Devotions By Jan

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Almond Blossoms

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 1:11-12 “The word of the Lord came to me; ‘What do you see, Jeremiah?’ ‘I see the branch of an almond tree,’ I replied. The Lord said to me, ‘You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.'”

The vineyards in the Alsacian countryside of France may still lie dormant. But the almond trees are in full bloom! Their delicate pink blossoms waft to the ground with the slightest breeze, leaving a sweet smelling carpet. Those fragile blossoms are a promise of what is to come. Their appearance signals that the almond harvest will follow.

Today’s verse is part of a conversation the prophet Jeremiah had with the Lord. At first glance the thread of the conversation does not seem obvious. Although it is reassuring to know that God’s word will always be fulfilled, what does God watching have to do with the almond tree? I love how the Lord plays with language in this verse! The Hebrew for “watching” sounds like the Hebrew word for “almond tree.” The Lord is reassuring this prophet and us too that His word is faithful and true. He will fulfill every promise.

When I see justice delayed or evil men prospering, it is easy to doubt God’s word. When I see God’s promises seemingly unfulfilled, I can easily grow impatient. Although my timetable may be different, His word will be fulfilled. No matter how many promises God has made, they are YES in Christ (II Cor. 1:20). And He has promised so much that is still in the future. Thankfully while I wait, He has given me those almond blossoms to reassure me that He has not forgotten. He is watching to make sure every word of every promise is fulfilled.

Thank you Lord, that You are watching.


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Indignant Cat

Scripture for Today: John 13:10 “Jesus answered, ‘Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.'”

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to bathe a cat! If it is ever tried, the best way is to do it with some sort of protective gear as claws will appear! I have heard of cats that like water but it seems to be the exception. The howling and carrying on is pathetic. Normally, the cat licking himself is all that is needed, but there are those rare occasions when a bath is necessary. And afterwards, the cat will never look at its owner in quite the same way again!

Today’s verse takes place in that scene where Jesus is washing the feet of His disciples. All but one of these disciples (Judas) had already been bathed. They had each experienced the life-changing cleansing and forgiveness of the Lord. However, the day-to-day walk meant that their feet would continue to get dirty and need daily cleansing. As with our initial cleansing, this daily dirt is not something we can take care of on our own. We need His daily “spot cleaning.”

I am thankful for that initial bath of salvation. It does not need to be repeated. God’s forgiveness is complete and there is nothing to add to our salvation. “It is finished,” was declared from the cross and my salvation is secured because of His grace. Unfortunately, that does not mean that I do not continue to sin. But because I am “in Christ” (Romans 8:1) there is no longer any condemnation for my sin. Taking care of “dirty feet” everyday means that I agree with God when He points out that dirt. I need to recognize my sin and ask His help to avoid stepping in it again.

Thank you Lord, for Your daily cleansing.

(Look familiar? This post is based on another from 2015)


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Leprechauns

Scripture for Today: Colossians 2:2 “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ.”

Today is a day for all things Irish. And the leprechaun has been part of Irish folklore for centuries. Our American ideas have changed him a bit as originally he is said to wear red. The leprechaun in the beginning was a much scarier figure who would warn off people from sacred sites for their protection. Now he is all about making shoes, granting wishes and hiding his gold at the end of the rainbow. This leprechaun does not look so happy counting his gold!

Today’s verse talks about different riches. They are described as “full” and have nothing to do with wealth in the traditional sense. These riches involve understanding and knowing a Person, Jesus Christ. When believers are encouraged in heart and united in love, they are progressively coming to know God’s Son and in turn making their lives rich and full. This kind of wealth is eternal rather than temporal. Wealth of this kind cannot be stolen or taxed. It is a wealth that has no limit. The riches of Christ are boundless! (Eph. 3:8)

My riches are not tangible. Their value is not easily recognized by the world. Even so, I would never trade them for that “pot of gold!” Temporal wealth cannot compare with the surpassing value of knowing and loving my Savior. The closer I am to Jesus, the richer I am. The further away I move from Him, the more impoverished I become. Knowing Him, loving Him and serving Him enriches me like nothing else can! How rich I am!

Thank you Lord, for the boundless and endless riches I find in You!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2017)


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Timing Is Everything

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

 

 

 

 

 

For 20 years in France we enjoyed our talkative Gaby. She so easily picked up words and phrases in French and in English. But she did do something very annoying and discouraging. Every time I finished a piece on the piano, she would yell out in a derisive tone, “Whatever!” I would turn around, look at her and fume. Things changed for the better when I taught her to say, “Bravo!” when coming to the end of a song.

Today’s verse tells us that what comes out of our mouths matters. Unwholesome talk is talk that is also rotten and useless. Not only do these words fail to build someone up, but they have no benefit at all. However, our words can have tremendous value in helping another to grow and thrive. Our words have the potential to meet the need we all have for encouragement and affirmation. Even just one word spoken at the time of greatest need can lift someone up and keep them from falling into a pit of depression.

Sometimes, all it takes is one positive word to turn around what is negative. I want my words to be gracious, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones (Prov. 16:24). I want my words to be like His; kind, compassionate and forgiving (verse 32). But that cannot happen without a heart that is changed by Him. My mouth reveals what is in my heart (Luke 6:45b). If my heart is full of selfishness and pride, I am less likely to even care about encouraging someone else.

Lord, change my heart and so change my words!


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What Time Is It?

Scripture for Today: Romans 13:11 “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”

Time changes can be so annoying. Even just a one hour difference can completely throw us off! Daylight Saving Time has arrived and I find I am always checking the clock. I am not sure when to be tired or when to be hungry. But I am not the only one confused. This time change is used in over 70 countries and affects one billion people every year! It was first used in Canada in 1908. Throughout history, the changes have varied between two hours, 20, 30 or 40 minutes!

Today’s verse talks about an hour that has already come; the hour to wake up from spiritual slumber. The night is almost over and the day is about to arrive. This is something for which we need to be prepared. We are to understand our times, the present time and the time that is to come. Thankfully, God’s Word gives us signs for what is coming. Although there are lots of different ideas about how to interpret them, one thing is sure; our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed!

It is easy for me to be sleepy and to believe that things will always continue as they are. I need to “wake up” and realize that my time is limited. Knowing that Christ’s return could happen at any moment changes my priorities and how I live. When I live with this certainty, it makes me want to live a pure life that pleases Him (I John 3:2-3). I want to live wisely, making the most of every opportunity the Lord offers me (Eph. 5:15-16). I need to keep an eye on that clock!

Lord, wake me up today!