Devotions By Jan


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Blocked

IMG_20140302_150852Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:93  “I will never forget your precepts, for by them You have preserved my life.”

When walking in the vineyards above our house, I encountered a metal barrier.  Apparently, work was being done as I could see some equipment in the distance.  I really did not want to change my route, being a creature of habit.  So, I made my way around that barrier.  Maybe it was not such a good idea.  As the picture shows, work was being done to shore up the path that had fallen away.  To continue my walk I had to hang on to that chain link fence.  It was not a comfortable experience!

I could have blamed the advice of a fellow walker who had come from that direction.  She told me it was just fine to ignore the barrier.  It was really only there for the bicyclists.  But in fact, I could only blame myself for finding myself in a precarious position.

I could not help but think of the road blocks the Lord erects in my life.  His precepts and commandments turn me back, turn me around and basically change my route.  When I ignore them, I also find myself in uncomfortable and sometimes precarious positions.  He blocks my way to save my life!  He changes my wayward path because He loves me and wants to see me succeed.

Rather than see His precepts as positive and a blessing, I often think like the woman on my path.  The rules are not really for me.  Somehow, I am exempt.  They are really meant for others who are weaker.  I forget that those barriers are there for my good!

Thank you Lord, for Your infinite patience with me!  Help me never forget that going Your way means life!

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


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Spider Web

Scripture for Today:  Job 8:13-15  “Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless.  What they trust in is fragile.  What they rely on is a spider’s web.  They lean on the web but it gives way.  They cling to it, but it does not hold.”

A spider’s web is beautiful and intricate.  I would be more enthusiastic about them if they did not involve spiders!  It is said that spider silk is stronger than steel.  By some criteria that is true.  Most spider silk has a high tensile strength comparable to that of a high grade alloy steel.  The “tensile” strength refers to the largest stress that a material can stand before breaking.  The spider silk is one of God’s wonders in creation as it can stretch up to five times its relaxed weight before breaking.

Our verse for today is part of a conversation between Job and one of his three friends, Bildad.  Much of what his three friends said was discouraging for Job as they assumed his trials were a result of some hidden sin.  But the observation Bildad makes in this verse is absolutely true.  Those that forget God and do not trust in Him find themselves relying on a spider’s web!  Trusting on anything or anyone other than the Lord is a fragile trust that will eventually give way.  My own ideas, my own strength or even my own resources are like that spider web.  It will only hold me up temporarily.  It is just too flimsy and fragile.  How much better to lean on the One whose power and might can hold me up in any circumstance!

Thank you Lord, that I can lean on You and Your strength!

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


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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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Bucket List

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 2:9 “but just as it is written, ‘Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.'”

There is a saying that has made its way into American English; “the bucket list.”  This saying has come to represent all the wonderful things we would like to see and do before dying.  The phrase came from a movie where two men were facing terminal illness.  The story follows their friendship as they pursue most everything on their list, living out to the fullest what they thought would be their last three months of life.

There are plenty of travels and adventures I would like to experience in my lifetime.  The travel channel on television and the news feed on Facebook often create longings to explore and experience new things!  The bucket list may even include different lifestyles, past times or hobbies.  But the realities of life, the lack of resources or opportunities keep that bucket list filled to the brim!

Our verse for today gets me excited!  If I do not get to everything on my bucket list, it is not a problem!  There is an eternity in front of me!  There will be no time constraints.  There will be no lack of resources.  God is even now preparing for my arrival with incredible adventures that I cannot even imagine!  What He has planned for me makes that bucket list look pathetic!  I can imagine some pretty wonderful scenarios.  But my imagination of what is ahead does not even come close to the reality of His plans!

Thank you Lord, for Your incredible love and for all that awaits me!

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


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Tents

turkeytentScripture for Today:  Psalm 27:5 “For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling.  He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.”

My adult children complain that we never took them camping.  I am not a fan of hard ground, cold temperatures or bugs!  I am not too happy to hear noises and worry about being invaded by some animal making its way into the campsite.  Give me a comfy hotel and I am happy!  If I hear noises of room service, it will not worry me!

There is no roughing it in a tent like the one pictured.  The rich thick rugs below look comfortable and the thick tapestries that form the ceiling keep things dry and cozy.  I imagine that the nomad lifestyle prevalent in David’s day had the best ideas for tent living.

In our verse for today is a tent that is sacred and set apart.  It represents God’s presence.  The context describes enemies surrounding the tent.  They are looking to devour, just like wild animals.  But the one who trusts in the Lord is unconcerned.  In God’s tent or temple there is confidence and safety.  Inside that tent there is no fear.  Instead there are shouts of joy!  There is music and singing!  God protects His children and fills their heart with joy.  Trusting in Him I have no fear.  What can mere mortal man do to me? (Psalm 118:6)  My soul is at peace as my eternity is forever secured.

I can lift the flap of that tent and peek out at my enemies.  Or, I can turn my eyes to gaze on His beauty!  Thank you Lord, that whatever this day brings, I can rest confident in Your presence.

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