December | 2012 | Devotions By Jan

December 6, 2012
by devotionsbyjan 1 Comment

The Sweetest Sound

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 15:52 “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised imperishable and we will be changed.”

This Christmas decoration is just beautiful. I imagine the idea is that the angel is announcing the birth of Christ. It is a nice thought, though in fact there were no trumpets on the scene, at least recorded in the Scripture. There was certainly a multitude of angels in the sky above the shepherds praising God, perhaps in song.

The trumpet in our verse today has a very special meaning. Sounding it will signal the resurrection. It does not say who will blow this trumpet, perhaps an angel, but it will be heard all over the world. When it is blown, those believers who have died will receive their new incorruptible bodies. Those believers still living at the time will also be changed. Death will forever be swallowed up in victory! What a day that will be!

Sometimes when I read in God’s Word about what is to come, I wonder how it affects me TODAY. This passage about the resurrection and our new bodies has everything to do with today. These words were written so that knowing this truth I stay steadfast, immoveable, and that I would always be about the work of the Lord (verse 58). Looking towards the resurrection and eternity convinces me that my work for the Lord is never futile or in vain.

I enjoy all kinds of music and musical instruments. But one day I will hear a trumpet sound that will announce the end of time. It will be the sweetest sound ever!

December 4, 2012
by devotionsbyjan 1 Comment

What Will Last

Scripture for Today: Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall never pass away.”

My husband and I have a lot of fun climbing around old castle ruins like the one pictured here. I enjoy imagining the kind of life lived there in by-gone years. Which area had the room with the best view? Where did they put the kitchen?

The walls are so very thick one would think it would last forever. The location high up on the hill was strategic for their defense. Those who lived here probably could not imagine their castle being one day in ruins.

Our verse for today says that all of heaven and earth shall pass away. There is the bad news. However, the good news is that there will be a new heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21:1). There will be no sin there and so they will last forever!

Everything here will one day be gone. It is a difficult concept for me to grasp. Especially here in Europe, there are some very ancient buildings. As an American from a young country I am often impressed with the age of things. Even our house is over a hundred years old. But as these ruins remind me, nothing man builds will stand the test of time.

In contrast, God’s Word will never pass away. His words are faithful, true and eternal. They will never change. It is because this is true that it is worth my time loving His Word, obeying it, and basing my life on it. There is no other thing on this earth that has the same value.

May I be faithful in giving the Lord the time and study His Word deserves. Nothing else lasts forever!

December 3, 2012
by devotionsbyjan 2 Comments

Like a Tree

Scripture for Today: Psalms 1:3 “He shall be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season. And its leaf does not wither. And whatever he does, he prospers.”

This tree does not look like much without its leaves. Even so, it seems stately and strong. I can just imagine the shade it would provide in a different season. The bench there looks so inviting. Its branches are solid to give birds rest and shelter. Its elevated location sets it apart. It has withstood the winds and heavy snows over many years.

In our verse the righteous man who delights in obeying God’s Law is likened to a tree. Like the tree, those who obey Him are upright, strong and uncompromising. The righteous one cannot be moved by the winds of adversity. He is seen by others. His stature is a testimony to the care and blessing that comes from obedience.

I am so thankful for that little phrase, “which yields its fruit in its season.” The tree pictured here is not bearing fruit. It is not the season. However, it is still stately and strong as it awaits the next season. There are times in my life when I wonder about the fruit I am producing. However, when I am faithful to love and follow His Law, I can be assured of staying strong and healthy. There is a time and season for every purpose under heaven (Eccl. 3:1). God is the One who controls the seasons and produces the fruit in me.

I love this image of being a tree. My roots are firmly planted in His unchangeable and good Law. I will not be moved, regardless of the winds that buffet me. I stand strong and prosper in life because of this promise!