Devotions By Jan

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Alsacian Plains

Scripture for Today: I Kings 20:23 “Meanwhile, the officials of the King of Aram advised him, ‘Their gods are the gods of the hills.  That is why they are too strong for us.  But if we fight them on the plains surely we will be stronger than they.”

Not far from our home are the World War I trenches overlooking the long disputed Alsacian plains.  Over the years the French and the Germans have repeatedly fought over these fertile plains and possession has passed back and forth.  But the price in lost lives has been high as seen by the number of graves next to the trenches.

In our verse for today is the erroneous thinking of Israel’s enemies.  They have limited the scope of God’s power to only the hills.  They are sure that their strength will prevail if they attack on the plains outside the reach of God’s power.  These enemies of Israel had a god for every area of their lives and assumed the same would be true of the Israelites.  The one and only God of the universe promised to deliver the enemy into the hands of the Israelites to show the extent of His might and power.

I smile when I read how faulty and illogical was the thinking of these enemies.  God’s Word reveals that the whole earth is the Lord’s and everything in it (Psalm 24:1).  His presence can invade every nook and cranny of this world and of our hearts.  There is no putting God in a box and limiting the sphere of His power.  But maybe I do the same thing.  Do I put artificial limitations on what God can do?

His power has no limits!  Thank you Lord, for Your greatness that surpasses my feeble understanding!


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Patchwork

28339_1473182478403_3340566_nScripture for Today: Matt 9:16  “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse.”

My friend, Gale, makes beautiful patchwork quilts.  Pictured here is one she sewed called, “Square In A Square.”  Her passion for patchwork is shared by many in the Orange Grove Quilter’s Guild of which she is a member and past president.  What used to be done out of necessity by early American settlers is now a creative art form.  There are many beautiful patterns to choose from but all of them require precision in cutting and sewing in order for the edges to fit together exactly as they should.  And of course, all the pieces of fabric need to be preshrunk before sewing.

In our verse for today Jesus uses the illustration of patching a tear with new unshrunk material on to old material.  The conversation arises out of questions from those following tradition and ritual.  They are trying to connect their system of belief with what Jesus was teaching.  These men were distracted with the externals of religion that fed their own self-righteousness.  Jesus is revealing a new internal Gospel of forgiveness and cleansing.  What is legalistic and of the flesh could not be attached to what is grace and of the Spirit (Gal. 3:3).

Any time I think I can earn God’s favor by my own good works or religious observances, I am falling into that same kind of thinking!  Whether it is church attendance, fasting, hymn singing or giving, none of these activities, as positive as they are, earn right standing with God.  My relationship with Him is only because of His grace.

“Nothing in my hand I bring.  Simply to Thy cross I cling.”  I am forever grateful for grace!


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Window Cleaning

Scripture for Today:  John 16:8  “When He comes (the Holy Spirit) He will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin, righteousness and judgement.”

Spring is not really here yet, but because of a few days of sunshine, I decided I had better clean my windows.  I do not usually notice how dirty and streaked they are.  But with the arrival of the sun, all of a sudden I see the dirt that has been clouding my view!  Out comes the ladder, the cleaning supplies and the newspapers.  The sunshine shows me exactly where to concentrate my efforts.  My arms are sore but it is a great feeling to have those windows free of dirt and the sunshine unobstructed, lighting up the rooms!

In our verse for today, the role of the Holy Spirit is described by Jesus to His disciples.  Not only will He guide us into truth (verse 13) but He will also convince men of what sin is, what righteousness is, and the certainty of the coming judgement.  It is because of the Spirit’s conviction that men see the need for confession and come to Him for forgiveness.

Just like windows that are cloudy from unnoticed dirt, so are the lives of those who ignore God’s conviction.  His light shows us where cleaning is needed.  There are spots and streaks we do not see without Him showing us.  His forgiveness clears out the dirt.  I sometimes find myself arguing over a small spot here or there.  Is this really sin?  Couldn’t I just leave it as it is so small?  But His truth keeps pointing it out until I agree with Him and allow His forgiveness to cleanse it.

Thank you Lord, for forgiveness and giving back to me sweet warm and sunny fellowship with You!


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Broken Glass

Scripture for Today: Galatians 6:1-2  “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.  But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.  Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

I love walking the Back Bay of Newport Beach.  The smell of sage, the view of the water and the reappearing rabbits make it a very pleasant experience.  Recently, I was walking quickly and looking down at just the right moment to see a jagged piece of glass in my path.  I avoided it and moved on.  But then after a moment’s reflection, I turned around to carefully pick it up and move it gingerly to the side of the path.  The next person walking may not be so lucky in avoiding that glass.  I would want the same consideration from someone else.

Our verse for today is speaking only to those who are living and walking by the Spirit.  That description refers to the one exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, the first aspect of which is love.  Restoring a fellow believer who is broken with sin is an act of love and caring.  It is done with kindness, tenderness and a gentle spirit.  Like broken glass, they are a danger to themselves and to others.  Without meaning to they hurt themselves, they hurt others who are looking to them and they can even hurt the one who wants to help.  When we restore someone to a close relationship with the Lord, we listen, we cry, we share, and we encourage confession.  How amazing it is to see God’s forgiveness make one whole again!

We are all fragile and easily broken by sin.  Thank you Lord, for brothers and sisters who care!


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Running

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 119:31-32  “I hold fast to your statutes, Lord, do not let me be put to shame.  I run in the path of your commands for You have broadened my understanding.”

Running is in my family.  My husband, son, and brother-in-law all seem to enjoy running.  My problem is that I do not like to sweat.  If one should ever see me run, it would be for some kind of an emergency!  But the health benefits are undeniable and many runners talk about that “runner’s high.”  The endorphin levels rise during intense exercising, affecting one’s mood.  That feeling of euphoria can sometimes comes from long distance running.  I can think of some other less strenuous sources of euphoria, say in eating good chocolate!

Our verse for today uses the image of running to describe enthusiastic obedience to God’s commands.  Normally, one would not think of running to obey.  More common is the idea of reluctant compliance.  We know God’s commandments are given in love and are good for us.  But there is something innate in us that wants to rebel, wants to go our way.  We think we know better.  The end result is shame for our choices.  But obedience to Him will never result in shame.  Obeying His laws gives us wisdom and understanding about Him, about life, and about how our own way is just not as good as His.

Running to obey Him shows a heart that is completely His own.  Waiting only gives room to doubts and fear.  Obeying Him quickly shows a trust that is absolute.  When God gave Abraham a command concerning his son, he rose early the next morning to obey (Gen.22:3).  As incredibly difficult as it was, Abraham did not wait to obey.

Lord, may I run to obey You today!