Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Love


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The “Text Neck”

Scripture for Today: Psalm 3:3 “But You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”

The hunched-over position while texting can have some serious consequences.  With the head weighing 10-12 pounds, bending over our phones increases the force, pulling on those neck muscles and joints.  Not only can our poor posture lead to headaches and spine problems, some have even made a connection with depression!  The idea is that the relationship between mind and body can run both ways.  We slump over because we are sad or we are sad because we slump over!

Today’s verse tells us that the Lord’s presence in our lives is a protective shield.  He looks out for His own.  Nothing and no one can snatch us out of His hand (John 10:28).   And as  believers, He is our glory.  Our lives are to progressively reflect His glory as He creates Christ’s character in us (II Cor. 3:18).  But in addition to all of this, He lifts our heads!  And not just a little bit.  He lifts our heads high!  We no longer hang our heads in shame and disgrace.  We do not have to look down in humiliation and guilt.  Because of His love and forgiveness He lifts our heads high!  What an amazing thought!

When He lifts my head, I have the advantage of seeing more of His wonders in my life!  With the perspective that comes with grace and forgiveness, I can see just how much He has blessed me!  Like Mary in her song, I can say that I am blessed, “for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is His name.” (Luke 1:49)

Lord, help me to live this day with my head lifted up high with the assurance of Your love.


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Weary

Scripture for Today: Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.”

This poor dog looks completely spent.  Not sure what his day looked like, but apparently it was exhausting!  I look exactly like this, especially during the frantic-paced Christmas season!  The normal do-able schedule goes out the window with the addition of shopping, parties, baking, concerts, decorating, etc.  But of course, this picture could represent many times during the year when life just seems too much!  When the coming weekend will not give me respite then I know I am too busy!

Today’s verse does not promise that the schedule will be lighter.  These words of Jesus do not even promise sleep.  But they do promise something even more important; rest for our souls.  The circumstances may not change, but our sense of peace and well-being can change.  It does not involve exercise, calming music, going to church or a hot tub.  This rest He promises goes much deeper and touches our innermost being.  It is a rest that lifts the weariness and burdens of our hearts.

I so often miss it.  The answer is too simple.  I am to come to Him in faith and quietness.  All the distractions of the day can fade away in His loving presence.  All the worries and anxieties crowding my mind can be laid aside.  It is as if I have been holding my breath trying to keep it all together.  But when I kneel in His presence and soak up His love, I can give a sigh of relief.

Thank you Lord, for the rest You promise.  Keep me coming to You all day long.

 

 


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The Water Lily

Scripture 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.”

Water lilies fascinate me!  Their beautiful white and pink flowers look as if they bloom effortlessly as they serenely  float on the surface of the water.  They can be seen on lakes or ponds whose waters are still, and they can root up to seven feet deep.  If left undisturbed they can cover hundreds of acres of water.  Because they float, they access the sunlight unhindered by taller plant species.  Their leaves lie flat on the water soaking up all that light.  The result is beautiful!

Today’s verse tells us that the commands of the Lord are radiant.  They give all the light needed to grow and thrive in life.  His commands refresh the soul and make simple people wise (verse 7).  They give joy to the heart.  Each and every direction God gives is right and completely trustworthy.  Obeying His laws makes our lives beautiful.

I do not normally think of rules and regulations as a source of joy.  But just as a child can feel unloved and neglected without parental boundaries, so we too can feel as if God does not care if He had not given us His commands.  They are a sign of His love.  He cares that I succeed in life and He has shown me how.  His commands and precepts are designed with my welfare in mind, not to limit me or restrict my freedom.  They can give joy to my heart when I see them as proof of His tenderness and care.

Lord, keep me in the still water, soaking up the light of Your presence today!


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Bumper Bowling

bowling121009-F-DY381-016Scripture for Today: Proverbs 2:7-8 “He holds success in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.”

Maybe I would feel differently about bowling had I grown up using these bumpers.  Imagine no more gutter balls!  But I did not have this luxury and I was on my  own trying to get that blasted ball to reach any of those bored pins.  It was not as if my Dad did not try to teach me.  He was in a bowling league at his work and had his own ball.  He and his team won trophies, but of course no serious bowler would consent to using these bumpers.  But I love the idea of having that little edge to correct the course of my wayward ball.

Today’s verse is beautiful!  The Lord God wants us to succeed but true success is only found in a relationship that follows His course.  None of His commands are arbitrary.  They exist for our good and for our protection.  Through His Word He speaks and guides.  When we obey and follow His perfect way, we enjoy the blessing of intimacy with Him.

I look at those bumpers as His grace to forgive, correct and restore.  Even with the best of intentions I fail.  I am “prone to wander” off His path.  But because I belong to Him, He does not let this silly sheep stray too far.  Sometimes that corrective bump can be a bit of a shock and not at all comfortable.  But it is just what is needed to get me back on course.

Lord, I want to always be one of Your faithful ones.  Keep me on that path of righteousness today.


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Label Maker

vintage labele3c665929d7ca66da41dd3bba3d94e07Scripture for Today: Isaiah 43:1 “But now, this is what the Lord says — He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel; ‘Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.'”

I did not realize our label maker was vintage!  It does look strange but it gets the job done, marking items with our name.  We do it because we have the silly optimism that those same items when loaned to others will have a better chance of making it back to our home!  We do not try to label everything with our name, just the little treasures we would like to have returned to us.

Today’s verse reassures us that the Lord knows us intimately.  He has called us by name and we as believers belong to Him.  The verse refers specifically to the nation of Israel but it is true of all those who are His own.  He calls His own sheep by name (John 10:3).  He not only formed and created each one of us, but He has bought us back at a tremendous price to Himself! (I Cor. 6:20)  He thought us valuable enough to call us by name, redeem our lives and mark us as His very own forever! (Rev. 3:12)

Because of His intimate knowledge and love for me, I do not have any reason to fear.  If God is for me, who can be against me? (Rom. 8:31)  Plenty of people I suppose but they will not get far.  I belong to the Creator of the universe and nothing and no one can separate me from His love! (Rom. 8:35-39)  No one will ever touch my soul.  He has labeled me as His very own!

Thank you Lord, that You know my name and make me Yours!