Devotions By Jan


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Negotiating Peace

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.“

It is fitting that this peace symbol includes an image of the earth. The longing for peace is common to our whole world. This symbol dates back only to 1958 and was created to represent the British anti-nuclear movement. But peace in our world seems to be the exception rather than the rule. The dove is of course a symbol of peace in the Judeo-Christian world. In trying to negotiate peace, there is normally give and take, demands and concessions for both parties.

Today’s verse gives a condition for peace with the God of the Bible. But there is really no negotiating for it. God’s peace through His Son, Jesus, is a gift (John 14:27) and is not like the peace that the world can give. That is a good thing as His peace is faithful and true like Himself. His peace is as calming as a river reflecting the sky or like the waves that lull away anxiety. The condition for His divine peace is our obedience to His commands. Because of our disobedience, we were all at one time His enemies. But with the substitutional sacrifice of God’s Son, we can enjoy peace with our Creator.

His peace is an absence of conflict with Him. He paid an enormous price to achieve it and will not renege on His promise. Having this peace with God is my starting place for peace with others. It is also where being peaceful comes from in the face of disturbing news and personal challenges. I can “rest in peace” now in this life as well as enjoy His peace forever! What an amazing gift for those who walk in obedience and trust in Him!

Thank you Lord, for peace in disturbing times.
 


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Tiger’s Eye

Scripture for Today: Acts 4:13 “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

The Tiger’s Eye gemstone is said by some to have properties that encourage one to live boldly and with courage! I only know it to be a beautiful stone that my Father and brother often worked with as part of their lapidary hobby. This golden stone has fibers of other minerals trapped inside giving it that lined appearance. Roman soldier used to wear engraved tiger’s eye to protect them in battle! I have not felt particularly courageous when wearing my tiger’s eye earrings!

Today’s verse describes two unschooled and ordinary men; Peter and John. These men were ordered to give an account of themselves before rulers. With boldness and clarity they declared the name of Jesus as being the only Source of their power and the only Source of salvation (verse 12). They lived their lives with courage, no matter what the cost. The time they had spent with Jesus showed in their lives.  There was not much to recommend them in the eyes of the world. They were just ordinary men without even a higher education. Yet, their time with Jesus was evident to all.

I wonder how much my time with Jesus marks me. Do people see colored traces of the Divine in my life? There are ample opportunities to wonder and fear, especially regarding the future. Can I face the unknown with courage? Yes. But I only have that confidence after spending time with Jesus, reading His Word and being reminded of His promises. I can only experience this same courage when listening to His voice reassuring me of His love and His control. And experiencing this courage gives me confidence to share with others its Source!

Lord, may my time spent with You be evident today!


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Where’s the Proof?

Scripture for Today: Psalm 34:8-9 “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.”

I am normally a fan of anything chocolate, cold and smooth! Whether it be ice cream, mousse or pudding. This chocolate pudding however is from a vegan recipe and made me wonder. Would it really deliver? Perhaps the taste of tofu, avocado, banana or some other unexpected ingredient would spoil it for me. But the ingredient list looked pretty amazing. I suppose the “proof is in the pudding.” Or as the original saying goes, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.”

There is an invitation in today’s verse to taste and see how good the Lord is. There are no strange unexpected ingredients to His love and promises. He does not disappoint! His words are true and sweet, sweeter even than honey (Psalm 19:10). He is so good to His own, providing refuge and meeting every need! Making the Lord our hiding place gives us shelter from whatever storm surrounds us. When His children fear and obey Him, He pours out blessing. Those who seek the Lord will lack no good thing! (Ps. 34:10)

I do not need to “taste test” what the world has to offer. Nothing is as sweet and satisfying as His Words, especially the promises and declarations of His love. The empty philosophies of this world promise to be sweet but leave one with a very bitter aftertaste. His Words are faithful and true, never changing and the source of life! He satisfies so completely that I am never in want of anything that is truly good for me. I have tasted and He is good! The lyrics of an old hymn state, “t’is so sweet to trust in Jesus.” And I too have “proved Him ‘ore and ‘ore.”

Thank you Lord, for Your faithful goodness being to me!


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The Weathervane

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 103:12-13  “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those that fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

I imagine if these gentlemen continue drinking long enough, they will not care which direction they go!  This weathervane can be seen in Piddlehinton in the United Kingdom. There are lots of different whimsical figurines that can be part of the weathervane including ships, cats, and very often in France, the rooster. The important thing is that it sits up high, catches the wind and indicates its direction.

Today’s verse reminded me of the weathervane. Just how far is the east from the west? They never meet. They cannot meet as there is no junction point. God chose this image to teach us that He has removed our sin an infinite distance from us. And He did that because of His love. It cost Him His life on the cross to do that for us. Satan can try to bring us down with memories and accusations, but it is to no avail. Who can possibly condemn us (including ourselves) when God has chosen us and Christ intercedes for us? No one. (Rom. 8:33-34)

There is lots of confusion about the nature of true love. But one essential component is complete forgiveness. God’s love for me is so great it reaches to the heavens. His love is so pure that He never revisits what He has forgiven. I am so thankful I can live this day and every day without the crushing weight of guilt. There is NO condemnation because I am in Christ. (Rom. 8:1) What more proof of His love do I need? Isn’t this the greatest proof?

Thank you Lord, for Your amazing love and forgiveness.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2018)


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Waiting for the Bus!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:176 “I have strayed like a lost sheep.  Seek Your servant for I have not forgotten Your commands.”

I cannot even imagine what these sheep are thinking! Are they just trying to stay dry? If so, where is their shepherd? And the rest of the flock is no where in sight. Perhaps in their sheep brains they are thinking they have a better smarter idea than any of the other sheep. After all, they are calm comfortable and enjoying their shelter there in the countryside of Ireland. And what will they do when that noisy lumbering bus pulls up? Perhaps scatter in fear.

Today’s verse is the last verse of the longest psalm. The author, even though he has tremendous love and respect for God’s commands, still has a problem always following them. Like Paul, even knowing what is right to do does not always mean we do it! (Romans 7:18-21) After so many verses extolling and exalting God’s precepts, this author ends with a cry for help. He confesses his weakness and closes with a heartfelt prayer.

I have always wondered about this long psalm exalting and loving God’s Law so much. And yet the author is made of the same stuff I am, recognizing God’s commands as right and just and yet straying from them. I do the same thing when I think I have a better idea. I can so easily agree with a Biblical precept and then somehow excuse myself from following it. Thankfully when I stray, my Shepherd has that rod and staff to pull me back to where I should be: in the green pastures and beside still waters!

Lord, don’t let me stray today!