Devotions By Jan

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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!

 

 

 

 

 


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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.

 


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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!