Devotions By Jan

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People Watching

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 10:12 “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves.  When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”

One of the best things about living in Europe is enjoying all the outdoor cafes.  And one of the best things about sitting outside is people watching!  Ordering and eating is almost secondary to that all-important activity.  It is an art to do it discreetly, but we all do it!  And as long as one does not make eye contact, it is all perfectly acceptable.  Part of the fun is guessing the nationality of a tourist by how they are dressed.  Not only am I noticing fashion but I find myself wondering about the social standing of a passerby.

Our verse for today addresses those who compare themselves to themselves.  Paul is admonishing those who are looking only on the surface of things (verse 7).  He did not fit their ideas of a dynamic speaker or an impressive presence.  In the context of this verse, Paul is teaching that boasting has no place in the life of a believer.  And boasting is what can so easily happen when we compare ourselves to those like ourselves.  Rather than looking for approval by commending oneself, we are to seek God’s approval (verse 18).

Comparing myself to others believers can sometimes lead to complacency and smugness.  Perhaps I am not struggling with some of the same issues as a “weaker brother” in Christ.  But God knows my heart and how much work still needs to be done!  Being well viewed by other believers is never the point.  True wisdom is comparing myself to Jesus Himself and asking the Lord to make me more like Him!

Keep me focused on You, Lord.


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Jade Imitations

Scripture for Today:  John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

We got taken.  It was the summer of 1980 and after doing a summer missions trip in Taiwan, we went to Hong Kong.  The shopping there was wonderful.  Being young and naive, we thought we would get a good price on real jade from a street vendor.  We got a real good price on two simple matching bands.  But as they were imitations the price was a bit high for just green glass!  We felt very embarrassed when we learned that we were cheated.

Satan is in this same business of selling imitations.  He tries to sell his version of “life.”  But according to our verse for today, his real intent is to steal, kill and destroy life.  Unfortunately, he has lots of buyers.  His customers love the sound of freedom without consequences and without restraints.  Imitation life can be quite convincing when one has education, comfortable finances, family and friends.  It can feel real.  It can feel right.  But a way that seems right to man can end in death rather than life (Proverbs 14:12).

Jesus says He is the Life.  He has come to give real and abundant life, found in relationship to Him.  Anything else is imitation life.  When we find that intimate daily relationship with our Creator, we experience life as it is meant to be lived.  I do not want imitation life.  I want the real thing.  Regardless of what kind of day I am having, I want it to be genuine.  For even a day in His courts is better than a thousand outside (Psalm 84:10).  He makes my life abundant by His very presence!

Thank you, Lord, for REAL life!

Look familiar?  This is a re-post due to summer ministry schedule.


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Graceland

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:14 “I rejoice in the lifestyle prescribed by Your rules as if they were riches of all kinds.”

My Mother-in-law is a huge fan of Elvis Presley, so it only makes sense that she would love to visit his Graceland home.  This opulent mansion sits on fourteen acres in Memphis, Tennessee.  The museum it has become attracts over 600,000 tourists each year from all over the world.  It is the second most visited home in America after the White House.  Of course, Elvis enjoyed all the goodies that go with fabulous wealth.  One funny fact is the buzzer he had under his dining room table, there to summon the kitchen staff.  His lifestyle was the envy of many, but it is said that his choices led to his untimely death at forty-two.

Today’s verse talks about an entirely different lifestyle.  It is one that brings joy, although one would not think so at first glance.  It is a life that follows rules.  Where is the joy in that?  We normally feel that a happy life is one that is not bound or restricted by rules of any kind.  But His rules are different.  His rules make possible a full, rich and abundant life.  Guilt plays no part of it when we enjoy His forgiveness.  Worries about tomorrow do not destroy our peace.  Following God’s way brings blessings that are as enjoyable as riches of all kinds!

It is so difficult to stop equating financial ease with happiness.  It is a message I constantly hear.  I know better but I still am influenced by this very prevalent thinking.  Even harder to grasp is the idea that God’s rules can make life work and bring joy.  But this is what He promises.

Thank you Lord, for the riches You give in following Your way!


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Calloused Hands

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:69-70 “Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep Your precepts with all of my heart. Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in Your law.”

As a young girl, I must have held that pencil too tightly when learning to write.  Ever since, I have lived with a callous on my finger where the pencil pressed.  It used to be tender years ago.  But as I continued writing, the callous got harder.  Now I hardly notice that hard bump that slightly deforms my finger.  It does not give me any trouble and it allows me to write any way I want.

Today’s verse uses the word, “callous,” to describe a heart that is unfeeling.  This heart used to be soft and tender, able to feel pain and conviction.  But now, by repeating a response over and over, it has become callous and insensitive.  It has built up protective tissue around it and remains hard and unchanged.  The arrogant wicked do not keep God’s law.  They are sure to know better and likely feel they are above the law.  They maybe did not start out that way but grew callous over the years.

What a contrast the author makes to himself!  His heart is soft and yielding, not only keeping God’s law but delighting in it.  I want my heart to be just that soft.  But delighting in His Word is an acquired taste.  It comes from continually reading and thinking on it.  Just as callouses are formed from a repetitive activity, so a soft heart that delights in the Lord comes from repeatedly spending time with Him.  My heart is so prone to becoming hard and stubborn, wanting my own way.

Lord, keep my heart soft and yielded to You.


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White Wedding

Scripture for Today:  Lamentations 3:22-23 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

June is a month traditionally thought of as the best time for a wedding.  The days are longer, the sun makes its appearance more often and schedules change for the summer.  It just seems the perfect time for new beginnings.  The white colors of the wedding ceremony suggest a clean slate.  The lyrics of Billy Idol’s song, White Wedding, repeat the words over and over; “It’s a nice day for a white wedding.  It’s a nice day to start again.”   It only seems right that this momentous step is symbolized by the color white.

Today’s verse gives hope that each day can be a new start.  The Lord’s compassion is renewed for His own every morning.  Regardless of what happened the day before, He is faithful to His commitment towards us.  Because of His unfailing love, we receive from Him His amazing grace.  We do not deserve forgiveness, but He continues to offer it to those who come clean with Him.

His renewed compassion gives me that new start every morning.  He washes me whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7).  He continually clothes me in dazzling white with each pardon.  Each morning I can start again.  That is what His forgiveness does for me.  I do not have to put on dirty clothes.  My past mistakes and failures are never an issue with Him.  He promises to not even remember them (Heb. 10:17).  How wonderful to begin each day with a clean slate!  Because of what Jesus did for me on that cross I can sing for a better reason, “It’s a nice day to start again.”

Thank you Lord, for Your pure perfect pardon.