Devotions By Jan

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The Sweetest Sound

IMG_20121123_083804Scripture for Today:  I Corinthians 15:52 “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.”

This Christmas decoration is just beautiful.  I imagine the idea is that the angel is announcing the birth of Christ.  It is a nice thought, though in fact there were no trumpets on the scene, at least recorded in the Scripture.  There was certainly a multitude of angels in the sky above the shepherds praising God, perhaps in song.

The trumpet in our verse today has a very special meaning.  Sounding it will signal the resurrection.  It does not say who will blow this trumpet, perhaps an angel, but it will be heard all over the world.  When it is blown, those believers who have died will receive their new incorruptible bodies.  Those believers still living at the time will also be changed.  Death will forever be swallowed up in victory!  What a day that will be!

Sometimes when I read in God’s Word about what is to come, I wonder how it affects me TODAY.  This passage about the resurrection and our new bodies has everything to do with today.   These words were written so that knowing this truth I stay steadfast, immoveable, and that I would always be about the work of the Lord (verse 58).  Looking towards the resurrection and eternity convinces me that my work for the Lord is never futile or in vain.

I enjoy all kinds of music and musical instruments.  But one day I will hear a trumpet sound that will  announce the end of time.  It will be the sweetest sound ever!


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What Will Last

IMG_20121124_143745Scripture for Today:  Matthew 24:35  “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall never pass away.”

My husband and I have a lot of fun climbing around old castle ruins like the one pictured here.  I enjoy imagining the kind of life lived there in by-gone years.  Which area had the room with the best view?  Where did they put the kitchen?

The walls are so very thick one would think it would last forever.  The location high up on the hill was strategic for their defense.  Those who lived here probably could not imagine their castle being one day in ruins.

Our verse for today says that all of heaven and earth shall pass away.  There is the bad news.  However, the good news is that there will be a new heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21:1).  There will be no sin there and so they will last forever!

Everything here will one day be gone.  It is a difficult concept for me to grasp.  Especially here in Europe, there are some very ancient buildings.  As an American from a young country I am often impressed with the age of things.  Even our house is over a hundred years old.   But as these ruins remind me, nothing man builds will stand the test of time.

In contrast, God’s Word will never pass away.  His words are faithful, true and eternal.  They will never change.  It is because this is true that it is worth my time loving His Word, obeying it, and basing my life on it.  There is no other thing on this earth that has the same value.

May I be faithful in giving the Lord the time and study His Word deserves.  Nothing else lasts forever!


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Like a Tree

IMG_20121124_121653Scripture for Today:  Psalms 1:3  “He shall be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season.  And its leaf does not wither.  And whatever he does, he prospers.”

This tree does not look like much without its leaves.  Even so, it seems stately and strong.  I can just imagine the shade it would provide in a different season.  The bench there looks so inviting.  Its branches are solid to give birds rest and shelter.  Its elevated location sets it apart.  It has withstood the winds and heavy snows over many years.

In our verse the righteous man who delights in obeying God’s Law is likened to a tree.  Like the tree, those who obey Him are  upright, strong and uncompromising.  The righteous one cannot be moved by the winds of adversity.  He is seen by others.  His stature is a testimony to the care and blessing that comes from obedience.

I am so thankful for that little phrase, “which yields its fruit in its season.”  The tree pictured here is not bearing fruit.  It is not the season.  However, it is still stately and strong as it awaits the next season.  There are times in my life when I wonder about the fruit I am producing.  However, when I am faithful to love and follow His Law, I can be assured of staying strong and healthy.  There is a time and season for every purpose under heaven (Eccl. 3:1).  God is the One who controls the seasons and produces the fruit in me.

I love this image of being a tree.  My roots are firmly planted in His unchangeable and good Law.  I will not be moved, regardless of the winds that buffet me.  I stand strong and prosper in life because of this promise!


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Counting

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 90:12  “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”

It has been a tradition in our home over the years to count down to Christmas.  I did not realize until I moved to France 23 years ago that one could count down with chocolate!  The Lindt chocolate calender pictured here is for my grown son, but I am having trouble keeping my hands off it!

Years ago I sent one of my children (who will remain nameless) a  chocolate advent calender the first year at university.  It was only much later that this offspring of mine admitted to eating ALL the chocolates the day it arrived!

Of course, the age-old tradition of the Advent wreath and all its symbolism is a much more significant way to mark the days until the birth of our Savior.  With each lit candle and Scripture reading we celebrate His first arrival and anticipate His second.

The verse for today talks about numbering our days.  Knowing that our days have an end is not a new concept.  But for all of us, we need to be reminded to live with the end in sight.  Numbering our days makes us wise.  Looking toward the end helps us decide what is important today.

Regardless of the number of days the Lord decides to allow me, I am to be counting down.  The last little window of the Advent calender waits to be opened.  It usually has the biggest and best chocolate.  I look forward to opening it, even though I know I will then be finished with it.  In life, as I count down toward the very end, I have a last window that waits to be opened, the window of heaven!


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Love and Light

Scripture for Today:  I John 2:10 “The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him.”

It can seem very dark here in Alsace.  It is not that we live in the country.  But we are in a much less populated area than southern California.  Things are spread out and there just is not as much artificial light.  Sometimes between villages, my husband will turn off the headlights to impress our visitors with how dark it can get.  When walking at night, I always use my small key chain flashlight to avoid tripping.

Today’s verse talks about staying in the light.  Jesus is our light.  He illuminates the path of obedience we are to walk.  Obeying Him allows us to remain within the beam of that light.  It is easier to talk about obedience in general terms, but here the verse is very specific about one particular commandment; loving our brother.  We are at risk of falling when we do not love our brother.  It is like turning off the headlights or forgetting my flashlight.  Loving our brother as God commands keeps us in His light and on the right path.

I never realized before how closely linked are LOVE and LIGHT.  The amount of light I live with is dependent on how much I love my brother.  Quite frankly, I get used to my way being dimly lit.  My eyes adjust to the lack of light due to my lack of love.  I do not think to do anything about it…….until I stumble.  I trip on my lack of love.  How much better it is to make the effort to love.  My walk is so much more pleasant in the light!

Lord, help me to stay in Your light by my brother.