Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Contentment


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Hide and Seek

IMG_20160322_090333Scripture for Today:  Colossians 3:3-4 “For you have died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”

It is not too difficult playing hide and seek with my grandson!  He is so sure no one can see him if he cannot see you.  In his mind all he has to do is hide his eyes to be totally hidden!  My two older grandsons have graduated to actually hiding from the one who is “it” in some pretty obvious places.  Hiding behind a curtain, pillow, lamp or a dog brings to mind the phrase, “Hiding in plain sight!”

Today’s verse talks about the life of a believer being hidden with Christ in God.  When we come to Christ for forgiveness, we die to our old life. Former habits and ways of thinking are a thing of the past.  Desires and goals change.  In Christ we become a “new creation” (II Cor. 5:17).  But even more than that, our real life, our true life is found in Christ.  It is hidden there, safe and secure.  No one can touch our souls.  And one day, our true lives will no longer be hidden but will be revealed, sharing in His glory.

I love life.  I am blessed with many wonderful gifts from His hand.  But at the same time, I feel that there is something lacking.  This life is not my true one.  Everything around me will pass away (I John 2:17).  As wonderful as this world is, it does not compare to the perfect world and life that is coming!  What He has prepared is something so much better than anything seen, heard or imagined here (I Cor. 2:9)

Thank you Lord, that You are my life.

 


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Contented Cat

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:12 “I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

It was so sweet to hear our Tiger purr.  Most cats will purr when happy and contented.  But cats will also purr when they are hungry, usually combining that sound with a cry.  Purring can also be their way of soothing themselves when hurt, much like a child sucking their thumb.  A kitten will purr when just a few days old to signal where he is to the mother and that he is fine.   When the mother purrs to the kitten it helps them bond, being used much like a lullaby.  But most often, the purr is a clear signal of contentment.

Paul tells us in today’s verse that he has learned the secret of contentment.  It is not tied to circumstances of want or plenty.  Contentment for Paul was something more and it was something learned.  There was a process to learn it.  He calls it a secret, not because it is unknowable but perhaps because it was not obvious.

I used to think that Paul kept that secret to himself.  But in fact, he did share it in the very next verse.  “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”  The “this” is that elusive contentment!  It is the Lord who gives contentment.  It comes through Him and His strength.  I cannot muster up contentment or talk myself into feeling it.  He is my source.  He gives satisfaction.  My relationship with Him is what fulfills me.

Only You, Lord.  Make me content in You today.


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Cravings

Scripture for Today: Psalm 78:18 “They willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved.”

I often crave sweets, especially chocolate.  But the food cravings I had while pregnant were very different and no small thing.  It was not pickles and ice cream, thankfully.  It was citrus fruits and Mexican food.  It would come on me suddenly and at odd hours.  The sensation was strong and I have never felt anything quite like it since!  I remember getting quite cranky just up to the point when those cravings were indulged.  My poor husband was a good sport about it!

Today’s verse is speaking of the Israelites when they were in the wilderness.  The Lord had miraculously provided for their needs with manna from heaven.  But they craved meat.  They did not just crave it.  They wailed saying, “If only we had meat to eat.” (Numbers 11:4)  They were willful and even rebellious with their demands (verse 17).  Their cravings went so far as to cause them to speak against God (verse 19) and doubt His power.  “Can God really spread a table in the wilderness?”  How insulting to our Mighty God who had all along been showing His power in parting that Red Sea, and in guiding them with a pillar of cloud and pillar of fire.  God responded with righteous anger.

Cravings are part of human nature and not necessarily wrong in themselves.  But certainly when accompanied with a demanding rebellious attitude, they are not right.  I am wrong if I crave something that puts into question God’s goodness and power.  But one craving is always good, that of craving the “spiritual milk” of His Word (I Peter 2:2).  I wish I craved it more than I do!

Lord, create in me a craving for Your Word today!


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Eagle Wings

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 23:5 “Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.”

How amazing to see an eagle in flight!  Their wings are impressive, often measuring six and seven feet across.  They can climb ten thousand feet up into the air and soar for hours.  This amazing “King of Birds” can cruise at forty miles per hour.  The eagle wing, being concave on its underside and convex on its outerside, is created to maximize the wind passing over it thereby giving it lift.

Today’s verse describes how riches often up and fly away.  We are better off to cast but a glance at them rather than to focus all our attention on riches.  We are told not to wear ourselves out to get rich (verse 4).  Those riches somehow sprout wings and fly right out of the wallet.  I am always amazed to hear stories of lottery winners who end up bankrupt!  But some part of me can understand.  I just broke a twenty dollar bill for a small purchase and before I realized it, it was gone.  How does that happen?  Where does it go?  A glance is all I get as money seems to disappear almost as quickly as it appears!

Riches are often a blessing coming directly from God’s hand.  The problem comes when I place my confidence in my own resources rather than in Him.  Riches are uncertain (I Timothy 6:17) but the Lord is worthy of my trust.  He wants me in a place of dependency on Him.  As it turns out, knowing and loving Him is the best kind of riches!

Help me Lord, to give riches but a glance and instead fix my eyes on You.

 


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Gluten Sensitivity

Scripture for Today: John 6:35-36 “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen Me and still you do not believe.'”

I would hate to have problems with gluten and I feel badly for those that do!  Those gastrointestinal symptoms plus the fatigue and headaches are no fun.  The more serious condition of Celiac even damages the small intestine.  Doctors caution that the gluten free diet does not automatically mean a more healthy diet or lead to weight loss unless it is done properly.  I am fortunate not to have to deal with this as I really enjoy my bread!

In today’s verse, Jesus uses the image of bread and water to show just how much we need Him.  He satisfies the hunger of our souls in a way that nothing else can.  But there is a condition.  We are to come to Him in faith.  Jesus is speaking to those who He had just miraculously fed.  They were only interested in having their stomachs filled (verse 26).  Somehow they were not seeing that Jesus was offering, “food that endures to eternal life” (verse 27).  They could not bring themselves to believe in Him as the bread of life from the Father (verse 33).  Their physical appetites were masking their deeper spiritual need.

I can’t be too hard on them.  I wonder if I only come to Him for what He can do for me.  Or do I find satisfaction just in loving Him and serving Him.  Do my temporal physical needs get in the way of enjoying a deep satisfying relationship?  I want to seek Him first and above all else.

Lord, help me to go deeper with You today.