Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Comfort


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C.O.V.I.D.

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 2:4-5 “But because of His great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.”

“This too shall pass,” is a phrase I often heard from my Mother and I find myself repeating it during these unique times of self-isolation.  I am hopeful that one day we will look back saying, “remember when?”  We have lost loved ones and our hearts break for those experiencing financial hardship as well.  My husband invented his own acronym for Covid to help me gain some perspective, “Christ Offers Victory In Death.”

Today’s verse talks about the life Christ offers to those who are alive but at the same time dead in their sins.  Being dead, there is nothing we can do to save ourselves.  It is because of His love and mercy that He made us alive with Him.  The tomb could not hold Him nor will death have the final say for those to whom He has given spiritual life!  Death will no longer have the victory (I Cor. 15:55-57).  Believers are no longer dead in their sins but alive with Him both now and forever!

What a difference this makes for me!  The potential for death in any situation is devoid of “sting.”  My life continues with Him whether my body does or not.  I have been made alive and that life never ends.  I can face an unknown future with confidence.  I can live without anxiety and fear knowing my life is forever in His powerful loving hands.  I do not relish the idea of dying, who does?  But I do know that my true life is hid with Him (Col.3:3).

Thank you Lord, for victory even in death!

 


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The Easter Lily

Scripture for Today: Matthew 12:40 “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”

Growing up, my Mother’s Easter table was often graced with this lily.  This beautiful flower is also called, “white-robed apostles of hope.”  There is symbolism in the white color representing the purity of Christ.  The trumpet shape of the flower brings to mind the trumpeting of the message of resurrection.  But what impressed me was that all this beauty could come from a dirty unremarkable bulb.  For at least three years its bulb stays underground in the dark before bursting forth to flower.

Today’s verse comes from a discussion Jesus had with the Pharisees asking for a sign.  Here, Jesus predicts the three days He will spend in the heart of the earth following His death.  Those three days were not unlike what Jonah experienced.  It was during those three days that despair was so keenly felt by all who had hoped in Christ.  It looked as if Satan had won.  All who had looked to Jesus to be their deliverer must have felt betrayed and defeated.

What a comfort to know that the darkest days I could ever experience are only a “momentary affliction” compared to the glorious future He has prepared for me! (II Cor. 4:17) Whether it is three dark days, three years or thirty, it is a time of waiting until I burst forth, flowering for an eternity because of His resurrection!  How amazing it is that because of His victory over death,  I can wait patiently with hope.  His resurrection changes me giving me new life, eternal life and life that can be abundant!

Lord, because of You I have hope!

 

 


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“Yoke’s on You!”

Scripture for today: Galatians 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Today is April Fools Day and for some the joke or “yoke” is on them!  I wonder if during these days of social distancing there will be the same level of frivolity!  I hope so.  We could all use a laugh!  France has its own version of this day.  They observe this silliness by taping a paper fish on someone’s back without their knowledge.

Today’s verse mentions a yoke that is no laughing matter.  This is a yoke of slavery from which Christ has set us free.  The believers in the churches in Galatia were being influenced to put back on a heavy yoke.  That yoke was the belief that they could be justified by following the Law (verse 4).  Christ came to fulfill the Law and free us from this heavy impossible burden.  We have exchanged this yoke for an easy one, shared with Jesus.  His burden is light because He carries it with us and gives rest to our souls (Matt. 11:28-30).

How wonderful to know that He cares about what is burdening me!  Whatever is weighing me down does not come from Him.  He does not want me to go through life feeling that I must always do more to be accepted by Him.  That would be an unbearable weight!  He has done it all.  He is sufficient.  And the commands He has given me are not burdensome (I John 5:3).  It is in keeping them that I show my love for Him.  This love relationship is what gives me rest.  Despite the unease of risk and of the unknown, I can rest yoked to Him.

Thank you Lord, for Your reassurance.


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United States of Anxiety

Scripture for Today: Psalm 94:19 “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.” (NASB)

“We are all in this together.”  It is a phrase I repeatedly hear on social media.  As a society we are divided on so many fronts; political, religious, racial and economical.  But one thing seems to united us and unfortunately it is anxiety.  It may be that our anxiety is only an occasional thought.  Or it may be an underlying state of mind that colors our whole day.  For some, this anxiety is showing itself in disturbing dreams (ahem….) or interrupted sleep.  In any case, it is a natural state of affairs when we feel we are not in control and we do not know what is next!

Today’s verse gives an answer to our anxious thoughts that seem to multiply within us.  The soul can be delighted with His words of comfort and consolation even in the middle of such uncertain times.  We can move from anxiety to delight when we turn to His Word and His promises.  His lovingkindness holds us up (verse 18).  The Lord will not abandon or forsake His people who are His inheritance (verse 14).  Whatever the future holds, He is there and He is faithful.

I am a great one for asking myself, “what if?” or “what then?”  My questions come from a desire to know and control.  But there is no way of knowing or controlling.  And I do not really need these answers to experience delight in the deepest part of me.  Rather I need the One who does know and control.  He reassures my heart that He has a plan for my future and He is good.  I can let go of anxious thoughts when I spend time with Him.

Lord, thank you for relieving my anxiety.


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Face Masks

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.”

Fashion statements show up in some of the unlikeliest places!  A seamstress friend in France is selling these face masks in a variety of materials.  Of course they do not give the same protection as the medical surgical masks.  But in an area of the world where the COVID virus is gaining momentum, they provide the wearer with at least a sense of security.  This little piece of whimsical material may not be any kind of guarantee.  But the one wearing it can hope to be a little more shielded.

Today’s verse describes the Lord as our shield.  He can be counted on and so can His Words!  Everything God has said and everything He has promised is true and worthy of our trust.  And taking refuge in Him is the best way to be shielded from whatever life can throw at us.  He provides His protection to those who run to Him for it.  There is confidence with this shield of divine control.  Nothing, no matter how small or how big can get through this barrier.

Nothing else can give me this kind of refuge.  I cannot count on the words of limited scientific discoveries.  I cannot count on the words of the media.  I cannot count on the words of the government.  But I can trust God’s Word.  I run to God to shield me from evil, from spiritual attack or the attack of an unseen virus.  His shield will not allow anything to touch me without His permission and without His using it as part of His plan.  What comfort in this thought, that I am shielded by the love and control of my Creator!

Shield me today, Lord.