June 2021 — Janie Durene
a letter from Liz —
Hi ladies,
I am so happy to have a place to share with you all each month. I hope these letters come with the right words at the right time for you and spur you on to deeper intimacy with Christ and our team.
Today’s devotional comes from Janie Durene, who serves with her husband Mark as area director of Peninsular Asia (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam). I appreciate Janie, her obedience to Christ, her gentle spirit, and the wisdom she brings to the table. Janie also serves in Global University for her area, so if you have any questions about that, I’m sure she could answer them.
After you read the devotional, Janie asks you to respond. Here is a challenge for you—hit Reply to this email and share your response with me, and I will pass responses on to Janie. Responder No. 10 will win an Amazon gift card! I wonder who the winner will be, so don’t delay!
As I write this letter, I am currently in Indonesia watching COVID-19 cases rise here along with other AP countries still in drastic lockdowns. Our hearts go out to you and your teams, and we pray for continued peace and endurance as you navigate this pandemic on the field. Your ministry and presence here is seen by the Lord, and He will reward you.
For those of us stateside, I hope to see you at General Council. It will be good to be together.
I hope you enjoy this month’s devotional.
Love and prayers,
Liz
From Janie Durene —
The Right Hand of God
A few months back I noticed the phrase “the right hand of God” appearing frequently in my daily Bible reading. I had heard and read this phrase before but never really spent time to think about what its meaning might be. What might be the significance of God’s right hand? What could I learn about God from this phrase?”
There are about 166 verses in the Bible that talk about God’s right hand. From reading through these verses, you begin to see some different facets to the meaning of this phrase.
God’s power and protection come through His right hand: Ex. 15:6 - Your right hand, O Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, O Lord shattered the enemy. Ps. 20:6 – Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.
God’s right hand supports us: Isa. 41:10 – I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Acts 2:25 – Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Our eternal salvation comes from God exalting Jesus to his own right hand: Acts 5:31 – God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.
God’s provision comes through His right hand: Ps. 16:11 – You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
My favorite verse regarding God’s right hand is found in Isa. 41:13. It says, “For I am the Lord, your God, who TAKES HOLD OF YOUR RIGHT HAND and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” We are so blessed to have the most powerful One in the universe promising to help us, and in addition His loving heart is expressed in His desire to take hold of our right hand to offer His strength, His support, His power, His refuge and protection. Take a moment to visualize His hand coming down and taking hold of your hand. What does that feel like to you?
Spend a few minutes and think about some specific instances when God’s mighty right hand was extended into the circumstances of your life. Then share with God your gratefulness for what He did and for the gift of His right hand.