Devotions drawn from Martin’s Japan trip
After reading Martin’s article of his Japan Trip, I was moved to write some devotions about it.
Psalm 121:7-8: “The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
DEVOTIONAL
A journey can come with uncertainties. For example, I knew Martin had health concerns about a potential flare-up of his gout. He told me that during the trip, they faced a language barrier driving a rental car with GPS in Japanese. God’s promise to watch over their “coming and going” offered peace. The trip unfolded smoothly, reminding them that God guides even on unfamiliar roads, in unexpected ways. Thank God for ensuring that Martin was gout-free throughout the trip.
Psalm 107:9: “…for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”
DEVOTIONAL
We often associate “good things” with material possessions, but Psalm 107:9 offers a broader perspective. God satisfies our hunger in many ways. A delicious meal shared with loved ones, the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms in bloom – these are all gifts from a loving Creator. They nourish our senses and remind us of His abundant goodness that surrounds us.
Matthew 6:28-29: “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these.”
DEVOTIONAL
We often get bogged down by worries about material possessions, like clothing. Jesus, in Matthew 6:28-29, uses the “flowers of the field” as a powerful reminder to trust God’s provision. These delicate blooms, adorned in vibrant colours, thrive without spinning or weaving. If God clothes the flowers with such beauty, won’t He surely care for His children’s needs as well?
Isaiah 54:10: “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
DEVOTIONAL
While Martin was in Japan, he received many messages (including one from me) concerning the Taiwan earthquake. We were concerned that it would have impacted Japan also. Life can be like a landscape in the midst of an earthquake – the familiar shifting, foundations seemingly unstable. Isaiah 54:10 offers a powerful promise in these unsettling times.
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