February | 2015 | Devotions By Jan

February 5, 2015
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The Crocus

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 35:1-2a “The desert and the parched land will be glad. The wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom. It will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.”

I cannot help but smile when I see these sweet crocuses. They are usually the first burst of color to be seen in a barren winter landscape. They herald the coming of spring, giving just a glimpse of the riotous color to follow. For me, they represent hope of a verdant and colorful season just around the corner. Often, they seem to just pop up overnight.

Today’s verse uses the image of the crocus to picture the joy of God’s redeemed people. The desert of their distress and persecution will be transformed into joyful springs of water. There will be a day when God will move on their behalf, coming with vengeance and salvation (verse 4). Every wrong will be made right. There will be singing, shouting, gladness and everlasting joy for the redeemed. There will be complete healing and protection. Sorrow and sighing will be no more!

What an incredible future awaits me! And this joy can be lived in part now as I look forward to that day. That small sweet crocus is a promise of so much more to come. Its appearance reminds me that all is not bleak and barren in life. A different season is surely coming. All will be transformed in the blink of an eye. At that point, there will be no containing my bursting joy! But for now, it is so easy to look around at everything sad and negative in my life and become discouraged. I have a choice however. Instead I am going to look for that small crocus flower today!

Thank you Lord, that incredible joy is my future!

February 4, 2015
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Out of Tune

Scripture for Today: Psalms 119:75 “I know, Lord, that Your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.”

I am listening to the piano tuner as I write this. It is so annoying to hear him hit the same note over and over until it is tuned correctly. Just when I think I can relax again, he goes on to the next note. It is as excruciating to me as nails on a chalk board. But I know the sound will be beautiful when he is finished. I will be able to make music without cringing at the discordant sound.

Our verse for today speaks about affliction at the hands of the Lord. His intent is to correct us when we stray from what is right. David understands that God’s laws are righteous and that correction needs to come from His hands. We are told in Hebrews 12:6 that the Lord disciplines those He loves.

The piano tuner needs to use his tools to tighten the strings inside. He does it to correct the sound. He knows just how much tightening is needed to produce beautiful music. In the same way, the Lord uses what is hurtful and negative to fine tune me. There are plenty of times I am “out of tune” with God’s standards of righteousness. When I am disobedient I do not sound so good. I may not even notice how discordant I have become. But when He corrects me I can again make beautiful music that honors Him!

I love these lyrics from an old hymn: “Tune my heart to sing Thy grace, Streams of mercy never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.”

Lord, make me in tune with You and Your righteousness.

February 3, 2015
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The Ambassador

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 5:20 “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

This beautiful 1956 Nash Ambassador is remarkable with its three-tone color scheme, whitewalls and impressive grill! This particular car is said to have been the “official car of Disneyland.” The model name of “Ambassador” came to represent the top of the line. This name continued so long as to become the longest-lived automobile nameplate in automotive history.

The name “Ambassador,” is more likely to be associated today with the government office. Part of the role of an ambassador in a foreign country is to serve American interests and values. This is to be done with the highest standards of ethical conduct and diplomatic discretion. The ambassador is to represent the very best of his people.

In our verse for today, the Lord asks His followers to be His ambassadors. We are to represent Christ, speaking on His behalf with His message of reconciliation with God. An ambassador does not change his allegiance to the host country. He remains faithful to the one he represents. The ambassador is all about peace and reconciliation.

I sometimes forget that I am an alien and stranger here (Hebrews 11:13-14, 16). This is not my home. My citizenship is elsewhere in Heaven. As His child, my allegiance is to God and not to the thinking and values of this world. I am His ambassador, imploring others to seek peace with God through Christ. My role is to represent His values and interests. What an incredible responsibility to represent Him and His heart. He longs for an intimate and peaceful relationship with each person.

May I be faithful today in representing You, Lord.