Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Submission


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The Woodworking Plane

Scripture for Today: Philippians 2:13 “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”

Wood shop in high school was for the boys.  Perhaps it was just as well that I stayed away from those power tools and sharp instruments!  How the wood got to be so smooth, flat and level remained a mystery, only because I was too disinterested to find out.  But when my Dad took up woodworking as a hobby, he taught me to appreciate those smooth flawless surfaces and the effort it took to achieve.  The planer shaves off those high places in the wood, making the surface level.

Today’s verse reveals that God is continually working in us.  His goal is to mold our desires and actions to mirror His.  He has a purpose for this work and we can trust that it is a good purpose because He is good.  He is working to make us smooth and level by taking out the high places in us.  He is opposed to the proud (James 4:6) and will work to flatten those thoughts of superiority and self sufficiency.  The result is something beautiful that He can use!

Having my pride worked on hurts!  That blade is shaving off what does not belong.  It is humbling to be brought down to the right size.  He may use the reprimand of others.  He may use a miserable failure and allow me to fall flat on my face!  He often uses His Word to convict and point out areas that need flattening.  Whatever the case, it is not a comfortable experience.  But when it is all over, He gives favor to the one He has humbled.

Oh how I need Your favor today!  Lord, keep me smooth and humble.

 


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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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Just a Kernel

Scripture for Today: John 12;24 “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

I am a city girl so I am proud of myself if I can even identify what is growing in that passing field as wheat!  And the whole process of turning that wheat into something edible seems involved to me, from the threshing and winnowing to the milling.  But none of this happens until a seed gives up its life and is buried in the soil.

Today’s verse uses the kernel of wheat as an image of what an unselfish giving life can produce.  Jesus is predicting His own death and challenging the disciples to be willing to lose their lives (verse 24).  The one who loves his own life and lives only for himself will not experience the honor promised to those who serve Him (verse 26).  Even though His soul was troubled (verse 27) Jesus was resolute to sacrifice His life as payment for sin.

My soul is troubled too with this thought.  Unlike Jesus, I am selfish to the core and grasp tightly my rights, dreams and desires.  Living for Him is fine in theory as long as it does not interfere with what I want!  Surrendering to Him my goals, my time and everything I own is what dying to self may mean.  I am to be a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1-2) and I struggle with this every day.  However, it is the only way to make my life really count.  There is so much truth in what C.T. Studd wrote, “Only one life will soon be past.  Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Lord, help me to live for You and not myself.

 

 


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Snowy Owl

Scripture for Today: James 3:17 “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

This pure white plumage on the Snowy Owl is remarkable!  We do not see them too often as they breed on the Artic tundra and only migrate south in search of lemmings.  They are unlike other owls in that they hunt and are active both day and night.  But it is their snow white appearance that makes them stand out!  The females never become completely white, but the males become progressively whiter as they age.

The owl has long been associated with wisdom in Greek and Roman mythology and in Aesop’s Fables.  Perhaps it is because owls are always asking questions!  Today’s verse lists several descriptions of wisdom, beginning with the word, “pure.”  Wisdom is first of all pure.  That makes sense as the beginning of wisdom comes from the fear of the Lord and following His precepts (Ps. 111:10).  The one who is wise is the one who is careful to follow God’s way.  That purity demonstrates itself in the list of characteristics that follow.

Funny, I do not usually link the words, “wise” and “pure” together.  Like so many, I think of the wise as educated, successful, well-respected, well-read and continually learning.  But fearing the Lord and the purity that comes from obeying Him is the “wisdom that comes from heaven.”  It may not be the wisdom widely recognized by the world, but who am I trying to please?  It is not what I know but Who I know that gives me the possibility of living wisely.  He is the source of true wisdom and a life well-lived.

Lord, thank you for giving me wisdom to live life Your way.


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Bobbleheads

mixdog3.1_zpssdmivvlsScripture for Today: Proverbs 15:12 and 31 “Mockers resent correction so they avoid the wise. Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.”

I am not sure what the attraction is, but it most be there for the bobblehead collector.  These figurines have springs that connect their heads to their bodies, causing their heads to wobble up and down.  They used to be made of ceramic when manufactured by German toy makers in the 18th century.  Since then they have been made of paper-mache, resin or plastic.  It must be good for the morale to have them always agreeing with you, nodding that head up and down!  How affirming to be surrounded by total agreement to every thought or suggestion!

Today’s two proverbs encourage the reader to be comfortable and welcoming to the idea of correction.  That is not always our first response.  We are much more at ease with continuing our course as planned.  To change it up is often uncomfortable.  Add to that the blow to our pride to be incorrect and the whole experience can be negative.

I do not look at myself as a “mocker” but I do sometimes resent correction.  I know it is because of my pride.  I just do not like being wrong!  But to resent that correction is to turn away from what is “life-giving.”  It is through the painful and repeated process of correction from the wise that I can become wise myself.  And the correction that comes from the Source of wisdom and understanding is the most life-giving of all (Job 12:13).  His correction is always right and good and for my good.  Can I take it or does my pride get in the way?

Lord, help me to be open to Your correction today.