Devotions By Jan


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The Shrug

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 12:16 “If you shrug off an insult and refuse to take offense, you demonstrate discretion indeed. But the fool has a short fuse and will immediately let you know when he’s offended.” (The Passion Translation)

Credit: Mark Giles, https://www.flickr.com/photos/admitone/195114154

I might shrug my shoulders to release tension, especially after working at the desk in one position. But a shrug of the shoulders can also have many meanings as part of a conversation. This body language can communicate indifference, indecision or the inability to do something. The one-sided shrug can indicate ambivalence, internal conflict, or insincerity. The shrug can be a hurtful sign of disrespect. It usually happens in a context where the meaning is pretty clear.

In today’s verse, the shrug is in a context that is very positive. The shrug here is dismissing an insult. The attitude behind this shrug is a refusal to take offense. Not allowing an insult to affect you demonstrates to others your discretion and prudence. It is even “to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” (Prov. 19:11) In contrast, the fool is easily offended and will let everyone know when his feelings are hurt. The fool, being so annoyed, will seem petty and prideful.

I do not want to be that fool where everyone has to tiptoe around me. I want to be the bigger person and let that unfair remark slide off my back. I have many people in my life who affirm and support me. Do I really need to worry about a negative random comment? The insults Christ suffered were infinitely worse and He did not take offense. I want to be so secure in God’s love for me that I can shrug off that mean hurtful thing one might say.

Lord, help me to overlook any insult today.


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Obstacle Course

Scripture for Today: Psalm 143:10 “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”

I had never tried to do an above-ground obstacle course before. I wouldn’t recommend it if you are afraid of heights. I thought I could handle it during a women’s retreat at Forest Home. I knew from rock climbing in my college years that the harness would hold me up if (when) I fell. But I was no longer a college student. And the thought of climbing up those moving steps and having the harness abruptly pull me up made me wonder what I was thinking!! I will admit it. After my friend took the picture, I climbed back down to the stable level ground below!

Today’s verse was a prayer of David’s during a time of intense distress. He was being pursued by his enemies and he hides himself in God, entrusting his very life to Him. He claims God as his God and commits to following His will. David looks to God’s Spirit to lead him on level ground where he could be secure and stable. He needed to be led by God’s Spirit to ground that was free from dangers and obstacles.

My stability and security are not found in my circumstances. Sure, there are days that are smooth and uneventful. And I am thankful for them. But it is in the stress of not knowing which way to turn or what decision to make that I need that reassurance that He is leading me. When I am feeling vulnerable to evil in the world I need that confidence. I can feel secure knowing that He is present (Heb. 13:5) and that He will always keep His Word. (II Cor. 1:20)

Lord, keep me close to You for the stability and security You provide!


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Kneeling Cows!

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 45:23 “By myself I have sworn , my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked; Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.”

It seems this cow has an audience to his ungainly rise! Unlike other farm animals, cattle will get up and lie down by kneeling on their front legs. Their clumsy movements can look comical but it is this change of position which possibly gave rise to an old folklore. It says that when the bells sound at midnight on Christmas Eve, all the cattle bow in homage to the baby Jesus.

In today’s verse, God swears. He swears by Himself as there is no one higher than Him. Of course, everything God says is true and trustworthy. But here, added weight is given to His words. What He says cannot be disputed. There is no human knee every created that will NOT bow to God. There is no human tongue that will NOT swear, confess or agree with God as to who He is! This acknowledgement takes place when we give an account of ourselves to God. (Rom. 14:11-12) What a sobering thought for the ones who have mocked and denied Him their whole lives!

Because I have acknowledged Jesus here on earth, bowing before Him will be a joyful worshipful experience. I am not worthy in the least. But because of receiving His righteousness through faith (Rom. 4:5) I am “in Christ” and not condemned. (Rom. 8:1) However, there is bowing here on earth as well. Bending the knee is bending my will to conform to His. This is my daily struggle as a subject of the King. I want to want what He wants, but my own silly selfish desires are oh so strong!

Lord, help me submit to what You want today.

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2021)


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Forget Where You Were Going?

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 4:5 “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.”

If you see an ostrich walking aimlessly or in circles, it may be that he has forgotten where he is going! The short term memory of an ostrich is only about 10 seconds. That means that he can be running away from a predator and if distracted could suddenly slow down, forgetting why he was in such a hurry! I can relate to this bird, walking into a room and forgetting what I came in for!

Today’s verse is a proverb from a father to his sons, admonishing them not to forget his words or turn away from them. Wisdom and understanding come from keeping commands (verse 4), keeping your foot from evil (verse 27) and staying in that path of righteousness (verse 18). In the same way, God’s children or those who have placed their trust in Him are not to forget His Words. Remembering and obeying His commands is a challenge when continually distracted by our own contrary desires. But when we forget we are not wise and live without understanding, without the purpose He intended.

When surrounded by a culture that encourages self indulgence, it is easy for me to forget God’s higher purpose for me. I am easily distracted by the baubles the world offers. And yet, I am prey for that “roaring lion” that seeks to devour! (I Peter 5:8) I dare not forget to heed and obey God’s word. When I remember, I can gain wisdom and understanding! God’s words are life and health (verse 22) and keep me focused. I remember why I am here and where I am going!

Lord, don’t let me forget or turn away from Your Word.


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The Sea Plane

Scripture for Today: II Thessalonians 1: 3b-4  “…your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.  Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.”

We were boating with friends on Lake Minnetonka when our peaceful reverie was abruptly interrupted by the landing of a sea plane near us! I had seen them at a distance but never one so close! The water was smooth and the landing seemed effortless. We were not there for his departure but I learned that smooth water can create drag and make lift off more challenging. Some pilots will create artificial waves by circling before take off to create some turbulence!

Today’s verse describes the spiritual health of the Thessalonian church. Paul is proud of their growing faith and love for one another. Their faith has been growing as a result of persecutions and trials. Like the turbulence of the water, the process can be hard but the results can be seen in a growing and healthy faith. It is not in the smooth unruffled times that perseverance is needed. It is when faith is challenged that it grows. It is when life is hard that brothers and sisters love and support one another.

I wish it were not so. I would love for life to be calm, unruffled and peaceful. But the waters need stirring up. The turbulence is needed for new heights to be gained. It is in the challenge of the hard times that my faith is challenged and I grow closer to my Creator. He calls me to higher and higher altitudes where I can see Him more clearly. He uses the turbulence of testing to grow me more like Him. This is my confidence. This is my hope in whatever difficulty I face. Every time, He is there.

Thank you Lord, that I can trust You.