Devotions By Jan

Monthly Archives: January 2015


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Bath Time

Scripture for Today: John 13:10 “Jesus answered, ‘Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.'”

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to bathe a cat!  If it is ever tried, the best way is to do it with some sort of protective gear as claws will appear!  I have heard of cats that like water but it seems to be the exception.  The howling and carrying on is pathetic.  Normally, the cat licking himself is all that is needed, but there are those rare occasions when a bath is necessary.  And afterwards, the cat will never look at its owner in quite the same way again!

Our verse for today is in the context of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.  All but one of these disciples (Judas) had already been bathed.  They had each experienced the life-changing cleansing and forgiveness of the Lord.  However, the day-to-day walk meant that their feet would continue to get dirty and need daily cleansing.

I am thankful for that initial bath of salvation.  It does not need to be repeated.  God’s forgiveness is complete and there is nothing to add to our salvation.  “It is finished,” was declared from the cross and my salvation is secured because of His grace.  That does not mean that I do not continue to sin, unfortunately.  But because of being “in Christ” (Romans 8:1) there is no longer any condemnation for my sin.  Taking care of “dirty feet” everyday means that I agree with God when He points out that dirt.  I need to recognize my sin and ask His help to avoid repeating it.

Thank you Lord, that in Heaven my feet will no longer need washing!

 

 


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Pelicans

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 15:4 “The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.”

How can something be so majestic and wonderful and yet make me laugh at the same time?  The pelican is an impressive bird, soaring overhead with a huge wing span.  But up close and personal, that large elastic throat pouch of theirs looks amusing.  However, God in His creativity designed that pouch to catch up to three gallons of water with their prey.  They then throw back their heads and squeeze the water out of the sides of the pouch, leaving the fish ready to be swallowed.

A pelican will swallow lots of things from fish and crustaceans to tadpoles and turtles.  If they are hungry enough, they might even drown and swallow a seagull!  Having all that water with their catch allows them to swallow just about anything!

Our verse for today contrasts one who is discerning to the one who is a fool, swallowing anything!  The discerning heart will seek knowledge and wisdom.  The fool, however, seems to be satisfied with foolish things.  The fool has no discernment and will swallow whatever folly the world presents, whether it is in the form of mindless television, slick magazines, or the latest fad.

I do not want to be a fool.  I want to be discerning in what I “swallow.”  Feeding on God’s Word gives me that discernment as it teaches me what is truth.  But it requires effort on my part.  I am to seek this knowledge rather than just mindlessly going through my day.  It is intentional living.  I want to be mindful as to what I will allow myself to accept.

Lord, make my heart discerning as I feed on the Truth of Your Word.  Don’t let me swallow anything else!


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Cracked!

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 11:10 “He (Abraham) was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”

In the midst of renovations, we discovered a nasty surprise.  In pulling up all the carpet, a crack much like this one was revealed, extending almost wall to wall in the living room.  We were told by our contractor that ours was a minor one and nothing to worry about as in our part of California the ground does shift.  These cracks are sometimes a result of settling on a site with poor soil preparation.  It is a bit unnerving to know about that crack and to just cover it up again!

Our verse for today describes the faith of Abraham, looking forward to the Celestial City with sure foundations.  He does not have to worry about cracks in his life due to “settling” as he is living as a stranger in a foreign country (verse 9).  The foundation where he eventually settles will be built by a Master Architect and Builder with no chance of cracks.

I can see that the more I settle into the world and its way of thinking, the more I risk living with “cracks.”  The foundation this world offers is never a sure one.  It continually moves and shifts.  Trying to settle on it is like trying to nail jello to a wall!  When there are no absolute truths there can be nothing sure and certain on which to build one’s life.

I am feeling very unsettled right now being between two homes.  But it is OK not to feel settled as my true foundation is in my future anyway!  Looking forward to that sure foundation makes living with uncertainties possible.  The Lord is my Builder and Architect and He is preparing a future home with no cracks!

 


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Crowned

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 103:4 “who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.”

While living in France, we enjoyed the “Fête des Rois” (Three King’s Day) every January, celebrating the visit of the wise men to baby Jesus.  It was an occasion to get together and eat a traditional “galette,” a flat flaky cake only available at this time of year.  There is always a ceremony to be followed when eating a galette.  An extra slice was cut for a lost loved one or for the poor.  A child is asked to hide under the table and designate to whom each piece is served.  The guest who finds a small “féve” or figurine in his slice becomes king or queen for the day and wears the paper crown!

In our verse for today God’s love and compassion are depicted as a crown that gives us value and honor.  The context is forgiveness of sin and healing.  In His love He lifts us  up from the pit of guilt and condemnation.  We were unable to crawl out of that pit on our own.  But He had compassion on us and redeemed us at a great price to Himself.  He wore a humiliating and painful crown of thorns in order to crown us with love and compassion!

The fact that He knows every dirty little secret and still loves me is an incredible thought!  He has lifted me up and made me precious with this crown!  His love and compassion make me valuable.  He has set me apart with His crowning distinction.  I can have no other response than to praise Him with my whole life and my entire being!

Thank you Lord, for Your love and compassion crowning this undeserving head!


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Renovation

3563583617_df2bbee613Scripture for Today: Psalm 122:1 “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.”

Our small condo is slowly being renovated.  Each time we visit to see how the work is progressing, I try to be realistic.  It all takes longer than I had anticipated.  Thankfully, we do not need to live there during the work.  With each visit, new things are seen that should be changed or upgraded.  I will be very glad when all the work is finally finished.

Our verse for today speaks about being glad to enter the house of the Lord.  To be with other believers and worship our Lord together is a glad event.  However, we are all in the process of some serious renovation in that house.  There may be some rough edges on people that need sanding down to make smooth.  There may be a hanging hinge on a door which makes opening up difficult to do.  Perhaps, there are “damaged” people in that house that need repair.  Can I really be glad to enter a house like that?  Wouldn’t it be better to come in after all the renovations were complete?

I can be glad to enter the Lord’s house knowing that God is working in others just as He is working in me.  He promises to continue working right up to the day of His return (Phil. 1:6).  The on-going changes He is producing in others are the same kinds of renovations He is doing in me.  As believers, we are all in the process of change and growth into the very image of His Son.  It is a renovation that we live with, knowing that the outcome is worth it!

Lord, help me to be patient with Your work in me, and in others!