Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Suffering and Trials


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Images

IMG_20130724_112152Scripture for Today:  II Corinthians 3:18a  “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory….”

We recently toured the famous printing factory called the “Imagerie d’Epinal.”  It has been there since the early 1880’s and is still using today some of the old fashioned hand-operated presses.  We saw several different methods of imprinting images including wooden engravings, moulding and lithographs, like the one pictured here.

These images were used to make cards, posters and literature.  They featured religious or military subjects, Napoleonic history, storybook characters and folk tales.  Of course, the image produced was only as remarkable as the original art.

We are all created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).  Unlike animals we have will, intellect, creativity, and the ability to worship God.  Our verse for today talks about another image; the image of the Lord Jesus.  This image is being stamped on all who are believers and belong to Him.  It is a slow, life-long transformation.  One day, when I see Him face to face, His image in me will be complete (I John 3:2).

The more I am like Christ, the more beautiful I am!  That is because He is beautiful.  The original image is like a breathtaking work of art.  His goodness and kindness, His patience and love are slowly making their appearance.

Those presses use a tremendous amount of pressure to produce a beautiful image.  In the same way, the Lord often uses difficulty in my life to produce His image.  He is using every negative in my day to press His beautiful character into me.  I am thankful that the hard times are not wasted.  Lord today, “let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.”


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Rocky Ground

rocky ground.jpg_thumbScripture for Today:  Matthew 13:20-21 “The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the Word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arise because of the Word, immediately he falls away.”

I love having lots of land around our rented French house.  However, there is no lawn and there is no patio or asphalt.  To keep the dust down, our landlord puts in tons of small gravel.  Driving over it, we have picked up some of those rocks in the carriage of the car.  From time to time our landlord delivers more as they eventually disappear, to where I do not know!  The rocks discourage the weeds from growing so I am always glad to have a new batch.

In today’s passage Jesus describes several kinds of soil, representing men’s hearts.  The rocky soil represents the person who seems to accept and understand the Gospel.  He is even enthusiastic in the beginning.  But when (not if) troubles arrive this person renounces his faith.

When the Gospel is shared with promises of a smooth easy life, we are sowing the seed of God’s Word on rocky soil.  If healing or financial ease is expected with acceptance of Christ then we are mixing rocks in with that seed; rocks that will take one down!  That kind of thin soil keeps one from putting down permanent roots that will withstand life’s trials.

Hard times are part of every life.  It is a rocky road for every Christian.  But I can stay faithful and not fall away when my roots are deep in His love and the truth of His Word.  Lord, keep me rooted and grounded in You!


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Tests

Scripture for Today:  James 1:2-3  “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”

I know I am in good company when complaining about airport mishaps.  Whether it is a cancelled flight, a humiliating security story, or delay after delay, there is ample occasion to practice our verse for today!

No one likes to wait or have plans completely destroyed.  No one appreciates short tempers or rude passengers.  On my latest flight (which I am still living as I write this in an airport) I really feel like I was being tested.  I ask the Lord to smooth the way.  I ask for the least amount of hassle.  I approach that agent with prayers in my heart that all will go my way.  The Lord answers with a “no.”  I am to live through long annoying frustrations.  And I am to do it with an attitude that will not dishonor Christ.  My Lord wants me to smile, be pleasant and not wish horrible catastrophe on airport employees!

Some of my problem comes from a sense of entitlement.  I figure that as a follower of Christ I should somehow get special treatment or consideration!  But the fact is, He is arranging things for my good!  The testing of my faith IS that good.  He is developing in me patience and endurance.  He is slowly molding me into the beautiful image of His Son.  It is a slow and sometimes painful process.  I wish patience could be developed some other way!

I am not jumping for joy at these travel nightmares.  But I do have confidence that God is in charge and He knows what He is about.  I can experience quiet unruffled calm.  Thank you, Lord, for the smile as I write!


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Fire!

Scripture for Today:  Malachi 3:2b-3  “For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap.  He will sit as a smelter and purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness.”

The recent fires in California have been devastating!  When hearing the survivors’ testimony one often hears tearful gratitude for their safety.  Things can be replaced, after all.  Human lives are so much more valuable.

Going through a fire will often change one’s priorities.  It could even change one’s direction in life.  For many, the experience causes one to re-evaluate what is really important in life.  Distractions are removed and new goals are put in place.

Our verse for today pictures God as a refiner working with gold and silver.  This process uses the intense heat of the furnace fire to subtract all the imperfections and impurities.  The metals must return to liquid form for this to happen.  All the dross is then separated out and discarded for the metal to become pure.

God did this for the priestly tribe of Levi in Israel.  They were presenting offerings to the Lord but not in righteousness.  Perhaps they were following all the rules, but their hearts were not right.  There is something that God desires more than sacrifice; to do righteousness and justice (Prov.21:3).  David tells us in Psalm 51:17 that the sacrifice God is interested in is a broken and contrite heart.

I am no different than those Levis.  I have been a believer a long time and can go through the motions of worship without my heart being involved or while harboring all kinds of secret sin.  No one wants to go through fiery trials.  Lord, keep me from needing the discipline of Your refining fire!


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Laughter

IMG_20121025_135857Scripture for Today:  Proverbs 17:22  “A joyful heart is good medicine but a broken spirit dries the bones.”

I remember the old TV commercial with the phrase, “I wanna be like Mike.”  Well, I wanna be like these two ladies.  They are pushing ninety and can still be silly and fun!  Oh, they have their problems, many of which are physical.  But they have kept their sense of humor intact.  They have both walked with the Lord for a long time.  Because of years of Bible study with them I have had a front row seat to their faith.  They are a joy to be around because they do not complain.  Instead they choose the medicine of a joyful heart.

The phrase, “laughter is the best medicine,” has been around a long time.  Research has shown there are many health benefits to laughter, including increased blood flow, better immune response, lowered blood sugar, and relaxation.   Isn’t it nice to see science catch up with Scripture written centuries ago!

For a believer, joy is the natural result of a close relationship with the Lord.  Psalm 16:11 tells us that in His presence is fullness of joy!  Being in His presence is a choice.  That means joy is a choice too.

Habakkuk understood that joy is a choice.  When everything was going wrong with crops and livestock, he said in 3:18 “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord.  I will joy in the God of my salvation.”

When everything is going wrong with my circumstances I can still find joy when I choose His presence.  There is joy in the realization of His love.  There is joy in the thought of His salvation and the future that awaits!

No broken spirit or dry bones for me!  I choose joy!