Devotions By Jan

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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!


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No Fear

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

I do not normally think of myself as a fearful person, but then I am not trying to do what this woman is doing, hanging over the Hong Kong skyline!  She is either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid to take such a risk!  The hammock seems to suggest ease and relaxation, which has got to be far from what she is feeling!  Even so, it is a sure bet that she does not suffer from acrophobia!

Today’s verse is an encouragement to not fear.  I am to put my trust in God.  His presence keeps me from being dismayed at dizzying heights.  He strengthens.  He helps.  And most importantly, He upholds me with His righteous right hand!  Whether I am facing insurmountable odds, or the presence of evil, I do not have to give in to fear.

The stronger my faith is in Him, the less problem I will have with fear.  In Matthew 8:26 Jesus challenges His disciples with the question, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”  Their boat being pummeled by a storm seemed reason enough.  But had they had more trust in Him, fear would not have been an issue.  I do the same thing when faced with scary circumstances.  The level of fear I am feeling is a barometer of just how much I am trusting Him.  But with God for us – who (or what) can be against us? (Rom. 8:31)  Through Him, we are more than conquerors, even over our own fears!

Thank you Lord, that because of You, I do not have to fear.


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Bones

Scripture for Today: Ezekiel 37:5 “This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.”

This must be what happens when Halloween meets Valentine’s Day!  I just had a bone scan done for the first time but I am fairly sure I did not look like either one of these skeletons.  I have osteoporosis in my family and need to be concerned about good bone health.  There are lots of preventative measures to take.  Weight-bearing exercise is recommended as well as a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.  I am thrilled to see ice cream and frozen yogurt on the high-in-calcium list!  Although vitamin D is important, I would prefer getting it from the sun rather than a pill.  The next time I enjoy ice cream in the sunshine, I can do it without a shred of guilt!

Today’s verse comes from a vision the Lord gave His prophet, Ezekiel.  The bones represent the nation of Israel.  Their bones were dried up as their hope was gone and they were cut off.  God promised to put flesh on those bones and give life through His Spirit.  It was an image of what He would do for them, bringing them back to their land.

There is no life without His Spirit.  We are all dead in our sins without His life-giving Spirit.  Those who reject Jesus Christ are like dried up bones, without hope and cut off from a vital relationship with their Maker.  But with His breath comes true life.  In Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).  The breath of His Spirit moves me to a living loving relationship with Him.

Thank you Lord, for breathing true life into me!

 


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Apple Fritter

Scripture for Today:  Ephesians 5:15-16 “Be very careful, then , how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

I can turn down donuts fairly easily but I have a weakness for apple fritters.  I can tell myself that they are “healthier” having apple in them.  But in fact they do not differ much from the donut, being deep fat fried cake batter.  The word, “fritter,” comes from the French word for fried.  However, there is another meaning to the word, “fritter,” as in the saying, “to fritter away.”  This is when we gradually squander or waste time or money.

Today’s verse stresses the importance of making the most of every opportunity.  Doing so makes us wise.  When we fritter away the day or the week, we assume there will be many more ahead of us.  But the days are evil and life can be cut short.  However, missed opportunities are not an issue for the believer who is carefully living to please Him and do His will (verse 17).  In being filled with His Spirit (verse 18) we can make the most of our days.

Making the most of today may involve doing absolutely nothing and “recharging my batteries.”  I do not have to worry that I am frittering away anything if I am closely following what He wants for me today.  He knows when I need to slow down and when I can speed up.  He places those opportunities to serve Him squarely in my path, and gives me the motivation to, “fulfill His good purpose.” (Phil. 2:13)  I only have this one life to offer Him.  When I come to the end of it, I do not want to have any regrets over missed opportunities.

Help me Lord, to live wisely today.