Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Word


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The Flamingo

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 5:14 “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

The brilliant pink and orange of the flamingos never fail to fascinate me.  This social bird with long legs and long curvy neck looks so stately and graceful.  But it is their color that makes them stand out.  As newborns, they are a bland white and grey.  But because of their shrimp and algae diet high in carotenoids, they turn this beautiful vibrant pinkish orange.  I guess the saying is true then, “You are what you eat!”

Today’s verse refers to a diet of “meat” meaning the more profound truths of Scripture.  The one who has a steady diet of meat is the one who is trained in righteousness (verse 12) and can distinguish good from evil.  It is a process over time and constant use.  Meat is not just knowledge or citing verses by memory.  Meat and spiritual maturity come from a constant use of God’s Word in daily life.  Over time the meat-eater will be able to teach and mentor others (verse 12).

It is not difficult to see who are mature in their walk with the Lord.  A long steady diet of God’s Word slowly changes believers, giving them wisdom to choose the right path.  Our spiritual maturity is not measured in years but in consecrated time in His Word and in intentional application.  Obeying God’s Word and hiding it my heart slowly changes me from the inside out.  If I am what I eat, then what color am I?  Am I still white and grey, pale pink or the most brilliant pinkish orange?

Lord, keep me motivated to read and apply Your Word today!


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The Water Lily

Scripture 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.”

Water lilies fascinate me!  Their beautiful white and pink flowers look as if they bloom effortlessly as they serenely  float on the surface of the water.  They can be seen on lakes or ponds whose waters are still, and they can root up to seven feet deep.  If left undisturbed they can cover hundreds of acres of water.  Because they float, they access the sunlight unhindered by taller plant species.  Their leaves lie flat on the water soaking up all that light.  The result is beautiful!

Today’s verse tells us that the commands of the Lord are radiant.  They give all the light needed to grow and thrive in life.  His commands refresh the soul and make simple people wise (verse 7).  They give joy to the heart.  Each and every direction God gives is right and completely trustworthy.  Obeying His laws makes our lives beautiful.

I do not normally think of rules and regulations as a source of joy.  But just as a child can feel unloved and neglected without parental boundaries, so we too can feel as if God does not care if He had not given us His commands.  They are a sign of His love.  He cares that I succeed in life and He has shown me how.  His commands and precepts are designed with my welfare in mind, not to limit me or restrict my freedom.  They can give joy to my heart when I see them as proof of His tenderness and care.

Lord, keep me in the still water, soaking up the light of Your presence today!


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The Flying Buttress

Scripture for Today: I Timothy 3:15 “If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.”

The flying buttress pictured here is part of the Notre Dame of Paris.  In the 1100’s the architects built these supports for many of the Gothic cathedrals.  Normally, a buttress was built as an integral part of the side walls for additional support.  The flying buttress not only supported the heavy stone roof but also allowed for more light.  With the supports arching away from the building, more of the walls could be made of windows, making the interior lighter and brighter.

Today’s verse describes the Church as a pillar and buttress of truth.  Both of these structures serve as an image of support and reinforcement for the truth of God’s Word.  Truth has the strength and power to sustain and strengthen.  Being bolstered by the truth allows believers to bear up against the lies of the Deceiver.

The support of a pillar can be found on the interior or exterior of a building.  But the buttress is clearly on the exterior.  It is more vulnerable to the elements and more easily seen.  Standing for the truth out in the world can make one a target for persecution.  But in the end, the truth does stand.  Jesus said that the gates of Hell will never prevail against the Church that He has built (Matt. 16:18).

The structure is not the Church.  The pillars or the buttresses are not the Church.  The roof and walls may fall down over time.  But still His Church overcomes because He resides in believers (I Cor. 6:19).

Lord, keep me standing for the truth of Your Word.


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Updated

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 13:8-9a “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teaching.”

My phone and computer both love to suggest updates in the middle of my busiest times!  I never like being interrupted as it takes time to prepare and complete the update.  But I do understand the importance of adding new features and protecting against viruses and spam.  Some of the updates alter a site so much that I need to re-learn how to navigate it.  However, the extra effort is usually worth it.

In a world where technology is in a constant state of change, it is comforting to know that my Savior does not need an “update.”  Our verse for today teaches that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.  He is perfect and needs no alterations!  He is always up to date with what is happening.  There is never a need for a new and improved version.  There is never a connection issue or a lack of response.

Everything that we need to know about the Lord is revealed in His Word.  He does not change nor does His revelation.  His message transcends time and is always current.  The God of the Old testament is the same God as of the New.  His faithfulness and power shown then is the same faithfulness and power He shows today.

I need Him to be constant and not capricious.  I need Him to be faithful to His Word and unchangeable.  What was proven true in times past continues to be true today.  He is perfect and perfection has no need of change.

Thank you Lord, that You do not change and I can always count on You.


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All Directions!

toutes-directionsScripture for Today: Joshua 1:7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law My servant Moses gave you.; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.”

These signs are common in France.  Apparently, everywhere I want to go is to the left!  “All Directions” is actually a helpful indication when trying to change course.  It helps to know how to change direction when confused.  Details come later.  This sign at least points toward major streets from which one can exit the area.  By following it, one can avoid going around in circles and getting tied up with one-way streets.

Today’s verse calls for strength and courage.  This is the charge the Lord gave directly to Joshua as he took over as leader of the Israelites.  The law came through Moses but was not to be considered invalid at his death.  Obedience to the law was to continue.  And following it would bring blessing and success.  But there was plenty of temptation to turn away from it.  A few steps to the left or to the right would be detrimental.  The verse warns us to be careful not to turn away from what God had said.

There are signs everywhere encouraging us to turn off with promises of an easier route.  The sign, “All Directions” is everywhere.  Surely, there is more than one way.  Try this route, or maybe that one is just as valid with less trouble.  There are roads that are narrow that lead to life or there are roads that are wide that lead to destruction (Matt 7:13-14).  How important it is to choose well!

Give me strength and courage Lord, to carefully follow Your way!