Devotions By Jan

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A Mystery

Scripture for today: I Corinthians 15:51-52  “Behold I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep. but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”

I cannot read this verse without thinking of the church nursery where our children attended.  The first part of the verse was written on the wall!  And it was true!  Whether the kids slept or not, I could count on them being changed!

The silhouette of Sherlock Homes is the association often made with the word, “mystery.”  This fictional character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is known for his use of logic and forensic science in solving mysteries.  However, in Scripture, the word, “mystery,” has an entirely different meaning.  It is a truth that cannot be discovered except by revelation.  No logic or science will reveal this kind of mystery.

How exciting to have this mystery revealed to us in the verse for today!  One day, these breaking-down bodies will be changed from perishable to imperishable!  If believers are already dead and buried, they will be resurrected and changed.  If believers at that time are still living, their earthly bodies will be changed.  Imperishable bodies will be glorified ones that will be eternal.  There will no longer be an old nature with which to contend.  These new bodies will have no need of tear ducts!  It will all be done in the blink of an eye.  What an incredible day that will be!

As my body breaks down, it is a comfort to know that one day my body will be changed!  The Lord’s promise of healing will be completely realized!  Thank you, Lord, for revealing this amazing mystery!


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The Slug

Scripture for Today:  Proverbs 26:15  “The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; He is weary of bringing it to his mouth again.”

The slug is a disgusting creature.  It has to be part of the curse!  Surely, the new earth will have no such nastiness!  At least they move slowly enough that removing them is no problem, just very unpleasant.

My eldest daughter and her husband used to have a very lazy cat named, “Mrs. Hufflepuff.”  She would eat her fill of cat food then lay down, her paw resting in the the dish; the picture of laziness!

Our verse for today uses a similar image in the sluggard.  He is so lazy he cannot be bothered to lift his hand to his mouth, even to eat!  Proverbs has a lot to say about the one who is lazy.  He will sleep all day, would rather beg than work and any excuse, real or imagined, will keep him from leaving the house.  I would not be honest if I did not admit to sometimes feeling like a sluggard, most notably after a large meal!  There are those lazy moments when we are self-indulgent and quite frankly do not feel like lifting a finger!  Thankfully, those moments do not characterize my life!

Anyone who comes in faith to Christ will receive a new nature.  Lazy habits will be left behind with the old nature!  The Lord keeps me motivated to move, to work, and to advance towards goals.  He gives me purpose.  He gives me energy.  He keeps me balanced.  Serving and glorifying Him with my life leaves no room for laziness!

Lord, thank you for keeping me motivated!


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Looking Back

looking back83Scripture for Today: Psalm 89:1  “I will sing of the loving kindness of the Lord forever.  To all generations I will make known Your faithfulness with my mouth.”

Today is the last day of the year.  Every year seems to pass by more and more quickly!  The television channels often have programs that summarize the entire year.  Each time I view these I am surprised at how much I have forgotten.  There are reminders of which celebrities have died.  There are the highs and lows of big news events.  And there are reports of new records set throughout the year.

Not everyone enjoys looking back.  Some things are better forgotten.  Reliving some of the negatives can be very depressing.  But looking back can help change our perspective.  With hind sight comes some understanding.  Problems that seemed insurmountable while living them take on a completely different light after some time has passed.

Our verse for today proclaims the faithfulness of the Lord.  This beautiful characteristic of our God is best seen when looking back.  Many times it is not until the trial is over that we see the positives.  It is often after the fact that we see God’s hand.  His faithfulness brings us through, developing patience, making us more like Him.  His faithfulness means we can count on His Word and His promises.  His faithfulness brings about that “good” that Romans 8:28 describes.

This past year He has been faithful.  He has been faithful every year.  I am confident He will be faithful next year!  It is His nature.  I can look back these last twelve months and pinpoint all the ways He has shown His faithfulness, not only to me but to my family and my friends.  Regardless of any negatives, He makes looking back a joy!  Great is His faithfulness!


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Dark Night

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 42:8  “The Lord will command His loving kindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me, a prayer to the God of my life.”

We just experienced the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere on December 21st.  The winter solstice makes for a very long and dark night.  However, this year, it was the night before that could claim that distinction!  Due to a lunar eclipse, the night of the 20th is said to have been the darkest night in the last 500 years!

For many people, the holidays are represented by some very dark nights.  Expectations not met, hopes dashed and keen disappointments mark holiday nights.  Sweet “Hallmark” moments do not match up with one’s reality.  For some, the darkest nights occur when everyone else seems to be celebrating.

Ralph Waldo Emerson has said when it is dark enough, men see the stars.  But our verse for today is no pithy saying.  It is truth.  His loving kindness is ours in the daytime.  His song is ours in the night, even in the darkest night.  Circumstances can disappoint.  People can disappoint.  But HE does not.  Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed (Romans 10:11).  What an incredible truth!  During the darkest night, I can sing!  He gives me hope.

I love that our verse for today says that He “commands” His loving kindness.  It reminds me that He is in control.  He commands and directs.  He arranges and controls.  So much of my life is not my call, but His.  I am thankful that His control is loving and kind.  His direction is trustworthy.

No matter how dark the night, thank you Lord, that my heart can sing because You give me hope.


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Seeking Him

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

I always smile to myself when I see the bumper sticker or plaque that says, “Wise men seek Him still.”

The story of the wise men seeking the baby Jesus is only told in the Gospel of Matthew.  Because this event took place some time after the birth of Jesus, it is often given less attention.  We typically think of there being three wise men as there were three gifts offered to Jesus: the gold, frankincense and myrrh.  But regardless of their number, they went to great lengths to seek and to find the baby Jesus.  They spent money, time and effort to make that long arduous journey.  The star guiding them to the exact place they could find Him was nothing short of miraculous!

It was telling that these learned men went first to Herod’s palace to inquire.  It was only logical to think that the birth of the King of the Jews would take place in some distinguished surroundings.  I can imagine their surprise when the star indicated what must have been a very humble home!  Matthew 2 tells us that they were filled with great joy when they saw Jesus.  Their immediate reaction was to fall to the ground in worship.

Wise men seek Him still.  And He wants to be found.  I may not have a miraculous star, but I have His Spirit drawing me back to Himself.  I am wise when I listen.  Our verse promises me that He rewards those who seek Him.  He rewards me with a very special and privileged relationship with Himself!  Thank you, Lord, that YOU are my reward.