Devotions By Jan

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A Breath of Fresh Air

Scripture for Today: John 20:21-22 “Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.’ And with that He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.'”

It started as a bit of a joke.  Two Canadian friends tried selling on e-bay a bag of fresh mountain air.  It only sold for 99 cents but from this humble beginning they have built a reputable business bringing in $230K per year!  Each 20$ can has 160 shots of pure Canadian mountain air.  It is said to smell fresh and clean. For those living in very polluted areas, this must indeed be a breath of fresh air!

Today’s verse describes that first awe-struck moment when Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection.  They were overjoyed but after He breathed on them, they were also empowered with His Holy Spirit!  Because of God’s Spirit breathed on them, these disciples went from timid to tenacious in their testimony to the world!  And as believers we too are given His Spirit as all those who belong to Christ have the Spirit (Rom. 8:9).

In a sense, I am breathing a pure rarified air of a higher altitude with His Spirit living in me.  His Spirit gives me everything I need to live a life that pleases Him including His fruit (Gal. 5:22-23) and the power to hope (Rom. 15:13).  The Spirit does not make me timid but gives me power, love and even self-discipline! (II Tim. 1:7)  It is His Spirit that speaks to my heart and makes God’s Word personal.  And just as air is so necessary to life, so is His Spirit to my spiritual life.  What would I do without Him?  As Marie Barnette puts so beautifully, “This is the air I breathe, Your holy presence living in me.”

Lord, breathe on me today.


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Asparagus Lady

Scripture for Today: Psalm 37:37 “Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.”

No, the “asparagus lady” is not pictured here.  The one I saw in a news piece is a woman living in England who calls herself the “asparamancer.”  She supposedly reads the future by tossing asparagus spears on the ground.  She makes 10-15 predictions every December by studying the pattern they make when tossed.  As ridiculous as it sounds, sometimes she is correct!  She has been right about Brexit, royal babies and the burst of the Bitcoin bubble.  I guess it is not any more far-fetched than reading tea leaves!

Today’s verse assures the believer of their future without the use of tea leaves, crystal balls or asparagus.  The future for the blameless and upright is not something to fear.  For those who seek peace the future is something positive to anticipate with confidence.  In contrast, those who are deceitful and have lots to hide may very well be nervous about what may come.  But for the individual who places their trust in the One who controls the future, there is no need to even know the details!

I am not so sure that I can always be called  blameless and upright.  I do not always seek peace when I hold a grudge.  Thankfully, because of what Christ accomplished on the cross, God looks at me through His righteousness.  And although it would be nice to know some details about what is to come, I already know what is most important through His love letter to me!  He has prepared for me what I cannot even imagine (I Cor. 2:9).  He has promised to never leave me, now or in the future.

Thank you Lord, that my tomorrows are all in Your loving hands!

 


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May Day Basket

Scripture for Today:  I Peter 1:24 “All people are like grass, all all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”

It’s too bad that this tradition seems to be lost.  I still remember as a young girl distributing May Day baskets on the doorknobs of our neighbors with my Mother on May 1st.  Unlike some observances, we did not knock on the door and run!  But we did leave the baskets without alerting the homeowner.  The origin of this tradition dates back to Roman times and the worship of Flora, the goddess of flowers.  But no such idea was in our heads.  We just wanted to be kind and welcome the spring.  After all, April showers are supposed to bring May flowers!

Today’s verse describes man’s glory like the flowers of the field.  With these fragile flowers, there is a burst of color and life and then they are gone.  In the same way, grass  can come up overnight after a good rain, but disappear just as quickly in a dry spell.  Both examples show how fleeting are our lives in the grand scheme of things.  However, the glory, truth and beauty of God’s Word has no such lifespan.  His words are eternal.

Because His words are eternal, they are always relevant and true.  What He said in the first century does not change and morph into something else in the 21st century.  In a world that is constantly changing its ideas on what is morally acceptable, I find this a comfort.  What is true is not subject to a vote!  His truth is my anchor, helping me stay firmly rooted in my faith.

Thank you Lord, that Your words are as faithful and true as You are!


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The Cardinal

Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

It is not fair.  The male cardinal gets all the attention with its bright red plumage whereas the female is largely overlooked.  And yet,  although the colors are more subtle, she is beautiful too.  Normally among songbirds, the male is the only one to sing.  He will sing to defend his territory and during courtship.  However, the female cardinal also sings.  She sings mainly during the spring, during courtship and while sitting on her nest.  Her song is a bit longer and more complex than the male’s song.

Today’s verse downplays the differences between races, social status and between the sexes.  These words describe a coming together that is not so natural.  Believers can achieve oneness in Jesus Christ.  Regardless of our differences, followers of the Lord can have a unity that is remarkable!  Unlike the “birds of a feather who flock together,” the body of Christ is incredibly diverse.  People that would not normally come together find themselves sharing a deep bond in our shared love of Jesus!

What a beautiful testimony to find this unity in a world that is so divided!  Love that reaches across generation, gender and race is the mark of a Christian (Mark 13:35).  It is not natural.  I want that mark on my life, but it can only happen with the fruit of the Spirit in me.  It helps to remember that down deep, my soul is exactly the same as my neighbor’s.  I see differences but the Lord looks on the heart (I Sam 16:7).

Lord, thank you that You can bring together what the world does not!

 


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Light and Dark

Scripture for Today: Ecclesiastes 11:7 “Light is sweet and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.”

It is amazing how sunlight, or the lack of it, can affect my mood.  I enjoy living in an area known for its sunshine.  In fact I am a bit spoiled in that I often take it for granted.  I hardly notice the sunlight after a string of sunny days.  But as soon as the clouds or a marine layer obscure the sun, I realize how good I had it.  Having that contrast with the darkness makes me more appreciative.

Today’s verse is written by Solomon in a book filled with references to the sun.  The phrase, “under the sun” is often used when speaking of the futility of life.  All of life is said to be meaningless and vain if not lived in right relationship to God.  Even sweet light and the pleasure of seeing the sun has no real meaning without knowing its Creator.  But one thing that enhances our enjoyment of the sun is remembering the darkness (verse 8).

Today is a dark day.  Who knows but that tomorrow could be another dark day.  But I have hope that the sunlight of His presence will get me through whatever hard times I face.  And even when I am in a season of sunlight, remembering those darks days helps me appreciate every ray of sunshine He gives me.  I am so thankful that He is a loving personal God who gives me just the right amount of darkness and sunlight.  I can trust Him as He gives to each day what He knows is best.  He allows pain and pleasure, and “mingles toil with peace and rest.” (Day By Day)

Thank you Lord, for the sweet light of Your presence.