Devotions By Jan

Monthly Archives: April 2015


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Perfume

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 27:9 “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”

Living in France all these years has given me a new appreciation for perfume.  We have had friends in the business and we have visited factories.  When my Bible study ladies got together, the subject would sometimes turn to their favorite scents.  They gave me a classic perfume as a parting gift.  Its fragrance reminds me of those ladies and their sweet friendship.  But even with all this exposure, I am not as knowledgeable as some people are who make perfume their hobby.  At least I know what I like even if I cannot say it gives me an “emotional rush” or “butterflies in my stomach!”

Our verse for today acknowledges the morale booster a nice scent can be.  And just as perfume and incense can bring joy to a heart, so also does the involved friend who gives sincere and heartfelt advice.  I do not always think of advice from others as being pleasant.  Perhaps I have been too often the recipient of advice that was not given by a true friend or was not heartfelt.

Heartfelt advice is recognizable.  When advice is given in a spirit of love one does not so easily take offense.  Even if the advice is off the mark, when it comes from the well-intentioned friend, it can be pleasant.  It means the person cares.  It means the person wants to see you succeed.  Advice, asked for or not, means that person is willing to get involved in problem solving and helping.  The wise person listens to advice (Prov. 12:15).

Thank you Lord, for friends that care enough to advise.  Help me be wise enough to listen!


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The Ostrich

Scripture for Today: II Peter 1:9 “But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.”

I was surprised to learn that the ostrich does not really bury his head in the sand!  It is such an accepted saying that I never questioned it!  But in fact, it just looks as if they do being that they press their long necks close to the ground.  They do this to avoid detection, and as their plumage blends in so well with the sandy soil it seems that their heads are buried.  No one is too sure where this idea originated, but the saying is well known.  Someone who exhibits this figurative behavior is one who does not face facts!

Our verse for today describes a believer who is figuratively nearsighted and blind, much like the ostrich.  Whether intentional or not, a believer who has not grasped the reality of true forgiveness is not seeing clearly.  We can easily bury ourselves in thoughts, memories and self recriminations from past sins.  When we do, we make ourselves ineffective and unproductive in our Christian walk (verse 8).

I do not need to bury my head in shame.  The Lord with His gracious forgiveness lifts my head.  He makes it possible for me to live out my faith, adding to it goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness and love (verses 5-7).  I continually remind myself that as far as the Lord is concerned, my sins are as far away as the east is from the west! (Psalm 103:12)  He has completely removed them.  Being convinced of this truth makes it possible to live for Him the abundant life He wants to produce in me!

Thank you Lord, for lifting my head to see Your wonderful and complete forgiveness!

 


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Lizards

Scripture for Today: Numbers 6:25-26 “The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”

Living in a warm dry climate I see lots of these little guys.  They never bother me much as I know they eat those nasty insects I do not want around.  They scurry and hurry and escape quite easily the little hands that try to catch them.  But they slow down when they get to that patch of sunlight.  They love to soak up the sun directly and from the warm surface of rock.  They seem to be quite content sunning themselves for hours without moving.

Our verse for today talks about the Lord shining His face on the ones who belong to Him.  When He turns His face towards us, we feel His grace and His peace.  When we recognize that patch of “Sonlight,” we want to slow down and enjoy the warmth.  It takes time to soak in His presence and love.  It means we are still and quiet.  “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

So often the list of activities and obligations in a day keep me from enjoying His presence.  I know He is there.  But it requires that I take time for Him to really soak in His favor and light.  The warmth of His love is not a place I want to quit.  Sometimes I want life to just stop, so that I can bask in that wonderful light of His countenance without interruption.  It gets a bit uncomfortable and chilly when I am away from Him too long.

He gives amazing peace in the midst of frenzied activity.  He communicates His grace throughout the day.  But how wonderful to stop and soak it all in!


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Half Asleep

Scripture for Today: Romans 13:11-12a “And do this, understand the present time; The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.”

I can identify with this owl!  I am not the morning person my husband is.  I stumble towards my first cup of coffee and try to convince my brain to wake up!  It is not that I retire late the previous night, but that my brain takes a little longer than some to appreciate the new day!  Living in a sunny climate helps.  But on a morning covered in a thick marine layer, being half asleep lasts a bit longer!

Spiritually, many of us go through life a bit half asleep.  The night seems long and it is easy to stay asleep and comfortable in our lifestyles and habits.  It is harder to wake up completely and see the day coming.  We have grown used to the dim light.  The bright blazing sun can be a bit disconcerting for eyes that are used to shadows.  But our verse encourages us that the night is nearly over!

Salvation is nearer than when we first started our walk with Jesus.  The black night of sin and doubt, guilt and secrecy will soon be exposed to His revealing light!  The Lord has called me out of the darkness and into His wonderful light (I Peter 2:9).  The context goes on to say that knowing the day has almost dawned, I am to put aside deeds of darkness.

I want to live with my eyes wide open, seeing His salvation draw nearer and nearer!  How encouraging to know that the night is almost over!  Lord, keep my spiritual eyes open!


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Blank Sign

sign unnamedScripture for Today: Isaiah 48:17 “This is what the Lord says, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.'”

I love walking the trails that meander through the hills surrounding San Juan Capistrano.  The peace and quiet of this gem of nature refreshes my soul!  I am just learning the trails and there are many choices of route.  I carefully look at each trail name so as not to lose my way.  I was surprised at this blank sign which gave me no help at all!

Our verse for today is a special reassurance that God is directing our steps.  The signs He displays put us on the best paths.  His signs are never blank.  They clearly point out His promises and commandments.  Following them gives the most enjoyable views and the straightest paths.  He wants to direct us to the path that is the absolute best!

There are plenty of blank signs around that do not help.  These are signs representing the arguments and pretensions of those without Christ (II Cor. 10:5).  They steer away from knowledge and obedience to the Lord.  They pretend to show a better way but are in fact blank, being hollow and deceptive philosophy (Col. 2:8).  They do not lead to a better life but a more arduous pathway.

Anytime I ignore His clear signs, I am settling for something that is less than best for me.  As my Creator, He knows what direction will bring me the most challenge, the most joy and the most satisfaction.  It is no mystery.  His signs are clearly marked in His Word.

Thank you Lord, that the path You have chosen is the very best one!