Devotions By Jan

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“Occam’s Razor”

Scripture for Today: John 6:29 “Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.'”

Looking at this beautifully groomed poodle reminds me of the Westminister Dog Show we just viewed on television.  Hours were spent in meticulous grooming to ready the participants for the competition.  It is obvious that this dog’s hair does not grow this way naturally.  It is safe to assume that scissors and razor were used to shape the dog’s coat.  Occam’s Razor is the name of the philosophy that says that the simplest explanation is usually the correct one.

God made salvation incredibly simple to grasp.  What is it about salvation through grace that escapes us?  Why do we want to add our own feeble efforts?  Jesus answers the question about works in today’s verse.  There is only one “work” that saves; believing in Jesus as God.  The tendency is to complicate what God made simple.  We are not saved because of any righteous works we can do (Eph. 2:8-9).  Our salvation comes from throwing ourselves on His unmerited favor, recognizing that there is nothing good in us that can earn it.  The more we feel we contribute to acquiring salvation, the more we take away from His all-sufficient sacrifice for us.  It is all a gift, even the faith to believe.

Knowing this takes away any reason for me to boast or to be prideful.  There is no sense of being better than anyone else.  My abject need of His grace to forgive makes the ground completely level in front of the cross.  It is so simple but so incredibly profound; “believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31)

Thank you Lord, for making it simple.  It is all Your work, not mine.


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Nuts and Bolts

Scripture for Today: Philippians 2:13 “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”

It is simple, right?  Hold the nut against the bolt and turn the nut/bolt to the left.  With a right-handed thread, one feels a “jump” and hears a “click” as the threads jump over each other and you are in business!  “Righty tighty, lefty loosey.”  No problem.  Except that the nut would not screw off of the bolt no matter how hard I tried!  There was corrosion making the nut/bolt stay stubbornly in place.  Even though there are a number of inventive solutions available, the first reaction is pure brute force!

Today’s verse reminds the believer that there will be tension and stress in our lives as a direct result of God’s work.  The Lord is in the business of creating in us the image of His Son, Jesus.  The problem is that our “corrosion” or sin keeps us stuck in one place.  Our sinful habits keep us from moving forward.  The pressure of His hands as He works can seem harder and harder to bear.  There are times when we stubbornly hold on to sin.  He loves us too much to allow us to remain stuck.  He has a purpose to be fulfilled in our lives.  So He lovingly disciplines us to rid our lives of that corrosion.  The sooner we submit, the more quickly we can be done with that pressure.

What He has in mind for me is a life full of purpose and meaning.  My small ideas are nothing compared to what He can do.  He is creating something far and above what I can ask or think because it is His power at work (Eph. 3:20).

Lord, keep me from becoming stuck and stubborn!


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Piñata

Scripture for Today: Romans 12:14 “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

Being so close to Mexico, it is not unusual in our area of California to include the piñata at children’s parties.  Our oldest daughter celebrated her seventh birthday whacking one open with her friends.  The colorful, papier-mâché-made figure is filled with candy and hung on a string.  The children take turns putting on the blindfold and hitting the piñata with a stick until it at last opens and the sweets pour out.  That is the signal to scramble for those candies and stuff mouths and pockets!

I was surprised to learn that the piñata originally represented temptation in the Mexican Catholic Church!  It has long lost its  symbolic roots but it did make me think of today’s verse.  The natural reaction to being hit or persecuted is cursing, bitterness, and the desire for revenge.  Paul’s words to the Romans were contrary to what a normal response would be!  Instead of responding in anger, we are to respond sweetly with blessing, wanting the good of the other person.  Blessing others when we are wronged makes us not only sweet, but peaceful.

If I am able to respond this way to any attack, then I can enjoy living in harmony (verse 16) and can leave to the Lord the business of revenge (verse 19).  As a believer, I am to overcome evil with good (verse 21).  It seems an impossible standard.  But oh how thankful I am that Jesus did not respond to His persecutors with cursing.  His forgiveness meant taking on the pain of His attackers and not responding in kind.  He is my example and the source of my strength to bless and not curse.

Lord, whatever mockery or opposition I face, may my response be like Yours.


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Wink Wink

Scripture for Today: Psalm 35:19 “Do not let those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; do not let those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye.”

I don’t normally think of cats as bullies but this one sure looks the part!  When we wink it can imply conspiracy or some secret intent.  Or winking can be positive when it shows sympathy or encouragement.  Sometimes the wink says, “Trust me, I know what I’m doing.”  But then again, winking all day could be because of the grapefruit juice that was squirted in the eye during breakfast!

In today’s verse the wink is malicious.  David is being slandered and falsely accused by his enemies.  He cries to the Lord to come to his defense and vindicate him.  David as king is a constant target for his enemies and regardless of how fair and righteous he is, those enemies will continue to accuse him without cause.  He pleads with the Lord to contend for him so that in the end the Lord Himself will be exalted.

I wonder who my enemies are.  Jesus told His disciples to expect opposition.  The world hated Jesus so it only follows that the world would also hate those who follow Him (John 15:18).  So I should not be surprised at slander and false accusation.  But even more serious are the accusations of the Enemy who lies and brings charges against God’s own.  Paul says that our struggle is not against flesh and blood (Eph. 6:12).  Satan tries to destroy my testimony and service.  He will endeavor to convince me that I am unloved and worth nothing.  Well, Satan can wink all he wants but the Lord reassures me of His love and my worth!

Thank you Lord, that in You I have victory over every enemy!

 


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Chinese Noodles

Scripture for Today: Ecclesiastes 8:12 “Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before Him.”

We recently celebrated the Chinese New Year with my Chinese Mother-in-Law and menu choices were very important to her!  To insure that the coming year would be positive, fish was ordered to symbolize abundance. Chicken had to be part of the meal as it represents prosperity and the noodles were a must as they stood for long life.  The longer the noodle perhaps the longer the life!  All I know is that there is no graceful way to eat those noodles!

Today’s verse contains the words of Solomon, a king to whom was given great wisdom.  He notes that a wicked person may live a long time, but somehow there will always be something lacking.  Those who fear the Lord have His promise that their lives will be better for it.  Fear and reverence for our Maker gives us a quality of life that makes it worth living!

Long life is found in the right hand of Wisdom (Prov. 3:16).  And wisdom is exemplified by our fear and obedience to God (Ps. 111:10).  One command in particular comes with a promise of life going well and being long; honoring your Father and Mother! (Eph. 6:2-3)  Sin and rebellion complicate life and have the potential to shorten it.  But the goal is not so much long life, as a life that is well lived and better!  How gracious the Lord is to promise me a better life when I fear and obey Him!

Lord, regardless of the length of my life, I praise You for making it a better one!  Keep me faithful to obey You today.