Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Submission


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Falcon Mascot

unnamedScripture for Today: Job 28:20-21 “Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell? It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds in the sky.”

Our daughter teaches at a very expensive private high school with a campus that rivals those of many universities.  I have enjoyed working out in their large and posh exercise room.  Overhead hangs their falcon mascot keeping an eye on things.  The eyesight of a falcon is extraordinary, seeing two to eight times better than humans.

Our verse for today comes from a chapter describing the difficulty in finding wisdom.  It is hidden from every living thing, even and including birds of prey with their keen eyesight.  Verse 7 says specifically that no falcon’s eye has seen wisdom.  This beautiful poetic passage not only asks where wisdom can be found, but thankfully, gives the response.  But before arriving at the answer, many searches take place following the false leads of gold, silver, and precious stones.

The search continues for wisdom today and again, men follow these false leads.  It is assumed that those who prosper have a corner on wisdom.  As in these verses, we assume that wealth and wisdom go together.  Yet, David points out in Psalm 73:3 that the wicked prosper.  Are they wise?  They seem to be until one realizes their final destiny (verse 17).

The Lord makes it so clear how valuable wisdom is and where to find it.  It almost seems too simple.  Wisdom is found in fearing and following the Lord. (verse 28)  A simple concept but oh so difficult for me to live out!  He is the One and only Source and the closer I follow Him, the wiser I will be!

Thank you Lord, that You make wise living possible.  Keep me close to You.

 

 

 


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Baby Steps

Scripture for Today: Psalm 37:23 “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.”

Learning to walk has its ups and downs!  Our second grandson is getting ready to take his first steps.  It is a slow process, holding on to what is stable in order to be eventually stable one’s self.  What an adventure to find balance and courageously take that first step!  There is plenty of swaying and lots of plopping on the floor, but eventually his steps become firmer.  The hand is relinquished and a new independence is found!

Our verse for today is a promise for the one who delights in the Lord.  This is a conditional promise, addressed to the believer who relishes his relationship with God.  Delighting in the Lord describes a dependent relationship where one does not let go of His hand.  Unlike the development of a baby, the believer is to become progressively more dependent.  Letting go of His hand and going our own way puts us at risk of falling.

Life is not without its stumbles.  We learn greater trust and dependence when stumbling.  But falling down hard is not part of His plan for His children.  He is there at our sides to insure that it does not happen.  Unfortunately, it happens anyway as we let go of His hand to go our own way.

When I suddenly find myself sprawled on the ground asking myself, “What happened?” He stretches out His hand to lift me up.  Hopefully, the next time I think to wander off, I will hold on to His hand more tightly instead.

Lord, it is a delight to walk with You.  Keep me holding on to Your hand today.


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Flea Markets

Scripture for Today: I John 2:7 “Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old commandment is the message you have heard.”

I love a good flea market where someone’s castoffs become someone else’s treasure.  The biggest flea market in Europe takes place in Lille, France every September going back to the 12th century!  It is comprised of 10,000 sellers who man 62 miles of roadside stalls.  It runs continuously for thirty six hours and welcomes two and a half million visitors!  Everyone is sure to find something old that pleases!

Our verse for today is a reminder that what is old can very well hold its value.  John is repeating an old commandment that continues to be valid; to love one another.  From the beginning we are commanded to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, strength and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Deut. 6:5).  Jesus tells us that it is this commandment which sums up the whole Law (Luke 10:27).

This is an old commandment but still valid today, not to be thrown out with the Old Testament.  What was impossible to obey is now possible through Christ’s Spirit in us.  This old commandment was fulfilled perfectly in the life of Jesus.  Because He fulfilled the Law and gives me His Spirit, I can obey this long-standing commandment.

My problem is that I do not always choose to obey it.  Loving others has a way of disrupting my day!  I know I am incredibly selfish, and unlike the Lord, prefer to be served rather than serve.  But loving one another is a concrete and measurable way I can love my Lord.  More than anything, this thought spurs me to action!

Lord, make me a loving person today!


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Rocking the Boat

2512077-Falling-off-the-boat--on-purpose-of-course-1Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Everyone knows not to fidget and stand up in a boat.  Those that do are at risk to lose their balance and fall overboard.  Changing places with someone while in a moving boat can be especially tricky!  All that moving around rocks the boat and makes everyone aboard nervous.  There is much less risk of a fall overboard when calmly staying still in one place.

I feel like I am changing places in a moving boat.  With our transatlantic move, everything seems to be in upheaval.  The boat is rocking many times a day as we prepare.  Not only are we preparing our departure with a myriad of details but also our arrival on the other side.  Sometimes, anxiety gets the best of me with so much internal rocking and fidgeting that I feel I am falling.

I know from our verse for today that the Lord does not intend for me to react this way.  Whatever is rocking my boat is included in the phrase,”in every situation.”  For each and every emotion or logistic detail, He is waiting for me to give it to Him in prayer.  When I do, the tension dissipates.  The rocking stops.  I am not falling overboard.  In thanking Him, even in the difficulties, I am recognizing His hand and control.  I can sit still in the boat and feel His peace that goes beyond all understanding (verse 7).

Thank you, Lord, that You offer a life without anxiety and worry.  Your shoulders are big enough and I can give it all to You to bear.  Help me just sit still and enjoy the ride!


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Packing Fruit?

IMG_20141014_082419Scripture for Today: Galatians 5:22-23a “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Moving is such a life-changing and stressful time.  I am surrounded by numbered boxes and already I find myself needing something previously packed.  Every object I lay my hand on requires a decision.  Do I pack it in a box destined for the French studio or our American home?  Do I give it to a friend?  Do I give it to the thrift store?  Do I throw it away?  Do I sell it?  Will I regret the decision I just made?

One thing I do not have to think about is the perishables.  Whatever does not get eaten will at the end be given to the neighbors.  I would not make the mistake of packing the fruit!  However, when putting together these boxes, it is almost as if I have packed away fruit, that is the fruit of the Spirit.  I am stressed and crabby.  I am not so kind and loving to my husband.  So often, I lose it and self-control is out the window.

Our verse for today describes the one who is filled with and walking by the Spirit of God.  The results of being in close communion with Him are evident in one’s behavior and attitude.  I have none of these qualities on my own, especially in tense stressed moments.  But as a believer the Spirit of God resides in me.  The more I confess my inadequacies and turn to Him for help, the more He responds with this beautiful fruit.  These qualities describe to perfection the One I serve.  He is slowly (some days very slowly) producing His character or image in me!

Lord, especially in the middle of boxes, produce Your fruit in me!