Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Submission


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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.


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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!