Devotions By Jan

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Without Dad

Dad10388582_10153076168424311_3766749023210753367_nScripture for Today: Romans 8:15 “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!'”

This is my first Father’s Day without my Dad.  He lived a full rich and lovely life, but even at age 92 it was too soon for him to go.  Knowing that he is with his beloved Savior makes the separation easier.  It is for just a short time, but I am used to having him here.  I still say, “Mom and Dad,” as if he were still with us.  It has been a bit difficult to forego the Father’s Day card for him this year.

Our verse for today describes the special relationship a believer enjoys with his Heavenly Father.  We can refer to Him as, “Dad.”  The relationship is meant to be that close and intimate.  It is not a relationship filled with mindless obligation and rules.  We do not fear Him as a slave fears a master.  There is awe, respect and obedience but because of Christ, the fear of wrath and condemnation is no longer there!  Because of Christ, we are part of the family!

How amazing that He chose me to be part of this family.  I certainly was not born into it!  None of us were.  We had to be adopted to be in this heavenly family.  Why on earth He chose me is beyond understanding.  I was an undeserving rebel.  Yet, my Father in His grace initiated the entire process.  Having a Father who is God is the best kind of Father.  His care is perfect and everlasting!  His love is unconditional and complete.  His presence and comfort never fail!

Thank you Lord, that I can celebrate You as my Father every day!

 


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Turned Around!

track unnamedScripture for Today: Acts 3:19 “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,”

The sun was shining and there was a slight cool breeze.  The track was empty and everything was perfect for my first morning walk here.  I was walking at a good pace when I noticed the arrows pointing the other way.  I was walking well but in the wrong direction!  How annoying.  As I was monitoring laps and time for future walks, I did not want to turn around.  Although I was alone, I felt pretty silly going the wrong way.

Our verse for today includes the idea of going the wrong way.  To repent is to change one’s mind and turn around, going a different direction, in this case toward the Lord.  Peter is challenging his listeners through the words of their own prophets.  They were going the wrong way by rejecting Jesus.  And it was only by changing direction and accepting their Messiah that they could return to God.

To admit that our direction in life may be the wrong one is difficult to do.  On that track, I was not about to start all over.  I had covered a good amount of ground.  Not only that, it is excruciating to acknowledge error.  However, the arrows on that track were clear and I did not have any valid excuse.

God’s Word is like those arrows marking the right direction.  If I am not following them I am moving farther and farther away from the Lord and His refreshing presence.  I just need to change my mind and open my heart to Him.  I just need to turn around.

Thank you Lord that You are there, waiting to forgive and love on me!


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Ticks

Scripture for Today: Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

It is such a small insect.  The nymphs are as tiny as poppy seeds.  Their bite is so inconsequential as to not even be noticed.  With warmer weather comes the increased risk of being bitten by a tick.  But how risky can such a little thing be?  There is Lyme disease but now the experts are warning of a similar virus called “Powassan.”  However, unlike Lyme infection this tick-bearing disease can infect a person in a fraction of the time and in 10% of the cases it is fatal.

Our verse for today talks about serious consequences for our sin.  It is not fatal only 10% of the time but all the time.  Thankfully, the remedy is given to us as a gift in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  But an individual sin can look as harmless as that tiny tick.  If brushed off immediately, it has no chance to attach to the skin and do damage.  But sin, regardless of how inconsequential it seems, will always do damage.  It attaches itself to our soul and transmits disease for which there is no human cure.

It is easy to excuse myself for what was done with a good ulterior motive.  I can rationalize that lie as being little and white.  The French call that slip-up a “péché mignon,” meaning just a little weakness.  But my sins are fatal and I need His grace and forgiveness.  Left in my sins I only deserve what is coming to me.  But the gift of God wipes out my debt of sin and gives me true life!

Thank you Lord, for ridding me of what separates my heart from Yours.

 

 


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Sorting Trash

Recycling-4Scripture for Today: Hebrews 10:35-36 “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.”

Sorting trash while living in France took quite an effort!  Garbage disposals do not exist there so biodegradable trash grew very stinky being picked up only once a week.  There are communal bins for glass, a recycle center for wood and electronics, and a once-a week pick up for recyclables as well as normal trash.  It could be very confusing!  When guests came I hated to bother them about where to throw their tissues!

Our verse for today tells us about something believers should never throw away; our confidence!  That confidence allows us to persevere in doing what God wants.  The believers addressed here had suffered being thrown in prison and having had their property confiscated!  Their treatment was unfair but they were told to stay confident that God would richly reward them for their sacrifice and perseverance.

One who has thrown away their confidence is one who no longer believes the suffering is worth it.  When the going gets tough it is just too much.  Abandoning the faith for an easier life, they forgo the reward for their perseverance that would have been theirs.

I can respond in one of two ways to a life-changing crisis. I can either blame God and run away from Him, or I can run to Him for the comfort and encouragement that only He can give.  My faith and confidence, rather than being thrown away, grows and strengthens when I choose that second response.

I do not know what hard thing may await me.  But please God, do not ever let me throw away my confidence!

 


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Early Riser

Scripture for Today: Psalm 127:2 “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat – for He grants sleep to those He loves.”

It goes without saying that “the early bird gets the worm.”  Yet I feel compelled to say it when I see this photo!  For his worms I wonder if that early bird stays up late too.  Perhaps the bird does not sleep so well wondering where to nab his next worm in the morning.  There are other birds out there to compete with after all.

Our verse for today was written by Solomon who has lots to say about vanity.  It is vain to make life all about acquisition.  He should know as he did not deny himself any possession or pleasure (Eccl. 2:10-11).  Yet when he surveyed all that he had toiled to achieve, it was meaningless.  God chooses to bless His loved ones and does so apart from our own toil, even in sleep.

The Bible is full of verses on being a good conscientious worker and not a sluggard.  But toiling incessantly is not the goal of life.  Living with constant stress is not God’s plan.  This world is so fast-paced seeming never to stop.  One is always in a hurry to do more, be more and produce more.  But when I put God’s Kingdom above everything else, God blesses me with everything needed (Matt. 6:33).  There is no point to burning the candle at both ends.  I can take that eight hours of sleep and not feel guilty.  I belong to Him and I trust His care and provision.  I can rest easy knowing He is faithful to provide.

Thank you Lord, that there will be sweet sleep tonight, knowing You love me.