Devotions By Jan


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Light as a Feather

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:14 “The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.”

The idiom, “as light as a feather,” has been around for hundreds of years and no one can say with certainty how it originated. Most often it is used in a literal sense to describe something as extremely lightweight. But it can also be a phrase to describe one’s sense of release and joy. Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol describes himself as “light as a feather” after his transformative nightmare.

Today’s verse is part of a psalm of David that praises God for who He is. So many of God’s attributes are mentioned including His grace, compassion, goodness and faithfulness. But perhaps the action God takes towards us in this verse summarizes those attributes. The Lord actively upholds those who fall. He sees and responds to those who are bowed down by lifting them up. The guilt that we feel for our sin can feel like a burden too heavy to bear (Ps. 38:4). It is our own sinfulness that can weigh us down. By contrast, His forgiveness gives a lightness to our souls not found anywhere else.

It is true that when I allow my pride to keep me from admitting my fault, then I end up carrying around the guilt of it. It can feel pretty heavy. But, when I finally get over myself and confess to the Lord all that is wrong in me, He gives me a light heart. Rather than feeling crushed in my spirit, I am lifted up and can begin again.

Thank you Lord, that Your forgiveness can make me lighthearted!


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Remembering….

Scripture for Today: Psalm 111:4 “He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate.”

Photo by Peter Lee https://www.flickr.com/photos/oldpatterns/5784607734/in/photostream/

This week, North Americans remember on Memorial Day those soldiers who have fallen to secure our freedom. We need these special days to remember. Memories fade without them or without a physical memento to remind us. These dog tags hang in the Old North Memorial Garden near the Old North Church in Boston, MA. They commemorate those who have lost their lives in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Today we can identify remains through DNA. Even so, dog tags are still issued. They serve as an important reminder of sacrifice.

And we need important reminders. Today’s verse teaches us one of the many ways the Lord shows us His grace and compassion. He helps us remember. He knows that we are forgetful. We continually need His reminders of the wonders He has done. He brings them to mind at the most opportune time; when we are depressed and our soul is downcast (Ps. 42:6) and when we are on our bed and all is quiet. (Ps. 63:6) We find comfort when we remember His Word. (Ps. 119:52)

My tendency is to forget what I have studied in His Word, what I have seen and experienced of His wonders. Over time, they fade from my heart. (Deut. 4:9) if I am not careful and watch myself closely. It seems to be my default setting. But when I forget, I will need to learn it all over and over again, rather than growing in my faith! I may not have dog tags, but I have His many reminders through His Word and His personal reassurances of His faithfulness in the past!

Thank you Lord, for Your reminders.


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Puffed Up

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 8:1 “Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” (NKJV)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/eekim/5153177727 Photo by Eugene Kim

The blowfish looks pretty comical when puffed up. In fact one of his names is “pufferfish.” This unusual fish has a very elastic stomach, able to quickly ingest huge amounts of water and air. In doing so they become several times their normal size and so avoid becoming someone’s next meal.This fish gives new meaning to the idea of being puffed up and full of one’s self.

Today’s verse acknowledges that we all have some measure of knowledge. The problem comes with what we do with it. Knowledge in and of itself can puff one up, making one arrogant. However, this same knowledge coupled with love can be a source of encouragement, edifying and building others up. Early believers coming out of idol worship were emboldened to eat meat offered to idols, to do something against their sensibilities by others who had no such qualms. Knowledge needed to be softened with love and patient understanding.

Which is more important; to be proven right or to love? Are the rights of the knowledgeable believer to trump the weaker conscience of another? Or is my being right more important than that relationship? These are questions I have had to ask myself. Quite frankly, there are times when claiming my freedom in Christ is paramount. (I Cor. 10:23) But when I insist, I sacrifice the good of my fellow-believer with that selfish attitude.

Lord, keep me humble and responding with love to others.


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French Citadel

Scripture for Today: Psalm 48:3 “God is in her citadels; he has shown himself to be her fortress.”

photo credit Frans de Wit https://www.flickr.com/photos/fransdewit/5676870741/in/photostream/

The citadel in this French town can be seen from many different vantage points as it dominates the landscape. Its history there in Bitche (pronounced “beach”) is a long one, having been constructed on the site of an old castle in the early 1600’s. The citadel was destroyed at one point but restored and strengthened in the 1700’s. This fortress has since survived all succeeding wars as much of it is excavated in red sandstone rock, making it bomb-proof. There was something comforting about its strong presence during our stay there.

Today’s verse talks about the citadel of Jerusalem; the city is also referred to as “city of God” and “Mount Zion.” Written by the sons of Korah, this psalm or perhaps song, was written as a celebration of safety and security. The citadel or fortress in and of itself was not being praised. Rather, the fact that God resided there gave the people a sense of security and well-being. It was a physical reminder of God’s special relationship with His people.

I have the same need to look up and be reminded of God’s love, presence and protection. I need to continually “lift my eyes” to the One who sits enthroned in Heaven. (Psalm 123:1) I may not have a literal brick and mortar fortress within my line of vision, but with eyes of faith I can look up. With that changed perspective I see His power rather than my weakness. Problems and obstacles grow smaller as HE looms larger.

Lord, remind me to look up!


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By-the-Wind Sailors

Scripture for Today:Ephesians 4:14 “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.”


Photographer: Robin Wilson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A few weeks ago on the beaches of California there washed ashore millions of these By-the-Wind Sailors! It looked as if space aliens had invaded our coasts! These blue jellyfish-like creatures belong in the water but were steered off course by the wind. Their small stiff “sail” can catch that wind and wash them up on shore. They drift along and go wherever the wind takes them. But if the tide does not pull them back into the ocean, they will rot away.

Today’s verse describes the immature believer as someone who is tossed back and forth by waves and susceptible to being blown around by the winds of false teaching. By contrast, the mature believer can discern good from evil and will not be taken in by false teachers. (Heb. 5:14) We become mature by being intimately acquainted with the One who calls Himself, “Truth.” (John 14:6) Through His Word we are, “taught in Him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.” (Eph. 4:20)

The more I study the truth of God’s Word, the more I can discern something even a little bit off. The false teaching that can so destabilize me will feed my ego, propose shortcuts, appeal to my pride and most of all, deny the deity of Christ! (I John 4:3) The Deceiver would love to slowly and steadily wash me up on shore and take me out of commission. But through staying in His Word, I can remain exactly where God wants me; humble, teachable and following His course for my life!

Lord, keep me in Your truth.