Devotions By Jan


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Pardons

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 55:7 “Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”

There is nothing new about offering someone flowers as an apology! Perhaps the bigger the bouquet, the more heartfelt the apology. But if it were just one flower to say it all, then this Daylily may be the best choice! That is because its name is, Pardon Me! This cranberry-colored lily with a yellow center and ruffled edges is incredibly hardy. It can survive harsh conditions that other plants cannot and will tend to rebloom!

Today’s verse tells us that God will have mercy on the wicked and on the unrighteous. He promises to show mercy to those that forsake their ways and their thoughts, turning to Him for forgiveness. God does not just pardon but freely pardons! This is a gracious invitation to turn away from wicked ways and thoughts, and to turn towards a full and complete pardon He offers! There is no wrongdoing so grevious that He will not forgive! There is no thought so shockingly awful that He cannot freely pardon it.

What a comfort this verse is! No one is beyond the reach of His pardon. And this pardon covers my secret sinful thoughts that no one else knows about. The fact that some sins are hidden can sometimes keep me from realizing my guilt. Frankly, I would not want anyone to know my thoughts! But it is no problem that God sees it all because He pardons it all when I turn to Him! What an amazing gracious God we serve! Would that I pardon others as freely as He pardons me!

Thank You Lord, for Your pardon so freely given me!


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Horses and Chariots

Scripture for today:  Psalm 20:7 “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord.”

Who remembers that famous chariot race scene in the epic movie, Ben Hur? It took five weeks to film this nine minute segment and the studio used 15 thousand extras for the crowd of spectators.  There was an infirmary created especially for this scene because of the potential for injury.  There were no injuries, however, except some bad cases of sunburn.  Three life-like dummies were strategically placed to give the appearance of bodies run over by the chariots.

Horses and chariots were important instruments of war in biblical times.  The winning side in a battle were often those with the best built chariots and the swiftest horses.  In today’s verse, one can choose to place their confidence in their horses and chariots or in the name of the Lord.  The choice is basically the same today.  We can choose to place our trust in our own efforts, or we can depend on the strength of the Lord.  It is the Lord who gives victory with the power of His right hand. (verse 6) To trust in oneself is no guarantee of victory.

Trusting “in His name” is trusting God Himself. He is absolutely worthy of my trust but sometimes I overestimate my own abilities and efforts. I am so prone to feelings of self-sufficiency. It seems easier to just handle things in my own strength and in my own way. The results, though, are never as good as dependence on Him. Having confidence in His goodness, control and power gives Him the open door to do some amazing things above and beyond all I could ask or or even imagine! (Eph. 3:20)

Help me Lord, to completely trust Your plan and Your power.


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Lame Duck

Scripture for Today: Psalm 71:18 “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”

It is an odd expression. “Lame duck” refers to sitting presidents or congress members finishing out their term while the newly elected ones prepare to take office. Originally in the eighteenth century, it was a term in the British stock exchange, a slang for someone who defaulted. Since crossing the Pond, this expression has had several meanings, including “old slow ship” in a naval context. We have used this expression in the political arena since Calvin Coolidge. However, in nature, a lame duck can continue to swim and fly.

Today’s verse is an encouragement to anyone who may feel like a lame duck, marginalized because of age or loss of position. King David, with advancing age and with the constant threat of enemies, prays to God for a continued influence. Even if all responsibilities are stripped away, David sees purpose to his life. His role may change but it is just as important to declare to the next generation all he has seen the Lord do in his life.

As a believer, there can be times I may feel like a lame duck. I may not have the same role as I previously had. Perhaps my service to the Lord is less visible or public. But whatever the changes might be, a lame duck can still swim and fly! My testimony to the next generation is so much more powerful when I can recount all He has done over the years! Speaking of God’s faithfulness and grace becomes that much more credible with my personal examples.

Make me bold, Lord, to speak of You and Your power!


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Why Celebrate?

Scripture for Today: Psalm 2:10-11 “Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.”

We just finished bringing in the New Year with lots of noise, toasts and and celebration. It was a happy time of saying goodbye to a difficult year and welcoming the clean slate of the new. There was hope for peace, good health and prosperity. The celebrations seemed a bit short-lived this time around as we see the political unrest in our world. Talking about celebration appears to be completely off-subject compared to the somber mood of today.

Today’s verse is a warning to the rulers of the earth. Regardless of the amount and extent of the power held in one’s hands, they are to acknowledge and serve the Lord with fear and trembling. Wise ruling on their part can only happen as they recognize that the Lord has the ultimate rule and not them. It is God that reigns over ALL the nations. He is seated on His holy throne. (Psalm 47:8) His powerful rule is forever. (Psalm 66:7) The rulers and the ruled can celebrate this truth as His rule is righteous and just.

Regardless of the political turmoil, I can continue to serve the Lord. And as incongruous as it sounds, I can continue to celebrate His rule, being assured of His control! My God continues to reign despite chaos. He has already revealed the end plan in Revelation and His plans are never thwarted. (Psalm 33:10-11) No, I am not wearing the party hat anymore. But I can have deep-seated joy and confidence in God’s hand moving world events to bring about the future He has in mind. I can celebrate His power, His plan and His control!

Thank you Lord, for reassuring and lifting my heart!


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Chaos!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 33:10-11 “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”

The contrast is a stark one noted on this sign, and recently in our lives as well with the current unrest. There is a theory called, “Chaos Theory,” that attempts to explain the unpredictable. Rather than traditional science that deals with the predictable, as in gravity or certain chemical reactions, Chaos Theory teaches us to expect the unexpected. It is a science of surprises that are impossible to predict or control. Categorizing what we cannot control as “chaos,” does not do much to reassure me!

Today’s verse does reassure me. There may be political unrest or chaos in our world but the Lord has plans that are never frustrated or foiled. His sovereignty is absolute. He allows and He blocks the plans of men. He is not random or capricious but always has a design of His own that will supersede our own plans. His unseen plans will never be thwarted by man as they stand firm and forever. In contrast to chaos, and despite chaos, there is an ordered objective to what God is allowing.

This truth gives me tremendous comfort when my world seems to be spinning out of control, whether on a large or personal scale. Nothing takes the God of the universe by surprise. He has no need to modify or change His plans as He knows the end from the beginning. He never says, “uh-oh,” nor does He wring His hands. He has the world in those hands and because He does, I can have rest in the middle of unrest.

Thank you Lord, that Your plans stand firm.