Devotions By Jan


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Court Jester

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 14:1 “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’  They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds; There is no one who does good.”

There are days I need one of these jesters to make me laugh!  In times past royalty had the luxury of having a court jester always available for just that purpose.  In medieval times the court jester, also called a “fool,” would wear brightly colored clothes and bizarre hats in a motley pattern.  His job was simply to entertain.  His was a privileged position in the court as he could mock and revile without penalty.

Today’s verse describes a different sort of fool; the one that in his heart says that there is no God.  This fool might even mock God.  But for him, there is a penalty that awaits.  God says He will not be mocked (Galatians 6:7).  Today’s verse is repeated almost word for word in Psalm 53:1.  Descriptions of a fool are found throughout Scripture, especially in Proverbs.  But this description is one that surprises!  His foolishness is not so obvious at first glance.  The foolishness is within his heart.

Fools not believing in God are perhaps lauded for their intellect and sophistication.  They may appear modern and reasonable.  Their lives may exude success.  They may even be the darlings of the media.  But their behavior manifests what is in their hearts.  Without God, they are enslaved in their sin.  Their eventual end reveals their foolishness in rejecting God.  This is a strong message and not a popular one.  But it is the “bad news” that the “Good News” addresses!  We were all fools before bowing our knee to our Mighty God.

Thank you, Lord, for Your grace that transformed this fool into someone wise!

(Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.)


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A Special Dog!

Scripture for Today: Deut. 33:26  “There is none like the God of Jeshurun (Israel) who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in His majesty.”

One of our favorite places in Switzerland is the Alpine village of Grand Saint Bernard.  It is situated in the foothills of Mount Blanc right at Italy’s border.  The St. Bernard dog used to be bred here by Augustinian monks.  In the summer months one can still see these gentle giants at the traveler’s hospice for which they were named.  This dog is renowned for its capabilities as an avalanche search dog.  The small cask of brandy at their neck is a long-standing myth.  But the myth is perpetuated for the sake of the tourists and their cameras.  The most famous St. Bernard is “Barry” having saved over forty lost mountaineers.

Today’s verse is a beautiful description of the God we serve.  He rides the heavens and through the skies to give help to His loved ones.  He is majestic and there is none like Him.  He saves those who are lost and cry out to Him.  He inclines His ear to deliver and rescue us.  He promises to be a “very present help in time of trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

I can put my hope and trust in Him because His help is timely.  He rides the heavens to my rescue and He is never late.  He hears me the second I cry out to Him and He never disappoints.  Even though there are times He tests my faith and arrives at the very last moment, He has come through for me again and again.  Why should I ever doubt or fear?

Lord, next time I am tempted to doubt, give me eyes of faith to see You riding the heavens to be my help!

 


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Apple Press

manoir_grandoueScripture for Today:  Psalm 34:17-18  “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles.   The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as a crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent.”

It is apple season!  Apple cider, apple tartes, apple sauce and apple jams are all making their appearance.  I was able to visit Calvados, known for its apple farms and products in Normandy.  The farms there have been in families for centuries.  The remnants of former apple presses make up part of the landscape, as pictured here.  After having a guided tour of one of these farms, we were treated to a fresh cold glass of cider.  It was like biting into a fresh apple!

The process of pressing the juice out of the apples involves many steps.  The methods have evolved over the years but the principle of crushing the fruit remains the same.  Crushing pressure is required to extract the juice needed for that delicious cider.

Our verse for today is a promise for the righteous.  God promises to be near and save those whose heart is broken and whose spirit is crushed.  He hears our crying and He sees our tears.  He waits for us to give Him all the broken pieces of our heart.  He waits for us to turn our crushed spirits to Him for healing.  The guilt of our sin can be a crushing weight.  He lifts it with His forgiveness.

The conviction of my sin can feel overwhelming.  But His forgiveness gives purpose to that crushing action.  He not only puts my broken heart back together but He changes my sorrow into joy!

Thank you, Lord, for your saving healing forgiveness!

(Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.)


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Silhouettes

img_1874-1Scripture for Today:  I Timothy 6:17  “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.”

My eldest daughter had the terrific idea to make silhouettes of all the countries or states in which she had lived!  She framed them all and grouped them around the saying, “Home is where the heart is.”

I only recently learned that the word “silhouette” is actually a family name.  Etienne de Silhouette was an eighteenth century finance controller for the French government.  He so sorely taxed the wealthy, that they described their reduced fortune as a “silhouette” or a shadow of what once was.

Our verse for today speaks of the uncertainty of riches.  They are so ephemeral and fleeting that one cannot find security in an account balance.  Whether they are reduced by unexpected hospital bills, unemployment or taxes, there can never be peace of mind in a nest egg.  Hoping in riches is a losing proposition.  Any number of circumstances can reduce one’s riches to a “silhouette.”

How much better to fix one’s hope in a God who supplies every need!  His resources remain constant and untouchable regardless of the latest economic forecast.  He not only supplies but He richly supplies!  There is no end to what He does for His own.  I know, because I have seen Him come through over and over again!  He gives and gives and He does so to take pleasure in our grateful enjoyment!  What a beautiful giving heart He has!  What a slap in the face it must be to Him to see His children hoping and depending on themselves.

Thank you, Lord, for your unending daily provision!

(Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.)


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Carried on His Shoulders

998667_944118212940_1180021667_nScripture for Today:  Deuteronomy 33:12  “….May the beloved of the Lord dwell in security by Him, Who shields him all the day, And he dwells between His shoulders.”

My husband enjoyed carrying our kids on his shoulders.  These glaciers in Alaska would certainly have been too slippery for our son, even though he could walk at the time.  Being carried meant no fear of falling on the ice.  He could relax and enjoy the ride in total security.  He was even shielded from some of the cold weather by the warmth of Randy’s body.  That touch and support meant warmth and security for our son.

Our verse for today was a blessing given by Moses to the tribe of Benjamin.  This tribe came from the youngest son and was the smallest of the twelve.  Perhaps, because of its smallness and vulnerability, God called them “beloved.”  Being small, they would need to find their security in Him.  They would need His protection.

Those that are chosen and set apart by God are His beloved today.  We are dearly loved and kept for Jesus Christ according to Jude 1:1.  I am small and insignificant, needing His protection.  As a small child loved by his Father, I too need to be carried.  Sometimes, there are too many pitfalls in my way.  Fear of the unknown ahead can be paralyzing.  Or many times, like the child whose legs are too short, I get weary.  He is so good to repeatedly pick me up and carry me.  In His love He does not reproach or chide.

My Father responds to child-like faith on my part.  He does not ignore those up-stretched arms.  He hoists me up on His strong broad shoulders and carries me through the difficult times.

Thank you, Lord, that I am Your beloved.

(Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.)