Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Strength and Power


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Mustard Flower Field

mustard flower4Scripture for Today: Luke 17:5-6 “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’ He replied, If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”

When I was little, a friend and I would play in a field of mustard flowers  behind our school during recess.  We loved playing pretend games there and hiding from the teachers when they called us in.  We were sad to see the flowering season end, not realizing what the harvest of that tiny seed could bring.  It is called the least of all seeds (Matt. 13:31) but some varieties can grow to the size of a tree in the Mediterranean climate.

Today’s verse is a very familiar one.  The disciples had just heard Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness and it prompted this request to increase their faith.  Jesus responds by addressing the kind of faith needed rather than the size.  The faith they needed was fast growing and prolific, just as the mustard seed.  After they received the Holy Spirit, these men did exemplify this kind of faith in establishing the early Church with miracles.

This kind of faith, even when tiny, is powerful!  My faith can be size extra small, but if it is placed in One who is all powerful, than it can accomplish His purposes!  He can do above and beyond all I could ask, think or imagine (Eph. 3:20).  It is a tremendous relief to me that true unwavering faith can be tiny and yet bring about His will..  Do I really believe that if I ask anything according to His will, He will answer? (I John 5:14)  I want this kind of faith!

Lord, make my faith like the mustard seed, aligned with Your will.

 

 


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The Acorn

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 61:3b “…They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.”

It is pretty amazing that this small acorn can grow to be a mighty oak.  It seems such a small insignificant beginning to this towering tree which has so long been a symbol of strength and endurance.  I do not give much thought to those acorns littering the ground although people do eat them.  They are eaten as nuts after leeching out the bitter tannins.  They are also used to make flour and oil.  But if the acorns are correctly planted and cared for, some species will produce an oak measuring as high as ninety-eight feet!

Toady’s verse uses the oak tree as an image of the righteous, displaying the splendor of God.  He is the One who plants that acorn to become the mighty oak.  He chooses the best spot for good soil and sun exposure.  He plants that small acorn at the right depth in the soil and watches over it, guarding it from pests.  He displays His righteousness through His followers so the planting is exactly right.

The only way to become that oak is by His righteousness.  On my own, I stay as little and insignificant as the small acorn.  I know myself.  I cannot produce righteousness.  “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (Romans 3:22a).  I have right standing with God because of Christ.  My position is secure in Him.  But I want my daily walk to reflect right living too.  Right choices and obedience will make me stand tall, firm and fruitful.  He has planted me exactly where He wants me to display the splendor of His righteousness!

Lord, may Your splendor be seen in my life.


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Zip Lining

IMG_7374Scripture 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!


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Indoor Herb Garden

herbsIMG_20160312_113134Scripture 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.”

My grandsons were pretty excited to help their Daddy put this herb garden together!  They started with pots of rosemary, cilantro and basil and have since added several more.  When “helping” their Mommy make dinner, they are much more likely to eat that strange dish when they have picked the herbs for it.  But to begin with, the herbs did not do so well in the living room.  They did not have much light there.  It was not until they were placed in brighter room full of light that there was growth.

Today’s verse describes God’s commandments as light to the eyes.  His precepts are radiant with light and can even make us joyful when obeyed.  He has made His light to shine in the heart of the believer.  That light comes from the glory displayed in the face of Christ! (II Cor. 4:6)  Following His commands and precepts places us in the light of His presence.  Being there produces the “fruit of the light;”  goodness, righteousness and truth (Eph. 5:9).

I can tell when I am trying to produce these fruits on my own.   The goodness starts to wilt.  Righteousness and truth are looking a bit peaked.  Without His light I am not so robust but a bit tired.  Everything is an effort and it all seems too much.  Whether the image is light or being connected to the vine, without Him I can do nothing.  But in His light I can grow and thrive.  When I feel discouraged and lacking motivation, I just need to get back into the light of His presence!

Shine on me today, Lord.  Help me stay in Your light.

 

 


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Energy Drinks

Scripture for Today: Romans 12:11 “Never be lacking in zeal but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

I am amazed at all the energy drinks flooding the market!  The amount of sugar and caffeine they contain can have you flying high all day.  They promise mental and physical stimulation.  Some even purport to increase muscle strength and endurance, although there is no scientific proof to support the claim.  There are some concerns over possible health risks so I personally don’t drink them.  I am more into coffee which as the saying goes, “makes people do stupid things faster and with more energy.”

Would that spiritual energy could be found in a simple drink!  Today’s verse encourages believers to be zealous in their service to the Lord.  Our spiritual fervor is to be high so as to persevere and not give up when the hard times come.  We are to keep fueled, tanked up, or aflame, not burning out.  That enthusiasm we started with is to continue pushing us forward.

How do I keep to that level of zeal?  How do I resist lagging behind and taking it easy?  When I do not see results from my service, I lose my enthusiasm.  When I do not see that it makes much difference, I can easily lose heart.  There is only one way to be refueled and rediscover that joy and motivation to serve Him.  It is by asking for the Spirit’s filling (Eph. 5:18).  His filling gives me strength to keep on keeping on!  His power provides that excitement and motivation to advance His agenda today.  His filling even helps me to face Mondays!

I do not need to fill up with an energy drink.  I need to fill up with His Spirit!  Thank you Lord, for being the source of my zeal and fervor.