Devotions By Jan

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Shoe Dog

Scripture for Today:  John 13:3-4a  “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God; so…”

The term, “shoe dog,” brings to mind what is pictured here.  There is something about that soft leather and trailing shoelace that invites dogs to be naughty and chew.  But in fact, “shoe dog,” refers to a shoe salesman.  In hearing about the history of the Nordstrom department stores, I learned that each of the three sons had to be a shoe dog as part of their training before their father allowed them to rise in the ranks.  The idea was to teach them humility and service.

In today’s verse, Jesus is preparing to get down on His knees and wash His disciples’ feet.  This was a service normally done by servants.  It was considered a demeaning task but a necessary one that was expected from the host.  Christ knew He would soon be leaving His disciples and did this out of His love for them.  This service did not threaten His identity and He was unconcerned about how it may make Him look.  He knew who He was, where He came from and where He was going.

Service is often not glamorous.  It can be dirty and stinky and even misunderstood.  But motivated by love for Him and love for others, I can disregard how it may make me look to others.  My service to others can be done without thought as to how I am viewed.  I know where I came from and where I am going as well!  And serving others is the best way I know to love Him!

Help me Lord, to get my mind off myself and serve those around me today!

 

 


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Bone Marrow Dish

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

My meal choice at a restaurant in France was so unusual that I felt compelled to take a photo of it!  I understood the description but had never seen anyone eat it before.  In Europe, bone marrow is normally served on toasted bread and sprinkled with sea salt.  Here the presentation does not let one forget its source!  In older American recipes it was often used for making broth.  This spongy tissue is slightly sweet and its texture is smooth.  Although it is full of nutrients, I was a bit put off by the taste of its obviously high fat content!

Today’s verse uses the imagery of dried up bones to picture a crushed spirit.  Bones that are dried up and feeling empty are a perfect description for depression.  In contrast, a heart that is cheerful and joyful is a great medicine for whatever ails us.  The phrase, “laughter is the best medicine,” has been around a long time.  Research has shown there are many health benefits to laughter, including increased blood flow, better immune response, lowered blood sugar, and relaxation.

My cheerful heart is often in spite of and not because of my circumstances.  Joy is many times a choice.  Like Habakkuk, when everything is going wrong, I can “joy in the God of my salvation.” (Hab. 3:18)  I can still choose a joyful heart even when there is no evident reason for it.  That is because there is joy in the thought of His salvation and the future that awaits!  And joy is sure to return when I think about His unexplainable love for me!

Thank you Lord, for giving me a cheerful heart.

 

 

 

 


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Commitment

Scripture for Today: Psalm 26:3 “For I have always been mindful of Your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on Your faithfulness.”

Today marks forty one years with this guy!  The furniture has changed, as well as the carpet below us and the technology behind us!  But one thing that has not changed is our commitment to one another.  Because of signing on that dotted line, we have given our love the best chance to grow and mature.  Our marriage is not perfect (ahem….).  But because of all the confines and restrictions of commitment, we have seen that elusive quality of faithfulness develop over the years.

Today’s verse describes a faithfulness that has no equal.  The faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.  His love for His own never fails and is perfectly expressed in His unending faithful commitment.  There is no waning.  There are no breaks or interruptions.  His faithfulness has no end as He is eternal and unchanging.  We are to be mindful of this love as well as live in reliance on it.

There is nothing a marriage can rely on as sure, steady and consistent as His love.  As much as I love my husband my love for him can fluctuate.  But God’s faithfulness and commitment are solid.  It is the foundation to our marriage and without it we would be utterly lost.  His love gives me motivation to love each day like He does, sacrificially.  And God’s love is my support through the good and the bad, the highs and the lows!  Thankfully, His love is faithful and will never change.

Happy 41st to my wonderful husband!  And thank you Lord, that I can count on Your faithful love today, and tomorrow.


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Yuletide Log

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 2:14 “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.”

Christmas is not just about the pretty lights and decorations.  Just as important to that “Chrismassy” feeling are the aromas!  Whether it is hot cocoa, peppermint or gingerbread, the smells can make one feel the magic of the season.  As wonderful as the aromas of cooking can be, some of us use shortcuts!  One can now buy a yuletide log for the fire that gives off the odor of fried chicken!

Today’s verse brings to mind a victory march after a battle.  Christ is at the head of this processional and we are the spoils of war.  Being His captives means we are subjects of a new King.  He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son (Col.1:13).  No longer are we slaves to sin.  And one of our identifying marks is our “smell.”  Believers are to be an aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere we go.

For some, my aroma is not so pleasant.  In fact, I even stink to people who are rejecting the Savior.  But for the one being drawn to Him, I am a pleasing aroma (verses 15-16).  He has promised to use me to spread the aroma of Him.  When I praise Him to others, I smell good.  When I encourage someone to trust Him, I smell good. And when I stay faithful to Him even in the midst of horrible circumstances, I smell good.  Knowing Him is an aroma and influence that can go a long way.

Lord, may I smell good for You today!

 

 


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Electric Eel

Scripture for Today: II Peter 1:3 “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”

You may be shocked to learn that an electric eel much like this one has been delighting spectators at an aquarium in Tennessee!  He even has a name, Miguel Watson.  A system was connected to his tank that enables his shocks to power a strand of lights on a nearby Christmas tree!  When trying to find food Miguel will emit low-voltage blips that cause a rapid dim blinking of lights.  But when he is actually eating or gets excited he releases higher-voltage shocks that result in bigger flashes!

Today’s verse talks about the divine power that God uses to give the believer everything needed to live a godly life.  His power creates a life that man cannot achieve on his own.  Godliness means to resemble Him and it can only happen through our knowledge of Him.  His power enables us to have faith, goodness, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, affection and love (verses 6-7).  And when these qualities increase over time we become more effective and productive in our knowledge of Him (verse 8).

In looking at this list I am convinced that showing these qualities can only happen through His power!  Quite frankly, my light is sometimes just a dim flash.  Without being connected to His power I can do nothing (John 15: 5).  But when I am abiding and connecting with Him, He produces a godly life that not only pleases Him but is a light to others.  And just as the eel produces more power when eating and excited, I need to be feeding on God’s Word!  His Word motivates and encourages me to be more like Him.

Thank you Lord, for empowering me!