Scripture for today: Romans 8:17 “Now if we are God’s children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.”
I’ve always been drawn to the fleur de lys, symbol of French royalty! I wear it as jewelry and enjoy seeing it in the architecture and decoration of the French châteaux. It means lots of different things to different people. I like the symbolism of life, love and perfection! In any case, I do not intend to show allegiance when wearing this symbol. I have a higher allegiance as a child of God.
Our verse reminds me of my identity in Christ. I am not only a subject of the King, I am a child of the King. What an amazing thought! As His child I have access to the throne room of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! (Heb.4:16) I belong there! Because of the grace shown by Christ’s sacrifice, God extends to me His scepter, just as King Xerxes did for Queen Esther so long ago. His throne is called a “throne of grace” because there He dispenses His mercy and help in time of need. Isn’t that all the time?
I am not so sure I like the part about suffering. But in our fallen world suffering is inevitable, especially for doing the right thing. Thankfully, the verse ends on a positive note! I have hope and can look forward to sharing in His glory! Would that I remember that my allegiance belongs to the King and not to the world. He is a King full of love and grace, welcoming me to His throne room.
Remind me today Lord, that I am Your child and heir.
Category Archives: Self Image
Garlands
Scripture for Today: Proverbs 4:9 “She (wisdom) will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”
What flower garland on the head does not make a woman feel more beautiful? Even as little girls, we play with field flowers, making chains and placing them on our heads. We pretend we are princesses and prance around feeling special. There does seem to be something royal about a garland on the head as it can resemble a tiara. The bridal industry understands this and there is quite a wide choice of flower garlands for the big day.
Our verse for today describes wisdom as being that garland or crown. Wisdom in a life makes it beautiful and graceful. Wisdom, or skillful living, even brightens the face and changes its hard appearance! (Eccl. 8:1) More important than physical beauty, a wise life exudes a loveliness and grace that does not diminish with time. Who would not want that? Where is this wisdom found?
God’s Word leaves no doubt as to the source of wisdom. The first time wisdom is mentioned is in Genesis 3:6 where Eve disobeyed God in an effort to gain wisdom. That did not work out so well! Wisdom is found in obeying and loving His Word as is declared repeatedly in Psalm 119. The Lord gives this wisdom as knowledge and understanding come from His mouth (Prov. 2:6).
The image of garlands and crowns brings to mind beauty and honor. That is just how a life looks that is marked by wisdom. Right choices lead to lives uncomplicated by sorrow from sin. Confidence in God’s promises changes our outlook and our demeanor. Obedience to our Creator is wise living that creates grace and glory!
Lord, grace my head with Your wisdom today.
“Special”
Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:14 “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
The word, “special” in French can mean specific, exceptional or a little odd or different, depending on the context. I like the fact that I can play with this word and leave it up to the listener as to which meaning is intended! My husband is special as seen by the look of surprise and wonder on the face of the statue! At some time or other in our thirty-five years of marriage, he has fit all three meanings!
I have come to appreciate our differences. Trying to remake my husband to be like me has never worked. What makes him “special” can be what adds spice and interest to our lives. But often the very thing that drew me to him is also the very thing that can drive me up a wall! I know he can say the same about me!
How varied is God’s creation! How boring if we were all made the same! Each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made. Each of us is a wonderful intentional work of His hands. Our differences not only make life richer but reveal His incredible creativity!
I am thankful to have been intentionally created the way I am. The exact combination of DNA that is me is not a product of chance. God, my Creator, put me together for His purposes, first and foremost to give Him glory. He purposed to give me my personality, looks, talents, intellect, and my spiritual gifting to love Him and serve Him. Someday, without sin and in His presence, I will be able to be the best me!
Lord, help me embrace my differences and with them praise You as my Creator!
“He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not”
Scripture for Today: Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
I had no idea until now that the game of pulling off daisy petals has its origin in France! It is called, “effeuiller la marguerite,” and the idea of course is to determine if the object of your affection returns your love. The phrase, “he loves me, he loves me not,” is repeated with the removal of each petal until with the last petal comes the answer. This phrase exists in thirty three languages so this game seems to be worldwide. I remember playing this as a young girl but was not too convinced with either outcome.
I never have to play this game with God. Unlike human relationships, there are no games involved. He has made a commitment to love me and He never goes back on His promise. Our verse for today reassures me of the permanence of His love. There is no dark power that can interfere with His love. There is no unforseen event in my future that can change His love. Death itself cannot annul His indescribable love for me. Paul was convinced of this truth and it changed his life. He found this love when he found Jesus Christ. And we find this incredible love in the same person!
Does He love me more today than yesterday? Will He love me more tomorrow than today? As He is love by His very nature, the answer is “no.” His love is a perfect love that cannot be improved upon. The answer is always, “He loves me.”
Fête de la Musique
Scripture for Today: Psalm 149:3-4 “Let them praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with victory.”
We just celebrated the Fête de La Musique here in Alsace. Every June 21st, the streets are filled with free concerts and impromptu dancing, celebrating the first day of summer. This all-day music festival was launched in 1982 by the French Ministry for Culture. The idea was to make concerts free and accessible to everyone. Its purpose was also to encourage the amateurs, especially after a study showed that in 1982 one of every two French children played a musical instrument. Since its beginning it has spread to over 100 countries in Europe and all over the world.
Our verse for today speaks of another reason to sing and dance. The Lord takes delight in me! The context of this verse says that the Lord is my Maker. He has personally fashioned me and created me to belong to Him! He is also my King. My allegiance is to Him and He rules my life. Having a humble attitude as His subject means that He crowns me with victory. As wonderful as the arrival of summer is, these reasons to celebrate are far more impressive!
I am overwhelmed with the idea that God could take delight in me. It just does not seem possible. I know my own black heart. But He sees me through the righteousness of His Son, Jesus. He sees the perfect me. That is reason enough to burst into jubilant song with music! (Psalm 98:4) He delights in me and has given me victory!
For the believer, every day can be a Fête de la Musique! May this day be filled with praise and song to You!
Devotions By Jan 