Devotions By Jan

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Plastic Wrap

plastic-wrap-on-paintScripture for Today: Psalm 63:7-8 “Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings.  I cling to You. Your right hand upholds me.”

I finally gave in.  After years of fighting with plastic wrap, I finally bought a dispenser that allows me to roll it out and cut it easily.  If there had been a hidden camera in my kitchen, it would have caught me tearing at that plastic and throwing away countless yards of the stuff as it would cling to the wrong thing.  Seriously, plastic wrap seems to have a mind of its own!  It clings to itself, my hand, or the counter, but rarely where I am putting it.

Our verse for today is about a different kind of clinging.  When we realize just how needy we are, we can give ourselves permission to cling.  The problem is that sometimes we cling to the wrong thing.  When we cling to our own resources or to others, we continue to be needy.  However, when we cling to the Lord and His strength, we find ourselves upheld by His powerful right hand.  He is our help when all else fails.  Clinging to Him and His protection changes our attitude to one of joy and song.  He is never bothered by our clinging.  He does not shake us off.  He holds us up when we feel we are falling.  He is faithful to give the help we need.

I cannot cling to Him if my hands are full.  I need to let go of all my supposed resources and depend completely on Him.  He is big enough and strong enough to be all the help I need.  As the old hymn says, “Simply to Thy cross I cling.”  Lord, help me to really believe it!


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“He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not”

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I had no idea until now that the game of pulling off daisy petals has its origin in France!  It is called, “effeuiller la marguerite,” and the idea of course is to determine if the object of your affection returns your love.  The phrase, “he loves me, he loves me not,” is repeated with the removal of each petal until with the last petal comes the answer.  This phrase exists in thirty three languages so this game seems to be worldwide.  I remember playing this as a young girl but was not too convinced with either outcome.

I never have to play this game with God.  Unlike human relationships, there are no games involved.  He has made a commitment to love me and He never goes back on His promise.  Our verse for today reassures me of the permanence of His love.  There is no dark power that can interfere with His love.  There is no unforseen event in my future that can change His love.  Death itself cannot annul His indescribable love for me.  Paul was convinced of this truth and it changed his life.  He found this love when he found Jesus Christ.  And we find this incredible love in the same person!

Does He love me more today than yesterday?  Will He love me more tomorrow than today?  As He is love by His very nature, the answer is “no.”  His love is a perfect love that cannot be improved upon.  The answer is always, “He loves me.”


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Blood Test

Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:23 “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”

I wish there were some other way to check one’s cholesterol levels than a blood test.  They are never fun and neither is the fasting beforehand.  The waiting room experience usually increases my anxiety.  The nurse asks me which arm I prefer.  Neither, really.  I make the required fist and try to remember those relaxing techniques.  Surely it was something about breathing.  I know not to look.  Is this really necessary?  Can’t I just promise to lay off the ice cream?  It is over before I know it.  My results signaled no real problem with cholesterol or any other problems and I am thankful.

Our verse for today is also a voluntary testing, but of one’s heart, motivation and thoughts.  The One who does the testing is infinitely more patient, tender and loving than any health professional.  He goes deeper than any needle can reach and reveals what cannot be seen.  He not only reveals potential problems but He is there to deal with them.

Just as blood testing is not a comfortable experience, so this heart examination can be uncomfortable.  Seeing our failings and imperfections can burst our self-satisfied bubble and leave us vulnerable.  It is much easier to go through life without seeing the plank of wood blocking our vision (Matt. 7:3).  When He searches my heart He may find remnants of bitterness and unforgiveness thought to be already resolved.  He sees those anxious thoughts that may indicate my lack of faith.  But when He brings these things to light, He offers full and complete pardon.  The heart no longer feels heavy but light with forgiveness and reassurance!

Search me today Lord, and make my heart healthy with Your loving care.


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Shoes as Art?

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 6:14-15 “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace.”

We were recently in Ghent, Belgium where we enjoyed wonderful chocolate, french fries and waffles!  But most impressive was the unusual architecture.  We were always looking up at the decorative tops of buildings when I spied these hanging shoes.  I assumed it was someone’s idea of art, but perhaps it had some other significance.  In any case, we had done so much walking that I wondered if some tourists gave up touring the city by giving up their shoes!

Our verse for today comes from the list of items needed to wage spiritual war.  One ignoble piece is footwear.  It seems less important than some other pieces having to do with protection or combat.  Yet, this piece of equipment tells us what the desired outcome of our battle is to be.  Our entire goal in fighting the forces of evil is to present others with the Gospel.  It is something that Satan will oppose and do his best to prevent.  It is in his interest to foster a reluctant spirit to speak the Good News to others.

This is a Gospel of peace between God and man.  Our feet are to be well shod and ready to go at God’s command.  He directs us to those who He has prepared with open heats and minds.  We are ready to obey His directives by listening to the leading of His Spirit.  It requires putting our own desires on hold in order to get up and go!

Regardless of what this day may bring, keep my feet in readiness Lord, to share Your Gospel!


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Jolly Green Giant

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”

I can still remember the days when canned and frozen foods were not so prevalent in France twenty-five years ago.  Most everything had to be made from scratch.  Now, the Jolly Green Giant is everywhere.  What is lost in taste is compensated for in convenience.

I have always wondered why this giant was jolly.  In most fairy tales giants are depicted as mean and angry.  In God’s Word, the giant, Goliath, was a mighty warrior that defied the Lord Almighty and His people.  The other four giants mentioned in II Samuel 21 were not so jolly either.  Each one vehemently opposed the God of the universe.  None of these giants finished well having been defeated by God’s people.  In each victory God gave amazing strength to square off against these impossibly large warriors.  Nothing is too hard for the Lord.

Our verse for today is a declaration by Paul of the strength God gives.  Because of this strength, Paul was able to face a particular giant; the giant of discontent.  The context speaks of learning to be content in any and every situation.  Paul could live a contented life only through the strength God gives.  His circumstances never held him back from being all that God wanted him to be.

Discontent can loom like a giant.  Overcoming feelings of dissatisfaction can seem nearly impossible.  The size of my longings for a different set of circumstances can blot out the joy of following the path the Lord has chosen for me.  But with the strength God offers, I can vanquish feelings of deprivation and dissatisfaction.

Thank you Lord, for Your strength to cut down to size any discontent I may feel today!