Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Strength and Power


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Keepsake

Scripture for Today: II Timothy 1:12 “…nevertheless I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.”

A “keepsake” is defined as a small item kept in memory of the person who gave it or originally owned it.  This sand footprint was made to be a keepsake.  At first glance it seemed as an odd choice.  How could something made of sand keep for any length of time?  But in scanning the instructions, I saw that plaster of paris was used, so that it was not as fragile as I first thought.

Today’s verse is about committing something to God’s care.  He keeps it.  He keeps it safe and secure.  It is something that will last into eternity; our soul.  Paul is persuaded that God is able to guard what was entrusted to Him.  He was so convinced of his future in Heaven that he was fearless in his defense and spread of the Gospel.  Paul was able to face imprisonment and even death with a calm assurance.  He knew where he was going and could stay loyal to the One who was keeping his soul secure.

I am so grateful that He keeps my soul.  Even now, I have already died and my life is hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3)  Being persuaded of this makes a difference to how I go through this journey.  With my eternal destiny decided I can lose my life for His sake.  And in doing so, I find life! (Mark 8:35)  Having this assurance helps me hold on a little less tightly to all that is earthly.  He is guarding for me a hope and future beyond anything that I can imagine.

Thank you Lord, for keeping me secure.


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Castle Keep

Scripture for Today: Psalm 61:3 “For You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.”

This castle keep is part of the Arundel Castle in West Sussex, England.  Built in 1067, it is of particular interest to me as my ancestors lived there in the mid 1200’s!  It was bequeathed by the King to Richard Fitzalan, the husband of my 18th Great Grand Aunt!  Our family lived there for 200 years, but not so often in the section pictured here.  This is the castle keep, the fortified tower.  The keep was considered one of the most impenetrable parts of the castle.  It was used as a refuge of last resort should the rest of the castle fall to the enemy.

Today’s verse describes God as a strong tower.  David is crying out to the Lord for help as his heart grows faint.  This is the prayer of one who is battle weary.  He cries out to God as he remembers how He has in the past been a strong tower of defense.  David needs God to be his defense against literal enemies.  He understands that it is only because of God’s love and faithfulness that there is any protection at all (verse 7).

I may not have the same enemies as David.  But I too sometimes feel my heart growing faint.  Standing up to the world’s values can be wearisome.  Fighting off temptation and compromise can wear me down.  My enemy may be called, “discouragement.”  My enemy may be called, “giving up.”  It could be that I am trying to fight on my own rather than in His strength.  He is a strong tower and I can run to Him when my heart feels faint.  He promises me His love and faithfulness just as He did to David.

Thank you Lord, for being my strength today.

 


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“I Want to Thank Me”

Scripture for Today: Psalm 35:18 “I will give You thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise You.”

A new star has just been added to Hollywood’s Walk Of Fame.  The one being honored before the crowd made quite a statement at the end of his tribute to  friends and family.  “Last but not least, I want to thank me for believing in me.”  He then went on to describe all his hard work and sacrifice.  He ended his self-congratulations with an expletive.

Today’s verse declares David’s intent to praise and give thanks to God before the crowd.  David, as king of Israel, had many occasions to speak publicly and honor himself.  But he did not.  He did not thank himself for all his hard work and sacrifice.  David had killed a giant.  As a mighty warrior and powerful king, he had much more reason than a pop star to praise himself before the people.  But instead, he gave all thanks and praise to God.   David understood that his life was fleeting, a mere “handbreadth.”  Every life is but a breath. (Ps. 39:4-5)  David was not perfect but he understood just how big God is in comparison to any man.

How odd to hear this news story during Thanksgiving week!  We just celebrated this day by recognizing all of our blessings.  We thanked our families and our friends.  But for believers, it is most importantly a time to thank God for His love, mercy and grace.  HE deserves all my praise and thanks for everything that is good in my life.  I cannot take credit for anything.  He gives me my intellect and my talents.  He gives me my health and my wealth.  He gives me my next breath and heartbeat!

Lord, I cannot thank me.  I thank You!

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100 Years

Scripture for Today: Psalm 77:11 “I shall remember the deeds of the Lord; Surely, I will remember Your wonders of old.”

Meet Joseph Ambrose, a veteran of World War I.  At age 86 he was honored at a Veteran’s Day parade in 1982.  His old-fashioned uniform is surprising and the emotion etched on his face is touching.  He served in a war that was supposed to be the “war to end all wars.”  Sadly, that has not been the case.  Veteran’s Day this year marks the one hundred year anniversary of this war.  Memories fade as those who fought disappear with age.  But although we do not always have the details of these war stories, we can still appreciate the sacrifice their service represents.

In today’s verse Asaph declares that he will remember what the Lord has done.  And His wonders include miraculous exploits in battle!  From the drowning of Pharaoh’s army to the walls coming down at Jericho, the Lord has done battle for His own!  And He continues to do battle for us, equipping us with spiritual armor (Eph. 6:10-17) and helping us to stand firm.  He makes us more than conquerors as He is on our side (Rom. 8:31).

My life is to testify to others just how great and awesome my God is!  I am to sing His praises, give credit and glory to Him by my life and praise Him in prayer.  When I do, I myself become a “wonder and surprise” to many! (Psalm 71:7)  But so often, it is through the heat of battle that others take note.  It is through the difficulty that He shows Himself strong and powerful.  When others see me rise above a horrible situation, I gain credibility and a voice.

Lord, may my life remind others of all Your wonders and incredible deeds!


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Tremors

Scripture for Today: Psalm 16:8-9 “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.”

That shaking of the hands can be scary.  Some folks find that with age they can no longer write legibly, tie shoelaces, shave or put on make-up without shaking.  These “essential tremors” can sometimes affect the voice box or the head.  I remember my Grandmother shaking her head yes and no without it meaning anything.  Thankfully, these kinds of tremors do not signal the onset of Parkinson’s disease.  Although it is not dangerous, it must be frustrating to live with this condition.

Today’s verse talks about a faith that cannot be shaken.  David affirms that it is the Lord who gives him security (verse 5).  He acknowledges that with the Lord close at His right hand, he can rest secure.  The right side of a man is the side where God assists in battle.  He is there to do battle for us (Psalm 109:31) and to be our strength!  David’s faith cannot be shaken as long as he keeps his eyes always on the Lord.

Whether tremors are in my future or not, I know that my body will eventually weaken with age.  But physical weakness does not mean that my faith needs to follow suit!  My circumstances may be anything but stable, but I can still rest secure, knowing that He is in control and His control is always good!  My confidence In Him means I can be glad, regardless of what is rocking my world!  Because of Him I will not be shaken!

Thank you Lord, for Your constant presence at my right hand!