Devotions By Jan


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Thirsty Deer

Scripture for Today: Psalm 42:1-2  “As the deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for You, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.  When shall I come and behold the face of God?”

There are deer up in the forest on the hill behind our house.  It does not happen often, but I have surprised them on my walks in the vineyards.  I imagine they like to come down and nibble on the vines.  The moist climate of Alsace means that local deer can satisfy much of their thirst in their foraging of wet leaves.  The deer living in a dry sandy country have a greater need for water.

The deer described in our verse today lives in a dry climate and quenches his thirst in a flowing stream. David (thought to be the author) likens his thirst for God to that thirsty deer.  For days and nights David had been crying (verse 3).  The outpouring of his tears has made him thirsty for God’s reassuring presence.  He was crying because his enemies mocked him saying, “where is your God?” (verse 10)  In the face of their taunts and persecution, David thirsts for just a glimpse of the face of God.

David’s relationship to God was so close.  Yet, there were times he was particularly thirsty for His presence.  Those thirsty times were in reaction to the mockery of others.  In the same way, when I am ridiculed for my faith, I need to run to Him.  When my incredulous mocking peers discourage me, there is only one solution; come and be reassured in His satisfying presence.

The sweet water He provides my soul is exactly what is needed in facing an unbelieving world.  Thank you, Lord, that through faith, You satisfy that longing for a glimpse of Your face.


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Abundance

Scripture for Today:  II Corinthians 1:5  “For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.”

We are having an abundant harvest here in Alsace.  Squash of all sorts are making their appearance.  Our fertile plain fed by the Rhine River makes for some very rich farmland.  I love how many of the farms and even private residences will put out stands of their fresh produce.  For me, pumpkins represent an abundant harvest.

Our verse for today also talks about abundance; the abundance of suffering and the abundance of comfort.  Because of sin and our fallen world, there will be suffering for the believer.  Whether it is loss of health, income, or loss of loved ones, the Christian is not exempt.  But for the believer there is with the abundant suffering, comfort from Him that is just as abundant.

When I see others go through very difficult suffering, I wonder how they do it.  This verse gives me the answer.  They get through it by drawing on the abundant comfort He promises.  He is the God of all comfort (verse 3).

The future looms ahead of me with all sorts of potential suffering.  There will be age-related sufferings as the body breaks down.  There will be the deaths of older family members and friends.  Whatever suffering is in store, I can trust the Lord to come through for me.  His comfort will make all of it bearable.  I do not have to worry ahead of time or imagine the unimaginable.  When it is needed, His comfort will be there.

The abundant life of John 10:10 is not an easy painless life.  It is abundant because HE is there!  Thank you, Lord, that I can trust You to be the abundant comfort I need.


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Door Knocker

Scripture for Today:  Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.”

I love seeing a beautiful brass or iron door knocker on a massive wooden door.  It just seems classier than an electronic doorbell.  I especially like the ones resembling the head of a lion or an eagle.

Hearing our company arrive is never a problem as our kitchen is close to the front door.  But I sometimes worry that I will miss their knock.  There is nothing worse than standing too long at the door, wondering if you have the right house or the right date!  When we fly to the door to open it, our Tiger runs the other way for dear life.

Our verse for today uses the image of standing at the door and knocking.  These words are said by Jesus to the church at Laodicea.  His message is full of warmth and makes clear His desire for relationship.  What better way to become close than to share a meal around the table!  He awaits our arrival at the door.  He does not come in until we hear His voice and open that door.  We open it to show our same desire for relationship.  I am sure His knock and His voice are loud enough to hear.  But I can see how one might miss it.  The distractions of life can drown out the sound.

I am amazed that He wants to dine with me!  What a warm intimate thought!  I do not want to miss out by being too busy.  He is waiting for me on my doorstep.  Lord, may I listen for your knock and open the door today!


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Lampstand

Scripture for Today: Luke 8:16 “Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light.”

Old fashioned lampstands seem to be everywhere in Europe.  When I see them, I often think of the character, Lucy, in C.S. Lewis’ Narnia series.  On entering Narnia, she sees a lampstand in the forest and wonders why it is there.  She learns that it marks the border between the two worlds.

In our verse for today, Jesus gives us this parable of the lampstand immediately after the parable of the Sower.  The seed in the fourth scenario has fallen on good ground and produces fruit (verse 15).  The one that has really received the Word of God and keeps it will be like a lamp that is lit.  The light of the knowledge of Him not only enlightens us, but is intended to light the way for others.

Jesus explains two improbable uses of this light; covering it with a container or hiding it under a bed.  The light used in this way is not extinguished.  But there is no point in having light if it is not used for its purpose.  For the light to have value it is to be seen by others.  The light is to be lifted up on a stand so it can be visible.

Having my light on a tall stand rather than hidden is to put myself out there.  It means taking a stand in a public manner.  Matthew 5:16 says my light is the good works I do to glorify my Father.  Lord, show me how to uncover that light and shine for You today.


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Mime

IMG_20130920_172658Scripture for Today: Ecclesiastes 3:7  “A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; a time to be silent and a time to speak.”

This was perhaps the hardest thing my husband was ever asked to do!  Not talking is a real challenge, but he did a very expressive mime for a French church service twenty-four years ago. There were no worries over a microphone, vocabulary or an American accent.  The message was clear even without words.

Mime has been around since the days of Greek theater in 467BC.  But it was Gerard Deburau who introduced in France the silent Pierrot pantomimes in the nineteenth century.  We call them “pantomime blanche” because of the white face.  Mime or silent theater is a wonderful way of communicating the Gospel without the need for language!

Our verse for today was written by King Solomon who had received from God a special gift of wisdom.  It is part of a poetic text that describes the times for doing or refraining from doing a number of activities.

There are many occasions when it is better to remain silent than to speak.  In the face of overwhelming grief, it is often better to touch and hug rather than to speak.  I will never forget a time when we were in a state of shock, and a good friend said not a word.  He cried with us, and that was all that was needed.  We often hesitate to approach someone suffering because we worry about what to say.  A silent presence sometimes speaks more eloquently than words ever could.

There is a time to speak and I need God’s wisdom in my choice of words.  Whether it is explaining the Gospel or comforting a friend, Lord show me when to speak but also when to be lovingly silent.