Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Guidance


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Checkmate

IMG_20151204_152757Scripture for Today:  James 4:15 “Instead you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

My grandsons had no idea where each chess piece should be placed to begin or even continue a game!  Their Nana sure could not help, but they had fun anyway, confidently moving the pieces around according to some unseen vision in their little heads!  The strategy escapes me but I do know enough to recognize that “check” is not what one wants to hear, and “checkmate” even less, signaling that the game is over.

Today’s verse talks about making plans for the future.  Of course it is important in reaching any goal to carefully plan a strategy.  A building is not begun without considering the estimated cost (Luke 14:28).  But this passage is speaking to the arrogance of making plans without thought to the plans the Lord may have.  We do not know what tomorrow will hold or whether we will have life and breath to carry out our future plans (verse 14).  The unexpected can always “check” or “checkmate” our progress.

When I make plans I want to always recognize that the Lord may have something different in mind.  Recognizing this keeps me humble and it keeps me in an attitude of submission.  Recognizing His control also keeps me asking and listening to Him.  As wonderful as I think my plan is, I do not want to miss out on something better!  He knows what tomorrow holds.  He knows what health issues I may be facing later or what financial challenge lay ahead.  Being overconfident about my plans is seen as “boasting” in the Lord’s eyes (verse 16).  There may be a change of plan but through it I can trust Him.

Lord, keep me following Your plan.


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The Cockpit

Boys in cockpit13335727_10157005095050254_8413032313725869777_nScripture for Today: Proverbs 4:11 “I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.”

It was an exciting moment for our two grandsons to be invited into the cockpit of the plane!  How sweet of these pilots to take the time and even let little William wear the hat!  That cockpit is usually off-limits and a bit of a mystery.  What actually goes on there is often surmised from television and film.  Yet, every time I board a plane, I am trusting that the pilots have a competent control of the plane.  I am trusting their instruments and education to lead me safely to the right destination.

The verse for today gives me that same kind of confidence.  I am trusting that following the way of wisdom will lead me to where I want to be.  The way of wisdom is quite simply following God’s way rather than our own.  Obedience to God’s timeless precepts and commands is wise, allowing us to avoid all kinds of pitfalls, pain, and detours.  Wisdom comes from fearing God enough to take Him at His word (Prov. 9:10).

The Lord does not often invite me into the cockpit.  He wants me to live by faith rather than by the sight of all those controls and gauges (II Cor. 5:7).  He knows what He is doing in my life even when I do not understand.  He asks me to trust Him.  He asks me to give over all the controls to Him.  He is leading me to the right destination.  He is leading me with His light and faithful care to His holy mountain, to where He is (Psalm 43:3).  What destination is more important than that?  I would rather trust Him than myself.

Thank you Lord, that Your control is completely trustworthy.


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The Right to Disconnect

Scripture for Today: Psalm 85:8 “I will listen to what God the Lord says; He promises peace to His people, His faithful servants – but let them not turn to folly.”

France has just passed a labor law that makes sending after-hour emails illegal between employer and employee!  The idea is to minimize work-related stress as technology often blurs the lines between personal and professional life.  Companies of over fifty employees are expected to comply.  I can understand the good intentions behind this law but can envision all kinds of complicated problems it can create too!  But the right to disconnect has its appeal.  When we leave work physically it would be nice to leave behind all thought of work as well.

Today’s verse is a declaration from David to listen to all that God says.  He connects listening to God’s voice with the peace of obedience and right relationship with Him.  This peace is promised to those who are faithful to obey Him.  But turning again to our own foolish ideas destroys that peace.  When we turn a deaf ear to His voice, we act like foolish sheep who get themselves into trouble.  We listen to the voice of our Shepherd so that we can follow His footsteps (John 10:27).

We all have the right to disconnect from God but it can be risky, especially after hours and on the weekends!  His voice keeps me out of trouble.  His voice keeps me from harm of my own making.  And His voice speaks peace to my soul.  He is so hard to hear sometimes with all the other voices clamoring for attention.  He is loud enough.  It is just that I am not quiet enough to wait and expect His voice.

Lord, I need to hear Your voice today.


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No Footprints

 Scripture for Today: Psalm 77:19 “Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, though Your footprints were not seen.”

When walking on the beach, I prefer making my own footprints rather than following the prints of someone else.  They may be too far apart or too close, or perhaps going a direction I don’t want to take.  One set of footprints brings to mind that well-known poem where two sets of footprints change to just one as the Lord carries us through the hard times.  That set of footprints is evidence of someone’s presence and a reassurance that we are not alone.

Today’s verse refers to a time when the Lord’s footprints were not seen.  The Israelites were led through the Red Sea.  God’s mighty power brought them out of bondage but there were no footprints to follow.  There was no precedent.  It had not been done before.  Those mighty waters blocked their way, but they obeyed God’s command to enter them.

There may not be footprints to follow as I walk by faith and not by sight (II Cor. 5:7).  There are times the Lord asks me to step out without seeing the next step so clearly.  He always reassures me of His presence but I sometimes wonder if I am on the right path.  Does He really want me to go through those waters?  Isn’t there an easier way?

I doubt God is really leading me when I see the path strewn with obstacles.  Something in me expects the path to be smooth, straight and relatively easy.  But He does lead me through deep waters.  He does it to show me His incredible power.  He does it to increase my faith.  And He does it so that I will depend on Him.

Lord, lead me today, even without footprints.

 

 


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Paragliding

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 46:4 “Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

How thrilling it must be to experience paragliding!  It amazes me to see these giant colorful “birds” floating effortlessly above.  They can reach incredible heights and cover long distances using the air currents and shifting their body weight.  The pilot will often use a variometer to find and stay in the core of a thermal.  It helps him realize when he is in sinking air and when he needs to find rising air.

Today’s verse is such a reassuring promise of the Lord’s sustaining power.  As my Creator He carries me at just the right moments.  He knows when I am losing altitude and lifts me up to where I need to be.  This sustaining power carries me right into my old age, allowing me to live life elevated!

How comforting to know that God rescues me when I am starting to fall.  But I can avoid that sinking feeling altogether with my own “variometer;” God’s Word.  His Word lets me know where those thermal air currents are.  His Word lets me know when I am losing my cruising altitude.  It is in following His instructions for life that I can stay aloft.  Without understanding and following His way, I risk slowing down and even falling.  But oh the benefits of obeying!  Life is less complicated.

There is nothing so reassuring as being carried in His strong arms.  I can relax knowing that He has my back!  I can even enjoy the ride and those beautiful vistas.

Thank you Lord, for carrying me today!