Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Guidance


by Leave a comment

Good Taste

Scripture for Today: Job 34:3-4 “For the ear tests words as the tongue tests food. Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.”

This cat looks to be enjoying ice cream almost as much as I do!  Our Tiger never tasted the stuff because I was always unwilling to share.  However, I have given him as taste of yogurt and he was thrilled.  I imagine many cats enjoy foods that involve milk or cream.  But I still remember the veterinarian warning us that the digestive system of an adult cat does not take too well to drinking milk.  Although the taste is delicious, it is not so good for him.

Today’s verse records the advice of one of Job’s three friends.  Elihu was eager to help Job discover the reason for his troubles.  He had a lot to say but it was off the mark.  Certainly, we are to test what we hear and listen with discernment.  Just as we taste food to see if it has a pleasing flavor, so we “taste” what we hear to decide if it rings true.  The problem is that we all have differing taste buds.  What seems right and good to one can seem wrong and sour to another.  Our subjectivity gets in the way of finding absolute truth.

Thankfully, we do not have to discern for ourselves what is right.  It is not up to us to come to some sort of consensus.  God’s Law goes beyond individual opinion or cultural norms.  God’s Law does not change with the times.  Surveys and votes do not change what God has put in place.  And not only does it taste good, but it is good for us!

Help me Lord, to discern what You call good and right.


by Leave a comment

Ask!

Scripture for Today: James 1:5 “But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him.”

I can ask Google anything.  Apparently, there are no questions too stupid that it will not answer.  In fact, when asking something very obvious that everyone should know, it does not make fun of me or roll its eyes!  I get no attitude from Google.  Imagine it saying, “What?  You don’t know that?” or, “I answered that yesterday!  Can’t you remember anything?” In the privacy of my own home I can ask it anything without fear of disdain for my stupidity!

Asking questions from people can be humbling.  It is difficult to put aside one’s pride and admit not knowing.  My motto is often, “Fake it ’til you make it.”  How often I have continued a phone conversation despite not knowing which Kathy or Jim is on the line!  My pride prevents me from asking for a last name.  No one likes to admit not knowing.

Today’s verse encourages the believer to ask for wisdom from the Lord.  He does not reprimand us for not knowing.  There is no exasperation on His part.  He is patient and understanding.  But we do not receive this wisdom until two things happen: we recognize our lack and we humble ourselves enough to ask Him.

Google is not infallible and it is limited to just the facts.  Google cannot help me to live my life with skill and godliness.  However, God invites me to approach Him with faith, anywhere and anytime for help with any area.  He is the limitless and infallible source of every answer I need!

Help me Lord, to turn to You today for every answer!


by Leave a comment

The Horse

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 32:9  “Be not like the horse or the mule, which lack understanding, which must have their mouths held firm with bit and bridle, or else they will not come with you.”

“Flicka” was the name of the horse I rode as a camp counselor at Summer Park Ranch in New Mexico.  She was sweet and calm for the most part.  She did have some intestinal problems that meant we were always at the end of the line, but I enjoyed her submissive spirit, most of the time.

Flicka had the problem of being what is called, “barn sour.”  She was fine leaving the barn for the trail.  But the minute we turned towards home, she picked up speed.  Off she would trot or even gallop in anticipation of being back at the barn to eat and rest.  As an inexperienced teenager, I had to learn how to use that bit and bridle to slow her down.  It was never easy.

In our verse today we are told not to be like the horse needing a bit and bridle.   They need to be controlled as they have no real understanding of what is good for them.  We, on the other hand, know we need the help and guidance that the Lord offers.  The context of this verse is a promise to instruct and teach us in the way we should go.  He does not force us in a certain direction with a bit and bridle.  He instead waits for quiet submission on our part to be led by Him.  I need His guidance.  There are choices ahead that I do not dare make on my own.  His way is the way I want.

Lord, keep me from following my own limited understanding.  Guide me in Your perfect way.

 


by Leave a comment

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)


by Leave a comment

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.)