Devotions By Jan

Author Archives: devotionsbyjan


by 1 Comment

Carob Pods

Scripture for Today: Luke 15:16 “He longed  to fill his stomach with the  pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.”

I have never seen a carob pod growing although they have been cultivated in California since being imported in 1873.  They almost look like locusts the way they hang off a branch, which is why they are also called, “locust bean.”  This tree grows well in the Mediterranean climate and the pods are used to feed livestock, but we enjoy them too.  The seeds when pulverized are a great substitute for chocolate.  Carob chocolate has only half the fat of regular chocolate, but then I only enjoy it half as much!

Today’s verse from a parable describes a young man who was desperately hungry.  After asking for his inheritance from his Father and then squandering it, he finds himself feeding carob pods to the pigs and wishing he could fill up his stomach with them as well.  It is finally at this point that the “prodigal son” comes to his senses and returns to his Father.  His Father, representing our Heavenly Father, runs out to welcome him.

So many are living contentedly with carob pods in the pigsty when they could be dining at their Father’s table (and with real chocolate!)  So many do not come to their senses.  And the Father did everything right.  There was no lack of love or failure to communicate truth.  He raised that son perfectly.  Yet, the son rebelled.  It serves no purpose to second guess or feel guilty that something more could have been done.  It is the Lord who does all the “doing” to draw us to Himself.  And thankfully, there is always hope that a loved one will return to God’s waiting arms.

Lord, keep me hoping and praying.


by Leave a comment

Reality Shows

lifetime-unrealScripture for Today: Proverbs 19:23 “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”

The popularity of the reality show has soared since the early 90’s.  Candid Camera was an early prototype, first airing in 1948.  But since then there have been many different genres including: court shows, soap opera styles, elimination competitions, documentary styles, self improvement or renovation shows, to name a few.  The most popular seem to be the “Fly on the Wall” shows directly involving big names, also called “Celebreality.”  Of course reality has little to do with these shows as scenes are staged and re-staged.  The participants are coached and the editing is deliberately misleading.

Today’s verse has the secret to what constitutes real life.  The fear of the Lord leads to life as it is meant to be lived.  Anything else is a life without that spiritual dimension.  Without a relationship with our Creator, we have edited out what is essential to a life well-lived.  The fear of the Lord is an attitude of respect, awe and obedience to Him.  This fear leads to  true real life and is also the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)  Fearing and obeying Him allows us to be and stay content, untouched by the trouble that comes from a grasping envious life.

The media and our world system in general tends to stimulate in me a state of discontent.  I can be swayed by watching those who are wealthy, influential trend setters.  It is easy to look on my own life and wonder if I am missing out.   What I am seeing may seem perfect but it is not real.  Nor is it satisfying.  My life becomes richer and fuller as I turn to the Life-Giver!

Thank you Lord that I find real life in You!


by Leave a comment

Confetti

confetti-2pcs-lot-tiptop-continuous-feed-confetti-cannon-for-large-venues-no-electrical-power-isScripture for Today: Psalm 37:4 “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

This is not really confetti.  It is “wishfetti!”  For the second year New York City is including people’s wishes in the 3,000 pounds of confetti dropped at midnight over Times Square on December 31st.  There is a Wishing Wall where they are posted and collected.  Some wishes are silly as in, “I wish kale tasted like chocolate.”  Many wishes are altruistic as in, “I wish every dog in a shelter could find a home.”  But the ones that make me pause are the ones full of pain as in, “I wish for a cure for cancer,” or the one saying, “Please don’t let anyone cheat on me.”

Today’s verse peels back the layers of wishful thinking to the deeper desires of the heart.  Often, we do not even realize what those desires are as the heart can be so deceitful (Jer. 17:9).  But those desires are what drive and motivate us.  And those same desires when unfulfilled cause profound discontentment and lack of peace.  This verse is amazing in that God promises to give us the desires of our hearts.

Like so many promises in the Bible, this one has a condition.  Our first and most important heart’s desire is to be for the Lord.  I can find delight in my relationship to Him.  I can find delight in the works of the Lord (Psalm 111:2) both in His amazing creation and in my life.  And when I experience that delight in our relationship, a funny thing happens.  My desires change.  My heart’s desires more closely resemble His.  And I find I want more of Him!

Thank you Lord, that You will give me the Desire of my heart!

 

 


by Leave a comment

A Look Behind

rear-view-mirrorScripture for Today: Psalm 89:1  “I will sing of the loving kindness of the Lord forever.  To all generations I will make known Your faithfulness with my mouth.”

This is the last weekend of the year.  Every year seems to pass by more and more quickly!  The television channels often have programs that summarize the entire year.  Each time I view these I am surprised at how much I have forgotten.  There are reminders of which celebrities have died.  There are the highs and lows of big news events.  And there are reports of new records set throughout the year.

Not everyone enjoys looking back.  Some things are better forgotten.  Reliving some of the negatives can be very depressing.  But looking back can help change our perspective.  With hind sight comes some understanding.  Problems that seemed insurmountable while living them take on a completely different light after some time has passed.

Our verse for today proclaims the faithfulness of the Lord.  This beautiful characteristic of our God is best seen when looking back.  Many times it is not until the trial is over that we see the positives.  The view in that rear view mirror is much clearer than what lies ahead.  It is often after the fact that we see God’s hand.  His faithfulness brings us through, developing patience, making us more like Him.  His faithfulness brings about that “good” that Romans 8:28 describes.

This past year He has been faithful.  He has been faithful every year.  I am confident He will be faithful next year!  It is His nature.  I can look back these last twelve months and pinpoint all the ways He has shown His faithfulness, not only to me but to my family and my friends.  Regardless of any negatives, He makes looking back a joy!

Thank you Lord, for Your faithfulness this past year!


by Leave a comment

Throwing out the Old

snake-florida-flea-market-shopper-finds-8-foot-python-old-clothes-2015-09-29_15-36-54-880x586Scripture for Today:  Ephesians 4:22  “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.”

What a nasty surprise to find this Burmese python in a pile of old clothes at a Florida flea market!  Being nocturnal he probably caught something yummy to eat during the night and was using this dark soft spot to slowly digest his prey and nap the day away.  If I were the woman startled by this eight foot long snake slithering out of a pile of clothes, my scream would likely be heard miles away!

Today’s verse is about putting off our old self.  Like a piece of old clothing we are to take it off.  The old self or old nature is who we were before Christ changed us and gave us a new nature, resembling Him.  The old self is as disgusting as that snake, characterized by lies, sinful anger, stealing, unwholesome talk, bitterness, rage, brawling, slander and all malice.  But now with the new self we can be clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, patience and over all, love (Col.3:12 & 14).

If you are like me, some of the old items are still hanging out in your closet!  Like a ratty comfortable robe, I slip back into habits that should not be a part of my wardrobe any longer.  I am often unaware of what I am wearing.  But those old clothes are NOT pretty.  I do have a choice.  Nothing obligates me to put my hand on that old worn out sin and wear it again today.  Because of Christ, I can be new.  I can have a whole new look, a look that resembles Him.

Help me Lord, to recognize the old and throw it out!