Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Guidance


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Blocked

IMG_20140302_150852Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:93  “I will never forget your precepts, for by them You have preserved my life.”

When walking in the vineyards above our house, I encountered a metal barrier.  Apparently, work was being done as I could see some equipment in the distance.  I really did not want to change my route, being a creature of habit.  So, I made my way around that barrier.  Maybe it was not such a good idea.  As the picture shows, work was being done to shore up the path that had fallen away.  To continue my walk I had to hang on to that chain link fence.  It was not a comfortable experience!

I could have blamed the advice of a fellow walker who had come from that direction.  She told me it was just fine to ignore the barrier.  It was really only there for the bicyclists.  But in fact, I could only blame myself for finding myself in a precarious position.

I could not help but think of the road blocks the Lord erects in my life.  His precepts and commandments turn me back, turn me around and basically change my route.  When I ignore them, I also find myself in uncomfortable and sometimes precarious positions.  He blocks my way to save my life!  He changes my wayward path because He loves me and wants to see me succeed.

Rather than see His precepts as positive and a blessing, I often think like the woman on my path.  The rules are not really for me.  Somehow, I am exempt.  They are really meant for others who are weaker.  I forget that those barriers are there for my good!

Thank you Lord, for Your infinite patience with me!  Help me never forget that going Your way means life!

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


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Tethered

Scripture for Today:  Proverbs 17:24  “A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.”

This was a common sight when our son was quite young.  The French preschools would often use a tether to keep young children in line.  The “monitrice” could not hold everyone’s hand.  Without that tether those little ones were tempted to go in all kinds of directions.  All it took was one little distraction for a child to wander off.  The tether insured that they would all arrive safely to their destination.  Of course, the system would fail if one of those little hands decide to drop the tether!

Our verse for today describes a fool whose eyes wander away from what is wise.  Wisdom is the tether that keeps the discerning person from wandering.  The fool is easily distracted away from wisdom.  The adulteress in Prov. 5:6 is wandering aimlessly and does not even know it!  The love of money causes one to let go of the tether and wander from the faith (I Tim. 6:10).  It is so easy to be like sheep, following the wrong shepherds.  We wander all over the mountains and forget our resting place (Jer. 50:6).

We are told that Christ is the wisdom of God (I Cor. 1:24).  Holding on to Him is wise.  The problem is that I am “prone to wander…prone to leave the God I love.”  I am so easily distracted.  I drop that tether to go check something out and end up going in the wrong direction.  He wants to direct my paths.  When I trust in my own understanding or ideas, I wander off that path.

Lord, keep me discerning enough to hang on to You!

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


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Walking Stick

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.”

As I approached the slippery rocks that allowed me to cross the stream, I remembered the advice from a friend; better use a walking stick.  We have two beautiful ones we have used for our Alpine hiking, but they were back at the house.  I picked up a dried out bamboo reed to use instead.  The problem was that it was too flimsy.  It did not support my weight when I leaned on it half way across.  Instead of helping me, it just about caused me to fall as it bent in half!

Our verse for today came to mind.  When I lean on my own understanding rather than trust God, I am using something flimsy that can let me down.  It may work for awhile, but at that crucial moment everything can fall apart.  My own understanding is so limited.  Depending on my own understanding means I may fall down or slip.  The path can become difficult with twists and turns that confuse me.  There is just so much I do not know.  And the more I study Scripture the more I realize I do not know!

Thankfully, I have the choice of leaning on Someone far more intelligent and wise than I am.  He sees what is ahead.  He knows the best course to take.  He will not let me down.  I do not need to apologize when I lean on Him.  He invites me to do so.  It is not a sign of weakness to need His strength and direction.

Thank you Lord, for holding me up and being totally trustworthy!  Help me trust You today.


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Static

Scripture for Today: John 5:39-40 “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.”

Remember the snow-looking static we used to see on televisions?  Modern televisions automatically turn to a blue screen when not receiving a transmission signal.  The old image was just a random dot pixel pattern which made no sense.  In northern Europe the pattern is different, looking like fast-flickering black bugs on a white screen.  They do not call it snow but “ant soccer!”  In either case, the static makes no sense.

Our verse for today is a quote from Jesus speaking to the Jewish leaders.  These men were diligent about studying Scripture.  But they were missing the fact that the Scriptures prophesied and testified of Jesus Himself.  Their study was not the source of eternal life.  The Source was standing right in front of them.  But as long as they refused to come to Christ in faith, those Scriptures would be like unintelligible static.

God’s Word is just noisy static to people today as well.  Study can be diligent and life-long, but without coming to Jesus with a humble open heart, there will be no understanding.  That is because it is His Spirit who guides us into all the truth (John 16:13).  His Spirit opens our spiritual eyes in a way that study without Him could never do.

The Lord does not owe me understanding.  I do not earn it.  He helps me understand because His Word is His love letter to me.  If I am only hearing static, then I need to start over with humble prayer for His clarity.

Thank you Lord, for the understanding You give out of Your grace.

 


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Blank Sign

sign unnamedScripture for Today: Isaiah 48:17 “This is what the Lord says, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.'”

I love walking the trails that meander through the hills surrounding San Juan Capistrano.  The peace and quiet of this gem of nature refreshes my soul!  I am just learning the trails and there are many choices of route.  I carefully look at each trail name so as not to lose my way.  I was surprised at this blank sign which gave me no help at all!

Our verse for today is a special reassurance that God is directing our steps.  The signs He displays put us on the best paths.  His signs are never blank.  They clearly point out His promises and commandments.  Following them gives the most enjoyable views and the straightest paths.  He wants to direct us to the path that is the absolute best!

There are plenty of blank signs around that do not help.  These are signs representing the arguments and pretensions of those without Christ (II Cor. 10:5).  They steer away from knowledge and obedience to the Lord.  They pretend to show a better way but are in fact blank, being hollow and deceptive philosophy (Col. 2:8).  They do not lead to a better life but a more arduous pathway.

Anytime I ignore His clear signs, I am settling for something that is less than best for me.  As my Creator, He knows what direction will bring me the most challenge, the most joy and the most satisfaction.  It is no mystery.  His signs are clearly marked in His Word.

Thank you Lord, that the path You have chosen is the very best one!