Devotions By Jan

Author Archives: devotionsbyjan


by Leave a comment

Thank You Notes

Scripture for Today: Revelation 5:12 “In a loud voice they were saying, ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.'”

It seems everyone enjoys receiving a thank you note.  It feels nice to be appreciated for a service rendered or a gift offered.  Of course, we tell ourselves we do not do something in order to be thanked, but it certainly does not hurt to be acknowledged.  However, sometimes a “thank you” can feel uncomfortable.  Someone who gushes or repeatedly brings up their gratitude can make us squirm.  It can feel uncomfortable or embarrassing when someone goes on and on with their thanks.  Why is that?  Probably because we know we do not deserve all that praise.

Our verse for today describes the scene in Heaven where Jesus as the Lamb of God is given all the honor, glory and praise that is His due.  There is no One who is more deserving.  The phrase, “I cannot thank you enough,” will for the first time be absolutely true!  We can never thank Him enough for our salvation and what it cost Him.  We will spend all eternity praising Him and even then, it will never be enough.

The Lord does not engage in false humility as we do saying, “Oh, don’t mention it.”  He accepts our continual praise and gratitude because He deserves it.  I can never come to the end of thanking Him because He continually gives.  I can never thank Him too much because I am so undeserving.  I do not merit any of what He so graciously gives me.

Lord, may my life be a continual thank you for all that You do for me!


by 2 Comments

Mockingbird

Scripture for Today: Psalm 40:3 “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.”

Growing up we had many mockingbirds in our suburban yard, much to the chagrin of our cat!  He would slink across the yard, hoping to avoid the swoop and attack of these territorial birds!  I always loved their singing although my parents were not too thrilled to be awakened early by their loud song.  Their mimicking of other species means that they are not too original with their own music.  In a recording of one mockingbird in Massachusetts, thirty six songs of other species were recognized!

Our verse for today describes a song that is an original.  It is a new song of praise to the Lord.  It resembles no other but is a tribute to what the Lord has done in an individual life.  There is no need to mimic other songs as personal experience makes up the lyrics.  The Lord Himself has put this song into the mouth of the psalmist.

As believers we too have a new song!  Our song stands out from the others.  It sounds different and distinctive, unlike all the other music around us.  This new song is full of praise for what God has done for us.  Each of our songs tells a story of His love and faithfulness.  Included are some of the discordant notes or minor chords that depict the hard times.  But it always ends on a high note as we look forward to an eternity with Him.  If I sing it loud enough and often enough, others hear and are challenged to trust Him!

Lord, keep me singing Your song today!


by 3 Comments

Nit Picking

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 13:7 “It (love) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

I wonder how much this poor monkey is enjoying the nit picking part of the daily grooming.  The process of having the eggs of those lice squeezed off his head cannot be all that comfortable!  The nit picking that humans do is not all that comfortable either.  We sometimes get overly concerned with details and things that do not really matter in the behavior of others.  Details that are not worth mentioning are mentioned to the detriment of a relationship.

Today’s verse is part of the famous “love chapter.”  Love is described as forbearing.  It bears the pain of unmet expectations and hurt.  It continues on even when disappointed.  This kind of love is a committed one that does not give up easily. And true love is a faithful love that believes the best about a person.

Believing the best of a person means that I will not get overly concerned about details or get critical about the small stuff.  Believing the best of a person means that I am according them respect.  When I am criticized I am not motivated to change but will instead “dig in my heels” and continue.  But when I am faced with a love that believes in me, I want to live up to that belief.

Nit picking can look very much like seeing a speck of dust in another’s eye while ignoring the log in one’s own (Matt. 7:3).  If I want to have an offense overlooked on my part, I surely need to extend that same kind of grace to others.

Lord, keep me from nit picking today.  Make me as gracious as You are!


by Leave a comment

Bath Time

Scripture for Today: John 13:10 “Jesus answered, ‘Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.'”

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to bathe a cat!  If it is ever tried, the best way is to do it with some sort of protective gear as claws will appear!  I have heard of cats that like water but it seems to be the exception.  The howling and carrying on is pathetic.  Normally, the cat licking himself is all that is needed, but there are those rare occasions when a bath is necessary.  And afterwards, the cat will never look at its owner in quite the same way again!

Our verse for today is in the context of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.  All but one of these disciples (Judas) had already been bathed.  They had each experienced the life-changing cleansing and forgiveness of the Lord.  However, the day-to-day walk meant that their feet would continue to get dirty and need daily cleansing.

I am thankful for that initial bath of salvation.  It does not need to be repeated.  God’s forgiveness is complete and there is nothing to add to our salvation.  “It is finished,” was declared from the cross and my salvation is secured because of His grace.  That does not mean that I do not continue to sin, unfortunately.  But because of being “in Christ” (Romans 8:1) there is no longer any condemnation for my sin.  Taking care of “dirty feet” everyday means that I agree with God when He points out that dirt.  I need to recognize my sin and ask His help to avoid repeating it.

Thank you Lord, that in Heaven my feet will no longer need washing!

 

 


by Leave a comment

Pelicans

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 15:4 “The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.”

How can something be so majestic and wonderful and yet make me laugh at the same time?  The pelican is an impressive bird, soaring overhead with a huge wing span.  But up close and personal, that large elastic throat pouch of theirs looks amusing.  However, God in His creativity designed that pouch to catch up to three gallons of water with their prey.  They then throw back their heads and squeeze the water out of the sides of the pouch, leaving the fish ready to be swallowed.

A pelican will swallow lots of things from fish and crustaceans to tadpoles and turtles.  If they are hungry enough, they might even drown and swallow a seagull!  Having all that water with their catch allows them to swallow just about anything!

Our verse for today contrasts one who is discerning to the one who is a fool, swallowing anything!  The discerning heart will seek knowledge and wisdom.  The fool, however, seems to be satisfied with foolish things.  The fool has no discernment and will swallow whatever folly the world presents, whether it is in the form of mindless television, slick magazines, or the latest fad.

I do not want to be a fool.  I want to be discerning in what I “swallow.”  Feeding on God’s Word gives me that discernment as it teaches me what is truth.  But it requires effort on my part.  I am to seek this knowledge rather than just mindlessly going through my day.  It is intentional living.  I want to be mindful as to what I will allow myself to accept.

Lord, make my heart discerning as I feed on the Truth of Your Word.  Don’t let me swallow anything else!