Devotions By Jan


by 2 Comments

Goose Barnacles

Scripture for Today: Philippians 3:21 “who by the power that enables him (Jesus Christ) to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”

Photo by John Turnbull https://www.flickr.com/photos/71925535@N03/6498240597/

Have you ever wondered why this barnacle is named after a goose? The long black “neck” or stalk and the white triangular “head” or body of the barnacle could perhaps remind one of a goose. But for the superstitious living in thirteenth century Europe, their appearance explained the disappearance of the geese at certain times each year. Belief that barnacles transformed themselves into geese was a fanciful way to explain bird migration.

Today’s verse talks about a transformation that is real. It is the future of every believer that one day, our lowly bodies will be transformed to be like Christ’s glorious resurrected body. Christ’s power enables Him to have all the control and to accomplish this. It is because of this incredible truth that the believer can stand firm in the faith. (verse 58) The perishable will be transformed to imperishable, the dishonor transforms to glory, the weakness becomes power and the natural will be spiritual! (I Cor. 15:43-44)

That is quite a transformation! Though my deteriorating body breaks down over time, transformation is coming! Even in the face of my eventual death, I can look forward to a new resurrected body! Death will be swallowed up in victory! (verse 56) My new body will be strong, healthy, eternal and without flaws. Hard to imagine but it is what He has promised. With this new body there will be no sinful fleshly impulses to fight against. With this new body, I will not need a pocket for tissues. But most exciting, with this new body, my eyes will see God!

Thank you Lord, for the transformation You promise!


by Leave a comment

Zapped!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 12:3-4 “May the Lord silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue – those who say, ‘By our tongues we will prevail, our own lips will defend us – who is lord over us?'”

Photo by Christian Ziegler at https://www.flickr.com/photos/97056632@N05/25278879752/in/photostream/

Many species of the chameleon are known for their ability to change color and blend in with their surroundings. But just as surprising are their long tongues! Their grasping and sticky tongue can uncoil to a distance equivalent to half its body length! So not only are they camouflaged but they can grab their next snack from a distance!

Today’s verse is from a prayer of David, calling on the Lord for help. The wicked are strutting about, using their tongues to lie, to flatter, to deceive and to boast. These people are so prideful they feel they can say anything to get power, to keep power and to answer to no one. They ask, “who is our lord or master?” They fear no reckoning and no accountability. They are their own masters. However, David affirms that the Lord will keep the godly safe and protected from such people. (verse 7) And what God says is flawless. (verse 6)

Words matter. The power of life and death is in our tongues. (Prov. 18:21) I have had to forgive and forget words that have damaged my reputation. Over the years I have been intentionally maligned because of my testimony for Christ. Yet, there is safety and protection in Him. He is my refuge and although I may sometimes be bruised and dinged up by the words of others, I can remain faithful to Him. He reassures me that I am His and I am loved. His flawless words build me back up and restore me.

Lord, silence those proud tongues!


by Leave a comment

Out of Power

Scripture for Today: Deuteronomy 8:17-18a “You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth…”

Photo by Bryan Alexander at https://www.flickr.com/photos/bryanalexander/15981387716

The recent winter storms in so many of our States have produced incredible winter wonderlands. Bare, unremarkable branches suddenly become ethereal when robed in snow and ice. The dazzling white changes the landscape from boring to beautiful! But as stunning as it is, there is a price to be paid for all that beauty when power lines go down. For those who are equipped, out come the home generators and life goes on. But for others, they limp along without power until crews come out for repairs.

Today’s verse is a reminder about the Source of power and of strength. When a winter storms disrupts life, we realize how little power we really wield. But when everything is going well and all our creature comforts are in place, we begin to believe that we can take credit for any wealth we have. This whole chapter warns us of the danger of forgetting the Lord and becoming proud. (verse 14) This happens when there is plenty to eat (verse 12) and bank accounts are solid. (verse 13)

Whatever wealth I enjoy is a direct result of Him and His gifts. He even gives the ability to produce that wealth. I have no power on my own. I have no strength on my own. And it is often a realization I come to only when faced with difficulty. That storm, whatever form it takes, drives me to my knees in humility. He responds to my cries for help with His incredible strength and power.

Thank you Lord, that with You I am never out of power!


by Leave a comment

Face to Face

Scripture for Today: Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.“

Being “face to face” has new meaning in our day. And perhaps with all the connections we make through the computer screen, we have come to value and more deeply appreciate those in-person times. But with masks covering faces, even those in-person opportunities seem to lack an important component; the face. Sometimes that fleeting smirk, the quickly lifted eyebrow or the passing twinkle in the eye can be missed. So much of connection is made through our facial expressions. We communicate acceptance, compassion, and forgiving grace without ever saying a word.

Today’s verses are a priestly prayer given directly by the Lord to Moses. He was to pass it on to Aaron and his sons to be spoken over the Israelites in order to bless them. When God turns His face towards us, we are restored and saved. (Psalm 80:3) When He shines His face or presence in our lives we experience His grace and peace. We are told to seek His face (Ps. 27:8) and when we see His face we are satisfied. (Ps.17:15) As God is spirit, His face is a picture of His favor and blessing.

God’s “face” is turned away from those who are evil. (Ps. 4:16) It is only because of Christ and His righteousness that God can look on me with favor and blessing. His face is turned toward me every day because of His grace and mercy. It is because of this face-to-face relationship that I can live and move and have my being. (Acts 17:28) His face turned on me means deep heart-felt peace and blessing found nowhere else.

Thank you Lord, for turning Your beautiful face on me!

 

 


by Leave a comment

Hanging On

Scripture for Today: Psalm 63:8 “I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.”

The koala, although a marsupial, looks like a cute cuddly teddy bear. He can hold on to those smooth-barked gum trees and even sleep there 18-20 hours a day without any worry of falling off. That is because he has two opposable thumbs on his fore paws that allow a sure grip. He also has big toes that are set at an angle to the foot, giving him a vise-like hold. They cling so well to the tree that they leave scratches on the bark.

Today’s verse tells us that we can cling to the Lord because He upholds us with His right hand. David writes this psalm while in the desert of Judah. He remembers and thinks on his bed, not about his enemies but about God’s love that he considers better than life! (verse 3) He clings to the truth that God is his help. (verse 7) David is confident of the end his enemies face. He may be in a clinging position now, but he knows that they will be destroyed and he will rejoice! They, as liars, will be silenced but he will glory in the Lord. (verse 11)

I feel as if I am barely hanging on when surrounded by those who oppose Jesus Christ and when surrounded by liars. But what I am clinging to makes all the difference! The piece of wood to which I cling is the cross! Jesus, by His death on the cross, has won the victory over every enemy! I cling to Him as He is the THE truth in a world full of liars. (John 14:6) His Word is eternal. His promises are true. He is the One who holds me up when I cling to Him.

Lord, keep me hanging on to You.