God’s Strength and Power | Devotions By Jan

January 8, 2016
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High Surf Advisory

Scripture for Today: Psalm 107:29 “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.”

It is not uncommon to hear of high surf advisories in our area of Southern California. The National Weather Service uses this term to describe any pounding surf that poses a danger to those in the water. This alert can also mean the presence of dangerous rip currents or “sneaker waves.” The sneaker wave is a coastal wave that is much greater in force and height than the ones preceding it. It is unanticipated and takes one by surprise.

Today’s verse is reassuring as a reminder of God’s absolute control of the waves and the weather. He stills the storm to just a whisper. The waves that looked so menacing are hushed in a moment at His command. What is less reassuring is verse 25 where He spoke and stirred up the tempest that lifted the waves up high to begin with. In this psalm several negative scenarios are described where God allows circumstances that cause people distress. Each time they cry to the Lord and each time with love and tenderness He responds. The Lord allows the difficulty to show Himself powerful. He shows His unfailing love and His wonderful work in a way that would not have been otherwise seen.

Those waves ebb and flow in each life. There are wonderful times of calm, but perhaps more often, the winds are blowing and the waves are rough. But with each storm He is there, ready to show Himself powerful and build up my faith. He is faithful and has never yet failed me. He will not let those waves overcome me. He has already overcome the world and I can trust Him!

Thank you Lord, for Your steady love holding me up!

December 17, 2015
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Highest Mountain

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 54 :10 “‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed, ‘ says the Lord who has compassion on you.”

It was a simple question; “Which is the highest mountain?” But I found that the answer was not quite so simple. Mount Everest, pictured here, has the highest elevation above sea level at 8,848 meters. But Mauna Kea is the tallest at 10,000 meters if you count the 6000 meters below sea level. But wait! Chimborazo is the highest mountain above Earth’s center. Our oblate spheroid-shaped earth is widest at its equator and because this mountain is just one degree south of that point, it earns the distinction of highest mountain above Earth’s center.

Regardless of which mountain is highest, they are all breathtaking and majestic. Their soaring heights and rough terrain bring to mind strength, stability and permanence. One cannot imagine these mountains crumbling into the sea, let alone being shaken. Today’s verse uses the image of the mountains and the hills to describe the unending faithful love the Lord has for His own. His love and promise of peace is even more sure than their strong reassuring presence. Even if the mountains and hills were to disappear, His love and promise of peace will continue.

His love is a compassionate love, full of grace and mercy and forgiveness. There is no love on this earth that comes close to His unending faithful love. It is so sure and real, that I can and do build my life on it. He does not disappoint. He promises that those who hope in Him will not be disappointed (Isaiah 49:23).

Thank you Lord, for a “love that will not let me go.”

November 6, 2015
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Woodpecker

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 10:12 “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.”

I had never seen a woodpecker until living in France. There was one who frequently visited our yard and with his red markings he was easy to spot. There was one fruit tree that he especially liked to peck for insects. I was always happy to see him, not realizing what he was doing to that tree. One night we had an huge windstorm and with an impressive crack, that tree came down, snapping at exactly the very place that woodpecker had been working! I feel differently about woodpeckers now. I missed that mirabelle plum tree!

Today’s verse is a loving warning. After describing the failures of the Israelites in the wilderness, Paul cautions that falling is a real possibility. We can think that we are standing firm while at the same time being slowly weakened by compromise. Like the small attacks by the beak of a woodpecker, our resolve can slowly erode leaving us vulnerable. A strong wind of temptation can come along and knock us flat. We fall to the ground and we no longer bear fruit.

No one wakes up in the morning and decides to give in to temptation. Being drawn away from Him is usually a slow sneaky process. And it can come from something normally beautiful or agreeable. The next verse is such a comforting promise. God will not allow me to be tempted beyond what I can bear. He provides a way out. I have a choice. That enticement to sin is never so strong that with His help I cannot resist!

Don’t let me fall, Lord. Keep me firmly standing and bearing fruit.

October 28, 2015
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Strong Arms

Scripture for Today: Genesis 49:24 “But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel.”

Our friend, Marilyn, continues to amaze me! At the age of 87 she still plays her violin beautifully. She not only continues playing in the Desert Symphony, comprised of only the best professional musicians, but she is also the assistant concertmaster and contractor! While many her age have trouble lifting their arms to do their own hair, she holds up that bow with strong arms and plays beautiful music! That violin bow remains steady and her arms stay limber because of the blessing of the One who created her!

Today’s verse is part of a blessing given to Joseph by his Father, Jacob. Joseph, although attacked with bitterness, remained true to God (verse 23). God’s hand was on Joseph, making him fruitful, keeping him strong, helping him and blessing him (verse 25). But God’s strength did not mean he would lead an easy life. On the contrary, Joseph’s life was filled with injustice, prison, estrangement, and heartache. However, Joseph followed his Shepherd and drew strength from his Rock.

I cannot imagine having strong unwavering arms into my eighties! With age my body will eventually waste away and betray me. But the Lord promises that inner strength can be renewed day by day (II Cor. 4:16). Arms may become unsteady, but my faith in Jesus can become firmer each day. Arthritis may keep me from being limber but inwardly I can experience firm resolve and perseverance! When I am weak, He becomes that Rock providing strength. As my Shepherd, His strong arms lift me up.

Lord, I need that inner renewal today. Thank you for the strength You will provide!

October 12, 2015
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Giving Up?

Scripture for Today: Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

I can relate to the frustration this young woman must be feeling. I can guess at the pressure she is feeling to meet a deadline. Perhaps she is irritated at a failed communication or the lack of any response at all. I wonder if she feels that her work will never produce the desired effect. In any case, this image suggests a discouragement and weariness we all sometimes feel.

Today’s verse lets us know that though we do not see an immediate result to our good works, there will be a future time when we will see the fruit of our labor. The “proper time” for seeing results may not be the present. But eventually, God brings about results. The harvest we reap is in His timing and control. Our part is to keep on keeping on, regardless of the results.

It is easy for me to feel weary and wonder if God is really using me. I do not want to give up serving Him, but it can be discouraging to wonder if I am making a difference. Is He hearing my prayers for my loved ones? Is He using my story to draw others to Himself? God’s work of changing hearts is often initially unseen. But the promise of reaping a harvest is only for those who do not give up! I have to trust that His Word does not return void but accomplishes what He intends (Isaiah 55:11). Yes, there are moments of weariness, but in His grace He gives strength and motivation to continue!

Help me Lord, to never give up serving You!