Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Submission


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Peaceful River

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 48:18 “If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.”

There is something so restful about water.  It has such a calming affect on the spirit.  The reflections on the surface of the still water can make me sigh.  And the repetitive sounds of the waves gently lapping the shore lull me into a sense of well-being.  Stay long enough and tensions leave the body and time seems to stand still.  The water mesmerizes me and when I leave it, I somehow leave refreshed.

Today’s verse describes our peace and well-being like a river.  That peace comes as a result of following God’s way.  His way includes leading us by quiet waters and restoring our souls (Psalm 23:2).  His commands are designed for our good.  He teaches us what is best for us (verse 17).  But in our independent spirit, we do not pay attention to how He leads, or if we do, we think we know better!  That peaceful river alludes us as we move away from the Lord of peace.

When I am listening and obeying God’s voice, I experience peace with Him.  There are sweet times and a clear sense of His pleasure when I am not fighting Him.  Submitting to Him can be a struggle, but worth the effort when I can feel that deep heart peace in the middle of turmoil around me.  He calms my spirit and anxious thoughts.  Regardless of my circumstances, the still waters of His peace get me through, guarding my heart.

Lord, keep me obedient and close to the quiet waters of Your peace today.

 


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Cranberry Bogs

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 44:3 “For I will pour water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring, and My blessing on your descendants.”

It about took my breath away!  We were driving the back roads near Plymouth, MA when we rounded the corner and saw a shimmering field of red!  The cranberry bog was being flooded with water and the brilliant October sun was hitting it just right.  The farmers flood the area with up to eighteen inches of water to free the cranberries from the vine.  Then because of the small pocket of air contained in the cranberries, they float to the surface, ready to be harvested.

Water is of course essential to growing most anything but with “wet harvesting” it also plays an important role in getting access to the fruit.  Today’s verse pictures God’s Spirit like that water so important to fruit production.  Without His work we remain a thirsty land.  Without His blessing we continue life as dry ground.  But oh how it all changes when the Holy Spirit moves and works in people’s hearts.

When I try producing fruit and good works in my own strength, I am using thirsty land and dry ground.  I need the Holy Spirit to flood my efforts with His life-producing water and power.  I can do nothing in my own strength.  It is not how busy I am doing things for others.  It is not how many Bible verses I know.  It is allowing Him to work through me as I depend on Him.  It is getting my ego out of the way and being about His glory.

Lord, please pour out today the blessing of Your Spirit.


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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.

 


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Kickboxing

Scripture for Today:  Acts 26:14  “We all fell to the ground and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?  It is hard to kick against the goads.'” 

I have tried different kinds of workouts throughout the years, but never kickboxing.  It not only seems like a good exercise, but it looks like a good way to work out frustration!  I learned that there are three kinds of kicks to get started; front, side and roundhouse.  One starts by kicking at nothing.  Then one kicks at a bag, pads or a punching dummy.  Kickboxing is said to tone the body, increase stamina and provide a great cardiovascular workout.

Our verse for today speaks of kicking against goads.  When an ox was young and first yoked to a wagon, there would be a bar studded with wooden spikes at its front end.  If the ox submitted to the yoke and cooperated, there was no problem.  It was only if the young ox kicked that he would hurt himself.  With bright blinding light from heaven, Jesus confronts Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus.  Not only was Saul persecuting Jesus in persecuting Christians, but he was hurting himself as well.  He was like that young ox, kicking at the goads rather than submitting to God.

Jesus promises that His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matt. 11:30).  When I am submitting to what He wants in my life than I can attest to the wonderful truth of this verse.  But there are times when I am wanting to pull away and go my own way.  When that happens, I am kicking against the goads and hurting myself, making life a lot harder.

Thank you Lord, that submitting to You makes life’s burdens easier to bear.

(Look familiar?  This is a 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.