Devotions By Jan

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National Decency Day

Scripture for Today: Luke 6:31 “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

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How unfortunate to have to remind people to be decent! The National Decency Day was established to encourage a basic standard of civility. It is meant to be non partisan, a grassroots movement to inspire decency in everyday life. Decency was certainly the theme in this scene as an elderly gentlemen had trouble getting to his bus stop. He was kindly helped by this couple while a passerby smiles. He was then helped up the steps to that bus and I am sure the decency of strangers made his day!

Today’s verse would be the perfect verse for showing decency. Many who are not familiar with the Bible are aware of this verse, calling it, “The Golden Rule.” Its logical simplicity can lull one into thinking it is an easy principle to practice. But in fact, this verse is especially difficult when one realizes that this behavior is to be shown to enemies! We are to do good not just to strangers but to those who hate us (verse 27)! We are to bless those who curse us and pray for those that mistreat us (verse 28)! Common decency and basic civility seem like a slam dunk compared to this standard!

As with all commandments, precepts and statutes of God, my obedience is not what I would like. I feel as if I fail Him often. Thankfully, His forgiveness is consistent and faithful (I John 1:9). When with the help of His Spirit I can treat enemies the way He wants, He is glorified! Loving my enemies is not natural for me and when I can do it, I know it is another evidence of His work in me.

Thank you Lord, for Your Spirit who enables me to treat others well!


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Moxie

Scripture for Today: Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeepersmedia/14807711190

Do you live you life with Moxie? Well, someone thinks you should as he points his finger at you! Moxie is the brand name of a bitter syrup created in 1876 called, “Moxie Nerve Food.” It was purported to prevent paralysis, softening of the brain (?) nervousness and insomnia! Later, soda water was added to make one of the earliest carbonated drinks in America. The term “moxie” has come to mean the ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage.

Today’s verse comes at a time of transition and change. Joshua was given the daunting task of leading the Israelites. He was charged with taking the territory that God had promised Moses and the people. There would be many times of fear and discouragement but God reassures Joshua of His presence. He promises to never leave or forsake Joshua (verse 5). “Be strong and courageous,” is repeated three times in four verses! Because of God’s promises, Joshua could face the future with spirit and courage!

I have this same promise and reassurance! Especially in times of transition and change, I need to be reminded that God is there. I can face my future with that moxie of spirit and courage because God has told me that He will never leave me or forsake me (Heb. 13:5). He is with me wherever I go and there is no place where He is not (Psalm 139:7-10)! His presence is my strength. His presence is my courage. His presence is my encouragement. Without Him, I would be a bowl of quivering “what if’s.”

Thank you Lord, for the courage and strength You give me!


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Hot House Orchid

Scripture for Today: II Peter 3:18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

This gorgeous flower needs pampering! When transplanting the orchid out of its tropical habitat, it will need special conditions to grow and flourish. The artificially heated greenhouse will provide an environment that will make this delicate plant happy and stable. In that hot house will be other vulnerable plants not hardy enough to grow under natural conditions. The phrase, “hot house flower” also describes a person who is fragile and vulnerable.

Today’s verse talks about what is needed for the believer to grow in his faith: grace and knowledge. There is not a Christ-follower alive that does not need these special conditions to grow. Being exposed to the harsh world-environment can choke out what God wants to produce in us. His grace or unmerited favor and the knowledge of Himself is His hot house. His grace is sufficient when we are weak (II Cor. 12:9). And the power to thrive comes through our knowledge of him (II Peter 1:3).

I forget so often. My independent and prideful spirit makes me feel that I am doing just fine on my own. That takes all the glory for myself when it rightfully belongs to Him. And before long, my attitude starts to show in shriveled leaves and droopy flowers. It is clear to me that my faith is stunted when I totally lose it at the first sign of difficulty. But when I can respond with dependence on His grace and a recognition of His goodness and love, then I can not only survive, but thrive. It is the Lord that keeps me from being fragile and vulnerable.

Thank you Lord, for the growth that comes from You!


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Poking Holes

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 11:10 “He (Abraham) was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”

There was a problem. We had been living with it for awhile and finally decided to do something about it. The “something” meant poking a hole in the foundation. It was the only way to fix the shortcuts that were taken in the building of our house 46 years ago. After repairs below, there was no question but that we had to go that extra step. The foundation needed work to be stable once again. It would be unthinkable to live with a gaping hole in a foundation.

Today’s verse describes the faith of Abraham, looking forward to the Celestial City with sure foundations. He does not have to worry about how those foundations were built as the Builder and Architect is God Himself. Abraham lived as a nomad, in tents and on the move. (verse 9) He lived like a stranger in a foreign country. The idea of building his life on an unmovable foundation must have been especially attractive.

The foundation this world offers is never a sure one. Its changing “truths” make it full of holes and unstable. Trying to build my life on it is like trying to nail jello to a wall! If there are no absolute truths there can be nothing sure and certain on which to build my life. But my foundation is God’s unchanging and life-giving Word. Nothing and no one can poke holes in His Word, His character and His plans. Despite the uncertainties of this life, I can look forward with certainty to the fulfillment of every promise. My Builder and Architect is even now preparing a place for me (John 14:2).

Lord, keep me looking forward to what You have prepared for me!


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Cicada Invasion!

Scripture for Today: Psalms 150:6  “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!  Praise the Lord!”


Pmjacoby, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Get ready for a noisy invasion! Every seventeen years the Brood X Cicada emerges from underground in fifteen eastern states. This is no small invasion as he is joined with about a trillion of his friends! They appear en masse to follow a strict program of shedding skins, flying, mating, laying eggs and dying, all within several weeks. They are natural pruners for trees and add nitrogen to the soil when they die. But the negative side is their loud mating noise that some call singing. It can be deafening.

Today’s verse is a call to praise the Lord. In this short psalm, instruments are listed that can praise the Lord. But so can the cicada. He may not sound melodious but neither does the clashing cymbal! (verse 5) He has breath too and his chirping, clicking and buzzing are praise to his Creator. All creeping things are to praise the Lord, from the great sea creature to the small. (Psalm 148:7, 10) But how much more meaningful is man’s conscious and specific praise!

He is worthy of all my praise all the time. I want His praise to continually be in my mouth! Life and breath were given to me for this very purpose. When my heart is “tuned to sing His praise,” then I am fulfilling my purpose here on earth. Praise to my Creator begins here imperfectly but will continue into eternity! There, my praise will be beautifully melodious! But whether here or there, I want every breath of my life be a praise to Him for all He has done for me!

Lord, You deserve every note of praise!