond my usual activities.  Counting steps is one way to keep motivated.

Our verse for today talks about counting steps.  I am sure that God’s tally is much more accurate than any pedometer!  His knowledge is such an intimate one to be aware of such detail.  He not only knows the number of my steps, but He knows how many hairs are on my head! (Matt. 10:30)  He knows when I am standing up or sitting down (Psalm 139:2-3).  He knows it all.

How could the God of the universe be that involved in my insignificant life?  He concerns Himself with my little world because He loves me.  What a concept!  How much it must hurt His heart when I cry out to Him with the question, “Don’t You care?”  Nothing is too small for His attention.  He does care.  He cared so much He gave His life to redeem mine.  He not only counts my steps but He knows where they are headed.  Are my steps going toward Him or away from Him?  Steps toward Him do not have to be many.  He is there waiting, just one step away.

Lord, may my steps today lead me toward You.

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


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Blind Man’s Bluff

IMG_5980Scripture for Today: Revelation 3:17 “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’  But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

I never much liked the game, “Blind Man’s Bluff” growing up.  It was uncomfortable not being able to see.  I always feared falling over my own two feet or running headlong into someone else and hurting myself.

This game has a long history with different versions dating back to Ancient Greece.  It was also a favorite pastime in the Victorian Era of the 1800’s.  There is an old Japanese version where the “it” must tag others not only blindfolded but carrying a full cup of tea!  Maybe that would be a good training exercise for waitress work!

Our verse for today talks about a blindness that is spiritual.  What is so sad is that the person described does not realize his blindness, nor his poverty and nakedness.  Being wealthy has caused this person to feel self-sufficient and not in need of anything.  What is so beautiful in this passage is that Christ proposes a remedy for this blindness.  He offers salve for the eyes to restore spiritual sight.  He also offers refined gold coming from Him, which represents true eternal riches.  Christ gives us white clothes to cover our nakedness.  Those white clothes are a symbol of His righteousness obtained for us.

There is no reason for me to continue to be poor, blind or naked.  Christ has taken the initiative to change my pitiful state when I repent of all my wrongdoing.  When I let go of of my pride and denial, I can open the door of my heart in answer to His knock.

Lord, may I always realize my need and open the door to You.

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