Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Peace


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Ruffled Feathers

Scripture for Today: Psalm 37:7 “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways; when they carry out their wicked schemes.”

This Griffin Vulture has a mean look but even more concerning are his ruffled feathers! A bird will ruffle his feathers for a variety of reasons. It may be that he is preening himself, shaking off the dirt or feather dust. Or he may be ruffling his feathers against the cold, trying to keep warm. But at times those ruffled feathers standing upright around the neck can indicate that the bird is angry, upset and trying to relieve that tension! This bird behavior is what is referred to when we ruffle someone’s feathers, upsetting or annoying them.

Today’s verse describes someone who well could have ruffled feathers. This is the one who frets when seeing the wicked succeed in their evil schemes. Instead of feeling frustration at people who seem to get away with wrongdoing, we are to be still.  We are to wait patiently in God’s presence for Him to act. The wicked may seem to succeed in their grab for power or in their widespread lies and deception. But sooner or later there will be consequences they will have to face.

There seems to be more occasions these days to fretI But to be in that constant state of righteous indignation is emotionally exhausting! What’s more, I do not bring about God’s justice and retribution any sooner by getting worked up! My feathers can stay smooth and calm in that place of faith in God’s ultimate justice. I can live life with a light heart, laughing at the days to come (Prov. 31:25) because God laughs at the wicked (Psalm 37:13)!

Help me Lord, to refrain from fretting and to be still.


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Guard Rooster

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

It is normal to think of guard dogs, but who ever heard of a guard rooster? A delivery man recently found out all about it! Caught on a doorbell camera video, Fred the rooster, showed just how protective he could be! The delivery man tried to take a non-threatening stance with hands up in the air, but being new, he was harassed anyway. With his delivery he also delivered the message, “Not cool,” before sprinting back to his truck with Fred in hot pursuit!

Today’s verse talks about our hearts and minds that need guarding. It is the peace that Christ Jesus provides that does the guarding. His peace stands guard against worry and fear. His peace also guards against the flight of our imaginations and all the “what if’s.” Without His peace we are vulnerable to troubling, sleep-stealing worries. But His peace surpasses any attempt at explaining it, as it is possible to have in the middle of the most worrisome circumstances. And this peace is the result of giving all our anxieties to the Lord in prayer.

I sometimes think I unwittingly shoo away this guard by neglecting to pray.  These verses encourage me to bring everything to Him, not just the big worries that I think are worthy of His notice. His love is so intimate that He cares about whatever is preoccupying me. His peace is the best answer there is to keep even the small worries from accumulating!

Thank you, Lord, that Your peace calms me down.


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Face to Face

Scripture for Today: Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.“

Being “face to face” has new meaning in our day. And perhaps with all the connections we make through the computer screen, we have come to value and more deeply appreciate those in-person times. But with masks covering faces, even those in-person opportunities seem to lack an important component; the face. Sometimes that fleeting smirk, the quickly lifted eyebrow or the passing twinkle in the eye can be missed. So much of connection is made through our facial expressions. We communicate acceptance, compassion, and forgiving grace without ever saying a word.

Today’s verses are a priestly prayer given directly by the Lord to Moses. He was to pass it on to Aaron and his sons to be spoken over the Israelites in order to bless them. When God turns His face towards us, we are restored and saved. (Psalm 80:3) When He shines His face or presence in our lives we experience His grace and peace. We are told to seek His face (Ps. 27:8) and when we see His face we are satisfied. (Ps.17:15) As God is spirit, His face is a picture of His favor and blessing.

God’s “face” is turned away from those who are evil. (Ps. 4:16) It is only because of Christ and His righteousness that God can look on me with favor and blessing. His face is turned toward me every day because of His grace and mercy. It is because of this face-to-face relationship that I can live and move and have my being. (Acts 17:28) His face turned on me means deep heart-felt peace and blessing found nowhere else.

Thank you Lord, for turning Your beautiful face on me!

 

 


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Upside Down Tree

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

Does anyone else feel that this sort of tree would be appropriate for Christmas this year? There was a time when the upside down Christmas tree was all the rage (and judging from this advertisement from Wayfair, they are still available!) I would see them decked out and hanging from the ceiling in boutiques. Aside from the fact that bumping my head was a possibility, the logic of something being top heavy escapes me! But logic may not be important here. Maybe it is all about how something looks! And Christmas looks a lot different this year.

Today’s verse puts the accent where it belongs. And it is not on how we decorate, what foods we enjoy nor what gifts we exchange. Christmas first and foremost is about the gift of Christ. What a pivotal moment in history this was, that God would humble Himself and enter our world as a baby!  At that instant, everything changed.  From the courts of Heaven He lowered Himself into our messy world to redeem us.  He brought light and life to a hopeless hurting world.  And He did it out of love for each of us!

It does seem to be a messy world right now. For a variety of reasons, divisions run deep in families. Disappointments and dashed hopes mark the Christmas season for many. The usual distraction of concerts, parties and even family gatherings have been stripped away. But what remains is a baby in a manger. What remains is an indescribable Gift. The truth of Christmas can never be stripped away. We celebrate His first coming. We look forward to His second coming. And before too long, He will be asking each of His children to come home.

Lord, the gift of Yourself is indescribable.


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At the End of the Roll

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”

Who would have thought it! First folks were hoarding toilet paper in this time of pandemic. And now, so many months down the line, the hoarding has moved to paper towels! There are similarities in the material being disposable paper and in being on a roll. With both there may be a sense of panic or at least concern when coming to the end of that roll! The French have a saying for running out of money; “au bout du rouleau,” meaning to be at the end of the roll.

For the believer, we need not ever panic when it comes to finances.  Today’s verse gives us a promise.  He will supply all our needs.  His store of supplies will never run out.  One can never come to the end of the riches of His glory. Paul wrote this verse while in prison.  He experienced all kinds of hardship and yet he was able to affirm this truth.  God took care of all his needs.  I am sure that while traveling on his mission trips, he saw God supply all his needs.

I can affirm the truth of this promise.  For the last 33 years in full time ministry my husband and I have seen God provide for all of our needs through individuals and churches.  Some times were leaner than others.  But the Lord has always come through for us. My problem is distinguishing between what is “need” and what is “want.”  God’s Word does not promise to supply all I want.  (I know, I’ve looked!)  He knows the difference.  But He loves to give good gifts and His generosity is amazing!

Thank you Lord for Your faithful care.