Devotions By Jan


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Strong Shoulders

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.  And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

I am amazed how strong the human body can become!  Bodybuilding is an all-consuming passion for some.  I feel ambivalent on the subject.  I have tremendous respect for the discipline it takes and most of the time, admire the results.  At the same time, so much attention given to the exterior makes me wonder if the interior is being neglected.  But the resulting strong shoulders must often be called upon by others.  This is the man to call for heavy lifting and moving pianos!

Our verse for today is a prophecy regarding the birth of Jesus.  His shoulders will rival those of any bodybuilder as they will be strong enough to bear any weight.  They will bear the weight of an entire government.  His Kingdom is not presently part of our world but in the hearts of His people (John 18:36).  But one day, His Kingdom will be established on earth.  He will be enthroned on the new earth and there will be but one government; His (Rev. 21:1-3).

We celebrate the first coming of Jesus with ooohs and aahs over a tiny helpless baby.  His humble beginnings can make Him seem unimportant or ineffectual for some.  But this entrance into our world is diametrically opposed to the second.  He will one day return in triumph, shouldering through clouds to descend and establish His rule.  He is the King of King and the Lord of Lords!

Christmas has so much more meaning when we bow the knee at that manger.  Today He is my strong-shouldered King!  Help me Lord, to accept Your rule in my heart.


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Falcon Mascot

unnamedScripture for Today: Job 28:20-21 “Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell? It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds in the sky.”

Our daughter teaches at a very expensive private high school with a campus that rivals those of many universities.  I have enjoyed working out in their large and posh exercise room.  Overhead hangs their falcon mascot keeping an eye on things.  The eyesight of a falcon is extraordinary, seeing two to eight times better than humans.

Our verse for today comes from a chapter describing the difficulty in finding wisdom.  It is hidden from every living thing, even and including birds of prey with their keen eyesight.  Verse 7 says specifically that no falcon’s eye has seen wisdom.  This beautiful poetic passage not only asks where wisdom can be found, but thankfully, gives the response.  But before arriving at the answer, many searches take place following the false leads of gold, silver, and precious stones.

The search continues for wisdom today and again, men follow these false leads.  It is assumed that those who prosper have a corner on wisdom.  As in these verses, we assume that wealth and wisdom go together.  Yet, David points out in Psalm 73:3 that the wicked prosper.  Are they wise?  They seem to be until one realizes their final destiny (verse 17).

The Lord makes it so clear how valuable wisdom is and where to find it.  It almost seems too simple.  Wisdom is found in fearing and following the Lord. (verse 28)  A simple concept but oh so difficult for me to live out!  He is the One and only Source and the closer I follow Him, the wiser I will be!

Thank you Lord, that You make wise living possible.  Keep me close to You.

 

 

 


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Hair Color

Scripture for Today: Matthew 5:36-37 “And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond that comes from the evil one.”

There is something about being the youngest in my family that inspires me to keep up the illusion of youth.  Hair color is part of that illusion.  I have been coloring so long I can hardly remember my original hair color.  Of course, with coloring I am not really changing anything.  I am only covering what is there.  The colors pictured here are a bold statement.  If I were to copy this style it would come out as a sad whimper!

Our verse for today tells us not to swear by our heads.  It is part of a passage having to do with vows and oaths.  Not fulfilling a vow made to the Lord is something very serious.  In essence it is like lying to Him.  Rather than risk that we are told to avoid making oaths at all.  It was a common practice in Matthew’s day to include oaths to add credibility to statements or promises made to one another.

Rather than making myself more believable, speaking an oath tends to cheapen my words.  That is because I do not have complete control in my life.  There will always be a possibility that I will not be able to come through.  I do not have the power to change circumstances, be it hair color or something more important.  If I want to be taken seriously my “yes” should always be truthful, as well as my “no.”

Lord, make me careful of my words.  I need You to make me a person of integrity.

 


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Travel Insurance

Scripture for Today: Psalm 40:11 “Do not withhold Your mercy from me, Lord; may Your love and faithfulness always protect me.”

It is not uncommon for us to buy travel insurance when flying.  With the possibility of cancellations, health concerns, or accidents, it seems a good idea.  One time in particular we needed to file a claim and were glad we had purchased it.  But one important step is to know what the policy covers and what it does not!  Today I made some wrong assumptions, thinking a flight delay causing my husband to miss a connection would be part of our protection.  The name of our policy, “Trip Protector” was perhaps a misnomer.

Our verse for today is better than any insurance plan.  There is nothing that cannot be covered by God’s love and faithfulness for His children.  We do not pay for this protection nor do we earn it by our devotion to Him.  Thankfully, in His mercy He does not give us what we deserve.  We cannot lay claim to anything.  It is out of His love and faithfulness that He protects His own.

David wrote this psalm in praise to the One who is his help and deliverer (verse 17).  He experienced troubles so numerous he described them as being “without number.” (verse 12)  God’s protection does not mean that life is trouble free!  David was continually plagued with enemies.  He felt as if his sins were overtaking him.  But rather than stay in that place of fear and insecurity, he calls on the Lord and the Lord reassures him.

I will continue to buy insurance and take other safety measures, of course.  But my biggest source of coverage is His powerful hand.  I can trust His good and loving control.

Thank you Lord, that I can relax in Your merciful protection.


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Pacifiers

Scripture for Today: I Peter 2:2-3 “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

A pacifier can be a life saver when trying to calm a fussy baby.  It is a poor substitute for the milk they need, but somehow that sucking action is soothing.  There is lots of controversy regarding the advisability of using one.  But all I know is that a frenzied harried parent is just so thankful to silence those frustrated (though satiated) cries.  None of my three children would ever take it although I repeatedly tried giving them one.  They stubbornly held out for the real thing.

Our verse for today describes the craving a newborn feels for milk.  Especially in the beginning of life, feeding seems to be constant and around the clock.  The newborn is busy growing and changing in those first few weeks, needing to be steadily supplied.  We are to crave spiritual milk in much the same way.  It is only in feeding on God’s Word that we can change and grow.

Spiritual pacifiers are also out there.  We can choose to calm ourselves down and be soothed by a number of different things.  They can be good in themselves and really be effective.  I love to sit and be soothed by certain types of music, for example.  The problem comes in preferring the pacifier to the milk.  I may be distracted from my need, so that in fact it can remain unmet.  But after tasting how good the Lord is, the pacifier leaves much to be desired!  Nothing can completely satisfy my spiritual longings but the Lord who created me for Him.

Lord, keep me craving only You!