Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Strength and Power


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The Sea Lion

Scripture for Today: Psalm 98:7 “Let the sea and everything in it shout, along with the world and those who live in it.”

We heard Diamond, the sea lion, long before we saw him.  His bark was loud and deep and seemed to echo off the walls of his Sea World habitat.  The workers told us he was easily the loudest of the sea lions.  This playful intelligent mammal is known for their noisy barking.  I remember hearing sea lions bark when living near the beach in Southern California.  Late at night when traffic noise subsided the noise of their barking floated up to the house quite often.

Today’s verse is a beautiful poetic passage describing the reaction of creation at the Lord’s return.  Not only does every living thing in the sea shout for joy but the sea itself will shout as well!  Because the rivers clap their hands and the mountains sing in unison before the Lord, the earth will be shouting for joy along with the sea (verse 8).  Why all this exuberant response?  God comes to judge (verse 9) and when He does, everything unfair will made fair.

There is a certain deep satisfaction when seeing right prevail.  When watching a film where the tension builds, there is often a concluding scene where evil is thwarted and justice prevails.  If not literally, I am at least jumping up inside and shouting for joy!  I want to see the “bad guys” lose.  Part of belonging to the Lord is hungering and thirsting for righteousness (Matt. 5:6).  One day that longing will be completely fulfilled when He comes to judge.  God will right every wrong.  Everything done in secret will be revealed (Luke 12:2).  The unrepentant heart will face His exacting justice.

Thank you Lord, for Your perfect justice and the forgiveness You have given me!

(Look familiar?  Summer reposing while reposting!)


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Eucalyptus Tree

Scripture for Today: Colossians 2:6-7 “So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

It seems that with every report of strong winds in our area, we hear of eucalyptus trees falling and causing damage.  These beautiful trees can grow as much as ten feet in a year and can even reach the height of a six story building!  Their root system is strong to support all that growth, if they have enough soil.  Their taproots need to have at least six feet of soil to be well anchored.  Without that depth they are vulnerable to wind damage.

Today’s verse talks about being rooted and built up in Christ, strengthened by our faith and characterized by thankfulness.  Extending our roots into the deep soil of His strength makes us able to stand firm in any wind storm.  Standing tall in the world’s eyes can be deceptive if roots are shallow.  The philosophies of this world and human tradition (verse 8) make up that shallow soil.  Roots have no opportunity to grow there and a strong gust of wind reveals that weakness.  In contrast, the one who is strengthened by His power is rooted and established in His love (Eph. 3:17).

My root health is something no one sees but Him.  I can seem strong, pray beautiful prayers and say all the right things.  But when that huge gust of wind comes, I can so easily topple over.  I need to be nourished by His Word and strengthened by His promises before the winds arrive.  He will help me withstand them.

Lord, strengthen my roots by the power of Your Word.

(Look familiar? Summer reposing while reposting!)


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Inside Out Flower

Scripture for Today: Mark 7:15 “Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.”

If one were to take a walk in the coastal forests of the Pacific Northwest right now, this delicate wildflower might be seen.  It is a wildflower with petal-like sepals that being swept back make it look as if the flower were inside out!  Its official name is, “Vancouveria Hexandra,” named after the British explorer, Captain George Vancouver.  But I prefer the more creative name of “Inside Out.”

Today’s verse has an inside and an outside.  The Lord is speaking to the Pharisees who challenged Him about following their ceremonial laws.  These religious leaders had burdened the people with a crippling weight of laws.  Jesus pointed out that laws and policies do not have the power to change what is on the inside.  What sullies and makes one dirty is not anything on the outside of man.  It is the evil that comes from inside (verse 23).  One can change laws, leaders or levels of education and privilege but none of this will change the core problem; an unclean heart.

In a troubled world where social injustice is on everyone’s mind, I do not want to be “inside out.”  The core problem is not on the outside but on the inside of all of us.  Lasting change is only possible when Christ makes us a “new creation” in Him (II Cor. 5:17).  My most loving unselfish response is to point others to the One who can change a heart for all eternity.  What an incredible shame if in addressing the outside of man I miss the inside!  What good would it be to gain the whole world but lose one’s soul? (Mark 8:36)

Thank you Lord, for changing me on the inside.    


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The Peacock Butterfly

Scripture for Today: Psalm 54:7 “You have delivered me from all my troubles and  my eyes have looked in triumph over my foes.”

The peacock bird is not the only one who can boast about its “eyes.”  The peacock butterfly is recognizable for its four large eyespots, similar to the peacock bird.  But for the butterfly, these eyes are not just for looks.  They serve to confuse and startle its predators.  Their predators sense that the spots may belong to a potential enemy.  That moment of hesitation is often all that is need to save the life of this butterfly.

Today’s verse is from a psalm that cries out to God for help.  David is being pursued by Saul with the help of the Ziphites (I Sam. 23:19-29).  The situation was serious as they were intent on killing him.  David finds reassurance in proclaiming God as his help (verse 4).  Instead of allowing his predicament to overwhelm him, David remembers that God has delivered him in the past and his eyes have looked in triumph on his enemies.  And that is exactly what happens again!  Just as Saul and his men were closing in, a messenger arrives to bring Saul back to deal with the invading Philistines!

My eyes will one day look in triumph over my enemies as well.  The Lord is for me and though I encounter plenty of trouble, Christ has already overcome the world (John 16:33) and this is my encouragement.  My enemies are sometimes visible but many times are not as the battle is spiritual in nature (Eph. 6:12).  Regardless, He has given me spiritual eyes to see His presence and protection!  And His eyes are on me!  He is El Roi, the God who sees and I can count on Him.

Thank you Lord, for getting me out of what can appear hopeless!

 

 


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The Hedgehog

Scripture for Today:  Col. 3:12-13  “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another, if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

We had hedgehogs living under our one hundred year-old home in France.  They were quite harmless when left alone.  They came out at night and mosied around the yard.  They were certainly slow creatures and very timid.  When approaching them, they may roll up into a spiky ball and stay immobile.  Our cat pretty much ignored the hedgehogs.  Perhaps there was an “incident” that convinced him to leave them alone!  They can look cute and cuddly when surrounded by flowers but the up-to-sixty spines that clothe their bodies are a strong incentive to keep one’s distance.

Today’s verse describes a clothing that is beautiful and approachable.  We are to clothe ourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  We are to be forgiving because we ourselves have been forgiven.  These adjectives bring to mind the character of Jesus who is “gentle and humble in heart.”  The list also reminds me in part of the fruit of the Spirit.  And as one having a new nature, they are also to characterize me.

But I am not always so soft and approachable.  Quite frankly, before that first morning cup of coffee I can be quite prickly!  There are times when being a hedgehog is just easier.  But because God has chosen me and I am dearly loved, I can respond to others with these beautiful qualities He is slowly developing in me.  Not only is this clothing more comfortable for others but for myself as well!

Lord, help me to resemble You today.