Devotions By Jan

Monthly Archives: November 2017


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Portion Control

Scripture for Today:  Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Apparently, Americans are not the only ones who struggle with portion control!  The Polish cuisine is a hearty one as this Zapiekanka sandwich demonstrates, unless of course it serves several.  This baguette-style sandwich is considered Polish fast food and rivals most of our large sandwiches.  I was taught growing up to finish everything on my plate.  But the problem is that today, that plate groans with the weight of portions that have grown bigger and bigger, and the control has to come from me!

In today’s verse, there is no need to think about portion control!  Those that hunger and thirst for righteousness will be full and satisfied.  With His righteousness we do not pine for something more.  There is no feeling of missing out on something better.  A righteous life is the best kind of life.  Doing the right thing, following His way, and experiencing right standing with our Creator gives a sense of well-being that is complete.  No other kind of life can be quite as full or satisfying!

My problem is that I hunger and thirst for other things, good things, that give only temporary satisfaction.  But of course, I hunger and thirst again.  However, I do not want my life to be characterized by wanting.  I desperately want to experience that contentment and satisfaction He offers.  If I make the Lord the object of my longing, He will satisfy me.  He has promised life to the full (John 10:10).  This “blessedness” means that I can overflow with hope (Rom. 15:13) and with joy (II Cor. 8:2).  I want to be able to say with the Psalmist, “my cup overflows!” (Psalm 23:5)

Fill me up with You, Lord.


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Thor’s Well

Scripture for Today: Matthew 16:18 “And I tell you that you are Peter and on this rock I will build My Church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

On the Oregon Coast at Cape Perpetua, the Pacific gives visitors quite a show with the moving waters of Thor’s Well.  Over the years it is thought that the waves carved out a sea cave where later the roof collapsed.  The resulting bowl-shaped hole looks as if it is continually draining and refilling.  At high tide the water fills it from the bottom.  Then it bubbles or sprays out the top, the cycle repeating itself.  This strange phenomenon is also called, “Gate to Hell” although it is not thought to be particularly dangerous.

Today’s verse encourages the believer that despite enemies and opposition, the gate of Hell (Hades, or realm of the dead) will not overcome the Church Jesus has established.  That is because Jesus Himself builds it and it is built on the confession of Peter.  He avowed that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God (verse 16).  The Church is built on this fundamental truth, the identity of Jesus being its Cornerstone (Acts 4:11).

The Gate to Hell is a busy place with churning water that seems to fill and drain constantly.  And there will always be plenty of activity and evil directed at bringing down the Church.  Sometimes, I can be discouraged reading of Christians martyred for their faith in Jesus.  I can feel dispirited to see very public Christian workers fall into sin.  But this wonderful truth reassures me that nothing and no one can thwart God’s plan.  The Church is His Bride and He loves her.  I am part of that Body and I can be confident that evil will not win.

Thank you Lord, for Your promise of victory!