Devotions By Jan

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Eucalyptus Tree Roots

Scripture for Today: Colossians 2:6-7 “So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

It seems that with every report of strong winds in our area, we hear of eucalyptus trees falling and causing damage.  These beautiful trees can shoot up to as much as ten feet in a year and can grow to the height of a six story building!  Their root system is strong to support all that growth, if they have enough soil.  Their taproots need to have at least six feet of soil to be well anchored.  Without that depth they are vulnerable to wind damage.

Today’s verse talks about being rooted and built up in Christ, strengthened by our faith and characterized by thankfulness.  Extending our roots into the deep soil of His strength makes us able to stand firm in any wind storm.  Standing tall in the world’s eyes can be deceptive if roots are shallow.  The philosophies of this world and human tradition (verse 8) make up that shallow soil.  Roots have no opportunity to grow there and a strong gust of wind reveals that weakness.  In contrast, the one who is strengthened by His power is rooted and established in His love (Eph. 3:17).

My root health is something no one sees but Him.  I can seem strong, pray beautiful prayers and say all the right things.  But when that huge gust of wind comes, I can so easily topple over.  I need to be nourished by His Word and strengthened by His promises before the winds arrive.  He will help me withstand them.

Lord, strengthen my roots by the power of Your Word.

 

 


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Big Bang Theory

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 11:3 “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”

It was interesting to read of all the evidence for the expansion of our universe.  The “big bang” theory says that roughly thirteen billion years ago our universe began as a concentrated single point which then expanded quickly through an explosion to what it is today.  This theory begins with a certain “something” as does the theory of macro-evolution.  With this theory everything evolves over billions of years from a single celled organism.  Both theories have difficulty in explaining how that first “building block” could ever come into existence.

Today’s verse has no such difficulty.  As an all-mighty all-powerful Creator God, He can create something from nothing.  He calls into being something visible just by His word.  He had no need to start with something that had previously existed.  Everything that has been created, visible and invisible, in heaven or on earth, has been created through Him, in Him and for Him (Col. 1:16).

No one was there at the beginning except God Himself (Gen. 1:1).  None our scientists or philosophers or poets were there to explain how our world came into being.  To believe any of the theories taught today takes faith.  And believers understand the earth’s beginnings by faith as well.

It all boils down to where I place my faith.  By science I can understand so many wonderful things.  But it is by faith that I understand that God created our world.  His creativity and attention to detail continually amazes me and prompts me to worship.  And if I can believe He created my world, than I can believe that He created me and loves me!

Thank you Lord, for being my Creator.


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Disguised!

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 26:23 “Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.” 

In a modern household, it is no longer the style to have much silver plated items in drawers or on tables.  I was offered my Mother’s silver plated dessert tray but turned it down.  I knew that there would be lots of maintenance to keep it clean and shiny.  Silver can so easily become tarnished and dark, losing its shine.  But with proper care, silver can be an eye-catching piece of decor.  However, I could not see myself buying special cleaning products and taking time to polish the silver!

Today’s verse talks about a different kind of silver.  Not only is it of inferior quality but it is covering something mundane and of little value.  Silver dross is used as a symbol in Scripture for what is base and worthless.  This silver includes impurities that float to the surface in the melting process.  It catches one’s attention but flaws are seen on closer examination.  Fervent or smooth talking lips are just like that silver.  Flattering words and warm expressions of friendship can hide an evil heart.

A vow of friendship.  A declaration of love.  A promise made.  Or a pretense of good will.  It can all be “silver dross” hiding a much different agenda.  The hurt caused by this kind of duplicity can be life changing.  We all have stories.  We have all been victims.  But there is One who will never be untrue.  His Word is always trustworthy.  He calls me His friend (John 15:15).  He affirms for me an unending love (Psalm 103:17).  He keeps every promise (II Cor. 1:20).  And His plans for me are good (Jer. 29:11).

Thank you Lord, that Your Word is pure silver and always trustworthy.

 

 


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Temples in Taiwan

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

One can almost smell the musty interior mixed with the perfume of burning incense when looking at this temple.  When spending a summer in Taiwan in 1980, we saw many of these places of worship.  This one is the Longshan Temple in Taipei and it is one of the largest and oldest.  The worship taking place inside is a mixture of Buddhist, Taoist and for deities like Mazu.  Although very beautiful it made me sad, lacking the presence of the One and only True God.

Today’s verse explains where God’s Spirit lives today.  Rather than a physical building, God has chosen to reside by His Spirit in the hearts of His followers.  Our bodies become His temple.  What an amazing thought!  And what a privilege.  His presence is constantly with the believer.  He has purchased our freedom from sin and judgement by His death on the cross and we belong to Him.  Because this is true, we strive to honor Him with our bodies.  We honor Him by staying away from sexual impurity (verse 18).

It is difficult for me to understand just how holy and pure God is.  I need to grasp the truth that He is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29) to be worshiped with reverence and awe.  Instead of rationalizing what I do, see or think about, I want to keep my “temple” clean and pure because He is there.  I do not want impure thoughts to inhabit the same place as Him.

Lord, help me keep Your dwelling place clean today.

 


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Tatting Lace

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

In going through my Mother’s things my sister and I found some beautiful tatting.  As I am not talented in this area, I did not realize the effort that goes into creating this handiwork.  This method of making lace dates back to the early 19th century.  It seems a complicated and detailed process of forming a pattern of rings and chains.  There are gaps left between stitches that form “picots” along the outer edges.  All these knots and loops make for an intricate pattern of beautiful lace.

Today’s verse calls us God’s handiwork.  We are created for a very specific purpose.  God has prepared in advance the good works we are to do.  All those knots in our physical make-up, and all those loops in our personality and skill set are there for a purpose.  Nothing is by chance.  The works we are to do are matched up to the way He made us.  He knit us in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13).  He wove us together before we ever saw the light of day (Psalm 139:15).  Each of us are uniquely made for Him.

As a believer, this verse gives purpose to my life.  I never have to wonder why I am on this earth.  My salvation is a gift (verses 8-9) and not earned by my works.  But my purpose in life is also a gift, and an incredible privilege.  He created me with everything I need to spend my life in service to Him.  He uses all my imperfections, my background, my family advantages and disadvantages.  He uses my talents and weaknesses.  He uses it all to serve Him.

Lord, show me how to serve You today.