God’s Strength and Power | Devotions By Jan

February 22, 2016
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Piñata

Scripture for Today: Romans 12:14 “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

Being so close to Mexico, it is not unusual in our area of California to include the piñata at children’s parties. Our oldest daughter celebrated her seventh birthday whacking one open with her friends. The colorful, papier-mâché-made figure is filled with candy and hung on a string. The children take turns putting on the blindfold and hitting the piñata with a stick until it at last opens and the sweets pour out. That is the signal to scramble for those candies and stuff mouths and pockets!

I was surprised to learn that the piñata originally represented temptation in the Mexican Catholic Church! It has long lost its symbolic roots but it did make me think of today’s verse. The natural reaction to being hit or persecuted is cursing, bitterness, and the desire for revenge. Paul’s words to the Romans were contrary to what a normal response would be! Instead of responding in anger, we are to respond sweetly with blessing, wanting the good of the other person. Blessing others when we are wronged makes us not only sweet, but peaceful.

If I am able to respond this way to any attack, then I can enjoy living in harmony (verse 16) and can leave to the Lord the business of revenge (verse 19). As a believer, I am to overcome evil with good (verse 21). It seems an impossible standard. But oh how thankful I am that Jesus did not respond to His persecutors with cursing. His forgiveness meant taking on the pain of His attackers and not responding in kind. He is my example and the source of my strength to bless and not curse.

Lord, whatever mockery or opposition I face, may my response be like Yours.

February 3, 2016
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The Cedar Tree

Scripture for Today: Psalm 29:4-5 “The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.”

Our recent winds were impressive, sending tumbleweeds across the freeway and downing some trees. It was so sad to see a majestic palm tree toppled over on its side. But to topple a cedar tree would have meant a much more powerful wind. This tree can reach up to 130 feet and diameters of eight feet. The cedar is highly valued for its quality timber, oil and resin. What a shame to see one of these mighty trees damaged!

Today’s verse uses the image of the cedar tree to illustrate just how powerful and majestic the Lord’s voice is. Just one word from God can break the strong and mighty cedar into pieces. Just one word from God can bring this impressive tree crashing down to the ground. Something so seemingly powerful and stable is entirely vulnerable to the sound of His voice.

The cedar tree was used as a symbol of the arrogance of man in Isaiah 2:13-14. It stands proud and lofty, much like those who seek to exalt themselves. God will humble all pride and bring down low every arrogant thought. He alone will be exalted. He will break down the cedar-like pride of every individual who has not already humbled themselves before Him. Instead of standing tall, one day every knee will bow (Phil. 2:10).

The majestic and powerful voice that breaks the cedar is the same voice that also speaks love and forgiveness when I bow the knee. His voice becomes soft and gentle for His own sheep who recognize and follow Him.

Lord, open my ears to hear, respect and follow Your voice.

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.