Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Word


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Neglected

IMG_20140801_050547Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:15-16 “I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways. I delight in Your decrees.  I will not neglect Your Word.”

I have always been partial to the Volkswagon Bug ever since owning one in my single days.  It was a 1963 model with a round window in the back!  However, I do not know much about car maintenance.  Had I remained single and kept that car, I wonder if it would eventually look like the one pictured!

My husband will attest to the fact that I do not know how to change a tire or change the oil and I detest filling up.  He very kindly does those things for me.  I think the “idiot” light on the dash was named after me!

The neglect of a car can be serious and contribute to its demise.  But the neglect of God’s Word can be just as serious!  Just as a car needs regular tune-ups and good maintenance to run well, so we need to be in God’s Word.  Without God speaking to us, we begin to be run down and all the wear and tear of life becomes obvious.

David’s love of God’s Word is the subject of the longest Psalm.  Our verse for today expresses that love and respect for God’s decrees.  He not only reads them but he meditates and considers them.  Bible reading is like that.  God’s truths can penetrate our thoughts throughout the day.  His Word is life changing, slowly transforming our minds and hearts.  God’s thoughts renew our minds (Rom 12:2) so that we live as we were meant to live, continually new and shiny!

When I neglect God’s Word, I start looking like that car.  I know that my own ugly thoughts are not His.  Lord, keep me motivated to stay in Your Word.


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Erasers

388213_cookie_eraser_round_brownScripture for Today: Luke 16:17 “It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.”

I had no idea that erasers came in this form, looking good enough to eat!  If little ones were around who could not read, these erasers would probably end up in their mouths!  The erasers I grew up with were just the boring grey or pink kind.  When our children were growing up in the French schools, they were not asked to bring pencil erasers.  That is because they were required to write in pen and had special pen erasers.  But regardless of the type or form of eraser, we all need them for the many mistakes we know we will make.

Erasers are definitely needed for a few man-made laws still on the books.  It is against the law in North Dakota to serve beer and pretzels at the same time.  You can be fined for falling asleep under a hair dryer in Florida.  And it is a crime to molest butterflies in California!

Our verse for today describes the permanence of God’s Word.  His moral Law is without any mistake.  God is perfect and He does not make them, not in any area.  There is no need for erasers.  There is no need to revise or change His Law in order to be relevant.  What He says stands for all eternity.  His Law can not be explained away as being something true for another time but not for our day.  It is all valid and always will be.  Being inspired by God makes this Law different than any other standard.

Thank you Lord, that Your Law makes clear what is right or wrong.  And thank You for fulfilling that Law for me.

 

 


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Diamonds Are Forever?

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:96  “I have seen that everything has its limits and end; but Your commandment is exceedingly broad and without limits, into eternity.”

The phrase, “A diamond is forever,” is recognized by over 90% of Americans.  It was coined in 1947 by Frances Gerety as part of an advertisement.  Being that a diamond is one of the hardest substances known to man, it seemed appropriate.  The diamond is made up of carbon, one of the smallest atoms that can be bonded.  With high enough temperatures these atoms compress with some very strong bonds, making the diamond incredibly durable.  The thought is that a diamond is literally forever.  The first diamond in my wedding ring was not forever.  It somehow worked its way out of the setting and is gone forever.  My current diamond already has a longer life, coming from my Grandmother’s ring from the early 1900’s.  But I know that this diamond will not last forever.

Our verse for today teaches that everything has a limit and an end.  Our treasures on earth are vulnerable to moths and rust and thieves (Matt. 6:19).  With the advent of the new earth, everything in the old earth will pass away and be replaced by the new (Rev. 21:1).  So in fact, diamonds are not forever!  But something is!

God’s Word has no limits.  It is broad, viable for every age.  And it is without end.  It will continue into eternity.  Not one letter or stroke of the pen will disappear before heaven and earth do! (Matt. 5:18)  God’s Word is forever, unlike anything we can touch on this earth.  It only makes sense to make His Word my treasure.

Thank you Lord, that Your Truth is forever.  May I love and appreciate it just like precious treasure.


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Longevity

IMG_20140319_172509Scripture for Today: Mark 13:31  “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”

My dear friend just lost her husband.  He was 94 when he died, but no matter the age, it always seems too soon.  This sweet French lady is 90 and likely to soon be knocking on the door of eternity herself.  These advanced ages always impress me.  But what is even more amazing is the Bible she is showing me in this picture!  She received it as a young girl from her godmother.  That precious volume is at least 75 years old!  Yes, it is completely falling apart from years of use, but she still reads from it.  The leather is cracked and soft.  So many of the pages are torn and crinkled.  But what memories it holds for her of God’s faithfulness!  In her deep sadness and loneliness, she continues to turn to the source of comfort (Rom. 15:4).

Our verse for today talks about what will last and what will not.  Everything is temporal in this life but God’s Word stands forever.  It is eternal.  Some have tried to eradicate it.   But it is the Word of God and it will never pass away.

On the inside cover of one of our Bibles is the saying, “Either this Book will keep you from Satan, or Satan will keep you from this Book!”  Satan tries his best to keep people from reading God’s truth.  Its words reveal God’s character and plan of salvation.  It teaches us how to defeat Satan and his lies!  The Bible gives comfort and courage to persevere in my faith.  God’s Word changes my heart and mind.  There is blessing and renewed closeness to my Lord every time I open its pages!

Keep me in Your Word, Lord.  Keep me close to You!


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Mother’s Milk

Scripture for Today: I Peter 2:2-3  “…like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.”

It is amazing how quickly one forgets how much and how often a newborn baby needs feeding!  There is no other priority in their new little lives.  Their is no mistaking that hungry cry and what it means.  And there is only one way to quiet and satisfy their hunger….milk!

Our verse for today describes that same longing.  It is not something a believer ever need deny himself.  Although a mature believer will gradually add the meatier doctrines of the Bible, one never outgrows the need to review and appreciate the foundational truths, or milk.

Our verse for today describes the Word as pure.  It is 100% God’s Word.  Hearing others preach and comment on God’s Word is important and valuable.  But our own personal feeding is essential for our faith to grow.  Nothing can take the place of His personal message.  Having that sweet communion leaves me wanting more.  And it is when I read His Word for myself that I taste His kindness for me!

My El-Shaddai is kind.  This name of God seems to be derived from the Hebrew word for “breast.”  This brings to mind the idea of nourishment, supply and satisfaction!  Just as a nursing baby needs his mother to grow healthy and strong, so I need close quality time with the Lord for my faith to grow.  Through His written Word He reassures me of His love and presence, His control and care!  It is wonderful to grow in knowledge.  But my deepest desire is to grow closer to Him!

Thank you Lord, that You nourish my soul!