Devotions By Jan

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Mother’s Milk

Scripture for Today: I Peter 2:2-3  “…like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.”

It is amazing how quickly one forgets how much and how often a newborn baby needs feeding!  There is no other priority in their new little lives.  Their is no mistaking that hungry cry and what it means.  And there is only one way to quiet and satisfy their hunger….milk!

Our verse for today describes that same longing.  It is not something a believer ever need deny himself.  Although a mature believer will gradually add the meatier doctrines of the Bible, one never outgrows the need to review and appreciate the foundational truths, or milk.

Our verse for today describes the Word as pure.  It is 100% God’s Word.  Hearing others preach and comment on God’s Word is important and valuable.  But our own personal feeding is essential for our faith to grow.  Nothing can take the place of His personal message.  Having that sweet communion leaves me wanting more.  And it is when I read His Word for myself that I taste His kindness for me!

My El-Shaddai is kind.  This name of God seems to be derived from the Hebrew word for “breast.”  This brings to mind the idea of nourishment, supply and satisfaction!  Just as a nursing baby needs his mother to grow healthy and strong, so I need close quality time with the Lord for my faith to grow.  Through His written Word He reassures me of His love and presence, His control and care!  It is wonderful to grow in knowledge.  But my deepest desire is to grow closer to Him!

Thank you Lord, that You nourish my soul!


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Waterfall

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 42:7 “Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls;  All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me.”

The grandeur of the mighty Niagara Falls impressed both my husband and me.  It was bitterly cold during our winter visit and we could not stand there for long.  Even so, the force of its cascading water was deafening!  Not only are these three falls breathtaking but they are an important source of hydroelectric power.  Almost 76,000 gallons of water flow over two of the three falls every second!

Our verse for today can be looked at as a description of the cascading waters flowing from the upper Jordan as they rush down from Mount Hermon (verse 6).  But they are also an image of the author’s depression.  His soul is downcast and it feels as if he is being overwhelmed with water.  The force of his emotions are overpowering.  As with the weight of water pouring down without interruption, so it can be with sadness.

The unrelenting weight of sadness affects every believer from time to time.  We sometimes seem to be the victim of our own emotions.  At the same time, we can see that there will some day be an end to distress and emotional turmoil.  It is this hope that can turn us around and help us keep our head above water.

Rather than focusing on the crushing weight of my emotions, I can look forward to an eternal weight of glory (II Cor. 4:17).  By comparison, whatever I am going through is considered light and momentary.  That is my hope.  Everything good is ahead of me.  All sorrow and sadness will one day be erased.

They are His waterfalls, His breakers, and His waves.  Thank you Lord, that you will not allow them to overwhelm me!


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Birds of a Feather?

Scripture for Today: Galatians 3:28  “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Every day between four and five o’clock, an enormous flock of crows would fly “en masse” to the trees across from us.  They would congregate on the upper branches making a huge racket!  But what impresses me most is how they could stay together in what looked like effortless synchronization!

Flying together has its advantages.  Together they are more likely to spot predators.  The birds find food more quickly and they save energy by flying together with the draft they create.  One would think that there is some designated leader to organize the flock.  But in fact, their behavior is a result of each bird following some simple rules.  Researchers have discovered details on how they come together and stay together.  But no one has been able to pinpoint the source of this instinctive behavior.

Our verse for today describes a coming together that is not so natural.  Believers can achieve oneness in Jesus Christ.  Regardless of race, social status, or gender, followers of the Lord have a unity that is remarkable!  Unlike the “birds of a feather who flock together,” the body of Christ is incredibly diverse.  People that would not normally come together find themselves sharing a deep bond in our shared love of Jesus!

What a beautiful testimony to find this unity in a world that is so divided!  Love that reaches across generation, gender and race is the mark of a Christian (Mark 13:35).  It is not natural.  It is supernatural and can only happen with the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

Lord, thank you that You bring together what the world does not!


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Coals

coalsunnamedScripture for Today:  Proverbs 25:21-22  “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For you will heap burning coals on his head and the Lord will reward you.”

Some folks are not so happy to see what they feel are these ugly receptacles on the beach.  But having them there means people can continue to have bonfires in the rings provided or cook with charcoal.  No more killing trees with dumping coals or ash near their base.  No more accidents with coals still hot, buried in the sand.

Our verse for today has another use for burning coals.  There has been a lot of speculation as to the meaning.  Some believe that sharing hot coals with your enemy is another act of kindness, ensuring that his hearth fire is not extinguished.  Others believe it is an expression that means to shame the enemy into repentance.  Still others believe that if one’s enemy does not respond to good works done for them, they are somehow under greater condemnation.  In any case, the message is clear that to respond to an enemy by serving him is commended by the Lord and rewarded.

Loving one’s enemies, praying for them and meeting their needs is completely opposed to my natural inclination!  Yet, it is what God calls me to do.  Romans 12:20 repeats this verse while also teaching that vengeance belongs to the Lord.  Whatever evil I have suffered at the hands of an enemy is repaid by His perfect justice.  I cannot overcome evil by taking revenge in my own hands.  I only make things worse.  I overcome evil by responding with good towards that person.  Leaving room for the wrath of God is revenge enough.

Lord, keep me trusting in your perfect justice!


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Building Up or Tearing Down?

house unnamedScripture for Today:  Proverbs 14:1  “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.”

I stopped to watch this demolition the other day.  I wondered how long the house had stood there.  Living in Europe, I am accustomed to older buildings and appreciate their charm.  Our own home is over one hundred years old.  But in just one day, this home came down.  All the memories associated with those rooms are gone.  All the stories lived out behind its walls are now a little harder to recall.  It made me a bit sad.

Our verse for today describes a house coming down.  It is very much in the power of a woman to make or break a household.  A foolish woman needs no help to bring the house down around her head.  But a wise woman will fight for her home and her family.  She will do everything in her power to protect those precious walls.

Who is the wise woman?  She is the one who fears the Lord first and foremost (Psalm 111:10).  Following God’s commandments in a marriage relationship and as parents is the surest way to keep that house standing.  A foolish woman will consider God’s way as old fashioned and antiquated.  Without realizing it, the foolish woman will tear her own house down little by little.  Before long the roof caves in and she wonders what has happened.

There are cracks in my walls every now and then.  Sometimes following God’s way is just difficult.  I need His help to obey.  Unless the Lord builds my house all this work will be for nothing (Psalm 127:1).  But the result is well worth the effort.

Thank you, Lord, that my house is still standing!  Keep me building my house Your way!