Devotions By Jan

Author Archives: devotionsbyjan


by Leave a comment

Faded Photographs

Scripture for Today: Revelation 2:3-4 “You have persevered and have endured hardship for My name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you; You have forsaken the love you had at first.”

I do not know this family pictured but I do know the problem of faded  old photographs.  It is such a shame to see the damage done by UV rays, bright light, heat and humidity.  Thankfully, it is possible to restore old photos to their original look using a number of different computer programs.  My sister is the family “historian” bringing back to life old photos.

Our verse for today is a reprimand from the Lord to the Church at Ephesus.  He is so gracious to start with a commendation.  This church had gone through suffering for their faith.  They did not renounce the Lord and continued strong.  But there was something missing.  They allowed obligation to replace the faithfulness that comes from a heartfelt love.  The Lord sees the heart and knows from where our service springs.  Somehow, their love had cooled from its original fervor.  The brightness of that first love had dimmed.

If I am honest with myself, I admit to sometimes being in that same condition  I am committed and convinced of my faith.  As far as I can know myself, I am willing to suffer and die for His name’s sake if He should ask it of me.  But there are times when I feel far away from Him.  The emotional connection can fade like images on an old photograph.  He is there and always faithful, but routine and obligation can quickly take the place of the intimacy I have had in the past.

Lord, do not let me become satisfied with anything less than the vibrant clarity of our shared love.

 


by Leave a comment

Physically Fit?

Scripture for Today: I Timothy 4:8 “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Of course being physically fit is important.  I am not athletic but having a husband that is helps me see the value of keeping those muscles firm.  However, no matter how active one is throughout life, there comes a time when the body breaks down.  Hopefully, it will be later rather than sooner when one has led an active life.

My Mother at the age of ninety-two has finally agreed to use a walker.  She is in good company with others doing the same.  The dining hall where she lives looks like a small parking lot filled with walkers!  Being physically fit has a different and limited meaning at that advanced age!

Our verse for today compares the value of physical fitness with spiritual fitness.  The one will last only a limited time.  The other will last as long as life does, and then some more, into eternity!  Godliness has value for every situation life presents.  Being godly shapes an entire life.  The value of a godly life is in being like the Lord.  His character reproduces itself in us as we submit and obey Him.  Rather than growing weaker with age, godliness can grow stronger.

Just as staying physically fit takes determination and effort, so does cultivating godliness.  It is not in our nature to produce it on our own.  Godliness is something that the Lord produces in us as a natural result of closely following His commands.  But that takes prolonged and intense effort.

Lord, I may not finish physically strong, but may I be more godly tomorrow than I am today!

 

 

 


by Leave a comment

Snails

Scripture for Today: John 14:2 “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.”

For some, snails are a delicacy.  When I see a snail in my garden, I do not think of eating it.  I am annoyed at all it eats.  They are disgusting creatures who I suppose have their place in the food chain.  But one advantage snails have is they never have to move!  They carry their house on their back.  No change of residence, no packing boxes and no moving van.

I am feeling very nostalgic about the home in which we currently live but are soon to leave.  As I go through every cupboard and closet, I come across items that bring to mind precious memories of our eight years here.  Our time in this home of over one hundred years has been unique.  Will I ever again have a home that creaks as much, sleeps as many or has as many stairs?

Our verse for today talks about a future home that awaits those who belong to the Lord.  Jesus told His disciples that during their coming separation, He would be preparing a place for them.  As Jesus prepares a place for me, I wonder what it will be like.  For one, it will be eternal.  There will be no need to move.  When I enter this dwelling place prepared especially for me, I imagine breathing a deep sigh of relief and contentment.  It will immediately feel like home because I will be with its Builder!  No earthly house can ever compare to that sense of coming home.  It will be so perfect.  It will feel so right.

Thank you Lord, that my future “dwelling place” will be my true home!

 

 


by 1 Comment

Dandelions

Scripture for Today: Psalm 103:17 “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him and His righteousness with their children’s children.”

How sweet it is  when a child painstakingly picks those dandelions and offers them as a bouquet!  There is pride on his face for thinking of it.  There is hope there too, that you will recognize the effort and be grateful for his gesture of love.  The problem comes almost immediately as those flowers begin to wilt in his hot little hand.  One hates to disappoint a child and so we put them in water in hopes they will last a little longer.

Our verse for today is a contrast between what will last and what will not last.  Mortals are pictured as grass and like the flower in the field (verse 15).  We flourish for a short time and then are no more.  Like the dandelion, our lives can be full of beauty but oh so short.

How incredible is the contrast with God’s love for His own!  His love is from everlasting to everlasting.  It does not wilt.  His love is evident now and continues without interruption into eternity.  And it is so much more beautiful than the lowly dandelion!

God’s love does not disappoint.  When a bouquet is offered there is the expectation that eventually it will die and be thrown out.  But with the love of God, there is no end.  His love and compassion never fail and they are renewed every morning (Lam. 3:22-23).  The constancy of His love is amazing when compared to tired fickle human love!

Whether a bouquet of flowers is offered for a birth, a wedding, or a funeral, its life will be a short one.  As they wilt, may I be reminded of God’s everlasting love.


by Leave a comment

The Best Inheritance

Scripture for Today:  Ecclesiastes 7:11 “Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.”

Death can be a nightmare of paperwork.  There are legal death certificates. There are important notices to banks and government offices.  And there is also a death tax to pay.  Of course, there is one document that is prepared ahead of time; the last will and testament.  Much thought goes into this piece of paper and it reflects a life of monetary achievements.  Sometimes the life of a beneficiary of this document is changed significantly.  But there is another kind of inheritance that does far more in impacting a life.

Our verse for today describes wisdom as being an inheritance.  It is the best kind of inheritance as it cannot be eaten up by moths and rust.  No thief can steal it away and it is exempt from any taxes!  There is nothing more precious to hand down to one’s descendants.  More than material goods, its possession can change a life significantly.

Wisdom is a spiritual inheritance as it finds not only its beginning in the fear of the Lord but its continuation (Prov. 1:7).  When we fear, respect and obey our Creator, our lives reflect it with wise choices.  When we fear and worship the Lord we are able to live skillful godly lives.  Not only are our own lives blessed by this love and obedience for God, but others close to us are blessed as well.  The model of wise living is an inheritance for those who follow.  This influence can last for generations!

The inheritance of wisdom is something my own Father has passed down to me.  My prayer is that I will be able to leave this same inheritance to my children and grandchildren.  Lord, make me wise today!