Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Strength and Power


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Spider Web

Scripture for Today:  Job 8:13-15  “Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless.  What they trust in is fragile.  What they rely on is a spider’s web.  They lean on the web but it gives way.  They cling to it, but it does not hold.”

A spider’s web is beautiful and intricate.  I would be more enthusiastic about them if they did not involve spiders!  It is said that spider silk is stronger than steel.  By some criteria that is true.  Most spider silk has a high tensile strength comparable to that of a high grade alloy steel.  The “tensile” strength refers to the largest stress that a material can stand before breaking.  The spider silk is one of God’s wonders in creation as it can stretch up to five times its relaxed weight before breaking.

Our verse for today is part of a conversation between Job and one of his three friends, Bildad.  Much of what his three friends said was discouraging for Job as they assumed his trials were a result of some hidden sin.  But the observation Bildad makes in this verse is absolutely true.  Those that forget God and do not trust in Him find themselves relying on a spider’s web!  Trusting on anything or anyone other than the Lord is a fragile trust that will eventually give way.  My own ideas, my own strength or even my own resources are like that spider web.  It will only hold me up temporarily.  It is just too flimsy and fragile.  How much better to lean on the One whose power and might can hold me up in any circumstance!

Thank you Lord, that I can lean on You and Your strength!

(Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule)


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Tents

turkeytentScripture for Today:  Psalm 27:5 “For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling.  He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.”

My adult children complain that we never took them camping.  I am not a fan of hard ground, cold temperatures or bugs!  I am not too happy to hear noises and worry about being invaded by some animal making its way into the campsite.  Give me a comfy hotel and I am happy!  If I hear noises of room service, it will not worry me!

There is no roughing it in a tent like the one pictured.  The rich thick rugs below look comfortable and the thick tapestries that form the ceiling keep things dry and cozy.  I imagine that the nomad lifestyle prevalent in David’s day had the best ideas for tent living.

In our verse for today is a tent that is sacred and set apart.  It represents God’s presence.  The context describes enemies surrounding the tent.  They are looking to devour, just like wild animals.  But the one who trusts in the Lord is unconcerned.  In God’s tent or temple there is confidence and safety.  Inside that tent there is no fear.  Instead there are shouts of joy!  There is music and singing!  God protects His children and fills their heart with joy.  Trusting in Him I have no fear.  What can mere mortal man do to me? (Psalm 118:6)  My soul is at peace as my eternity is forever secured.

I can lift the flap of that tent and peek out at my enemies.  Or, I can turn my eyes to gaze on His beauty!  Thank you Lord, that whatever this day brings, I can rest confident in Your presence.

(Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule)


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Seaweed

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 26:4 “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal.”

This seaweed looks beautiful waving its fronds in the water.  I normally see and smell seaweed washed up on the shore, giving off a terrible odor.  But when growing underwater it can be beautiful and mesmerizing in its movement.  It is cultivated for lots of different uses, including medicine, filtration, fertilizer and food.  Two important elements are essential for seaweed to grow; seawater and sunlight.

I could not help but think of what is needed for the believer to grow as well; Living Water (John 4:10) and the Light of the World ( John 8:12)  Both refer to Jesus Himself who slowly transforms into His image.  But there is something else needed for most species of seaweed to thrive, and that is a rock.  They have what is called a “holdfast” which is a basal disk providing attachment to a rock!

Our verse for today praises God for being that faithful and eternal Rock.  He provides protection from waves that would dislodge us.  Being our Rock means He is our refuge and shelter.  Holding fast to Him gives strength to grow and thrive, regardless of the circumstances.  The Lord Himself is my stability in a world that seems to be in constant motion and change.

Because He is my eternal Rock, I know He will always be there for me.  He does not move and I know where to find Him.  I find Him in the pages of the “love letter” He wrote for me.  I find Him in the sweet reassurances He whispers to my heart.  His words are eternal and I can trust Him like no other!

Thank you Lord, for being my eternal and trustworthy Rock.

 


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Jellyfish Lake

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:10 “All Your works praise you, Lord; Your faithful people extol You.”

“O my God, it’s beautiful!” was the first thing out of the mouth of a meteorologist as she broke the surface of Jelly Fish Lake.  I can understand her reaction as the underwater camera panned the millions of jellyfish who had been her swimming partners.  This lake is found on Eil Malk Island in Palau.  It once had an outlet to the sea but is now closed off.  Over time, these golden jellyfish lost their sting making snorkeling through them possible.  These fascinating creatures are always moving as they follow the sun’s arc across the sky.  Swimming through them must be an eerie and unforgettable experience!

Our verse for today proclaims that all of God’s creation praise their Maker.  Perhaps this is what prompted the reporter to exclaim as she did.  The millions of golden jellyfish extol the greatness and creativity of their Maker by their very presence.  Even at such a remote location, God demonstrates His artistic power in creating something that most of us will never even see.  Even if man does not recognize how they came to be, God’s eternal power and divine nature are revealed through what He has made (Romans 1:20).

All of the beauty and majesty of the Lord’s creation is intentional.  His intention is to reveal Himself to those who would seek Him.  All of His creation is like a huge megaphone announcing to those who would listen, “I am here.  This is for you and I love you.”  Those golden jellyfish following the sun are a reminder to me to continually stay close to the warmth of the Son’s presence and light.

Thank you Lord, for revealing how wonderful You are through Your wonderous works!


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The Forest

Scripture for Today: Psalm 33:10-11 “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purpose of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purpose of His heart through all generations.”

Over the years I have enjoyed my walks in the vineyards above our house.  They climbed the hills and afforded views of Guebwiller and surrounding villages below.  But further up, the crest of these hills is covered by a forest.  I never saw all of the forest at once.  It circled the crest of those hills for quite a distance and to see it in its entirety, I would need to see it from a higher viewpoint.  I could not see the forest for the trees!

Our verse for today gives a perspective that is eternal.  The Lord allows a glimpse of the entire forest.  His plans and purposes will prevail despite the individual “tree” that blocks our view.  I can get discouraged when I focus on the details of my own sin and failures.  But focusing on my little life is like seeing only an individual tree.  He has a plan and purpose for the entire world.  Certainly, if He can order and carry out His plan for nations, He can bring about His purpose in my life as well.

What is His purpose?  Ultimately, it is not about me, but about Him and His glory.  I am here on this earth to contribute my small part to reflecting His glory.  I am one small tree in a forest lifting up my branches to praise His name!  I am part of His bigger plan and purpose that stands firm throughout the ages!  What an incredible privilege!

Thank you Lord, for allowing me to be part of the big picture of what You are doing!