Devotions By Jan

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Making Hay!

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 3:12-13a “If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light…”

In our area of France, these large rolls of hay are a common sight. The cylinder shape is the most common as it is thought to be the most economical and a favorite for those raising cattle. The large ones are quite heavy at 2300 pounds. I was surprised to learn that some bales of hay, if too moist when baling takes place, can actually catch fire!  Micro organisms begin breaking down the moist plant fibers and produce heat in the process.  If there is oxygen present and the temperatures rise enough, that bale of hay can spontaneously combust!

Today’s verse is also about burning up hay! There will be a day when the works of all believers will be evaluated for the purpose of reward. Believers have a common foundation in Jesus Christ. But the materials we use to build our lives can vary. What is done for God’s glory is considered gold, silver, and costly stones. The works that are rewarded are those done to further His Kingdom. The wood, hay and stubble are works done with selfish motives or for our own glory. This passage teaches that the quality of our work is revealed by fire. Whatever survives that fire is rewarded.

The old saying, “making hay while the sun still shines” means to take advantage of every opportunity and not waste time. But I do not want to be building with hay at all or anything else that does not bring glory to Jesus! The goal of any good deed is not that others would see me but would see my Father. (Matt. 5:16)  

Lord, keep me focused on living my life for You.

(Look familiar?  This is a re-post from 2016).


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Humble Pie?

Scripture for Today: James 4:6 “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”

This pie actually looks good! But the word “humble” in the expression “humble pie” actually came from a different word. In the early 1400’s “numble” was the word for chopped organ meat from venison, often baked in a pastry. The “n” was eventually dropped and the “h” added. Numbles were for the huntsmen, his family and his companions whereas the choice deer meat was sold to the upper class. Today, eating “humble pie” means to act apologetically and admit one’s error.

Today’s verse talks about more grace that is given to the humble. As undeserving as we are, those who can come clean with the Lord about their failures experience His favor. But there is something in all of us that bristles at the thought of admitting our errors. Sometimes, the only way it can happen is if we can point to extenuating circumstances! Or we can maybe admit we were wrong if someone can share our chagrin. Eating humble pie is never a very comfortable experience.

As difficult as it is to humble myself, His grace makes it worth it! I would much rather live in His undeserved favor than have Him be opposed to me. But each time I allow pride, stubbornness and determined independence from Him to creep into my day, I am foregoing His desire to bless me. Half the time I do not even realize it is happening as I am so full of myself! How good of Him to bring me to my knees in humility!

Forgive me my pride, Lord. Oh how I need your grace today!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2021)


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Celebrating Independence

Scripture for Today: Psalm 25:17-18 “Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sin.”

How wonderful to put aside differences and nationally celebrate our independence as a country! I love all the parades, picnics and fireworks that mark July 4th. Flags make their appearance on lawns and often neighborhoods will celebrate collectively. It looks as if this little girl is celebrating her independence from parental control! Those toddler years are full of struggle for independence, as any parent in the trenches knows.

Today’s verse shows us the results of independence from our Creator. This is man’s natural inclination, to be autonomous and govern his own life his own way. The problem comes from the anguish, affliction and distress that sinful choices can produce. David so acutely feels the troubles of his heart that he pleads with the Lord to free him. When in our independence we choose our own way rather than His, we risk following a path of destruction, even when it looks oh so right (Prov. 14:12). The Lord never intended man to be independent from Him.

My desire to live without any constraints is normal. I do not like anyone telling me what to do or what behaviors to avoid. But every one of His commandments are meant to give me freedom! (Psalm 119:45) They free me from the heart trouble and the anguish of being separated from the Lover of my soul! Being dependent on Him gives me true freedom to live in the light of His love and favor! But like the stubborn toddler who thinks they know better than the parent, I pull away. How good He is to bring me back to Himself with powerful loving arms!

Thank you Lord, for the freedom that comes with dependence on You!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2021)


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Light as a Feather

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:14 “The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.”

The idiom, “as light as a feather,” has been around for hundreds of years and no one can say with certainty how it originated. Most often it is used in a literal sense to describe something as extremely lightweight. But it can also be a phrase to describe one’s sense of release and joy. Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol describes himself as “light as a feather” after his transformative nightmare.

Today’s verse is part of a psalm of David that praises God for who He is. So many of God’s attributes are mentioned including His grace, compassion, goodness and faithfulness. But perhaps the action God takes towards us in this verse summarizes those attributes. The Lord actively upholds those who fall. He sees and responds to those who are bowed down by lifting them up. The guilt that we feel for our sin can feel like a burden too heavy to bear (Ps. 38:4). It is our own sinfulness that can weigh us down. By contrast, His forgiveness gives a lightness to our souls not found anywhere else.

It is true that when I allow my pride to keep me from admitting my fault, then I end up carrying around the guilt of it. It can feel pretty heavy. But, when I finally get over myself and confess to the Lord all that is wrong in me, He gives me a light heart. Rather than feeling crushed in my spirit, I am lifted up and can begin again.

Thank you Lord, that Your forgiveness can make me lighthearted!


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Remembering….

Scripture for Today: Psalm 111:4 “He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate.”

Photo by Peter Lee https://www.flickr.com/photos/oldpatterns/5784607734/in/photostream/

This week, North Americans remember on Memorial Day those soldiers who have fallen to secure our freedom. We need these special days to remember. Memories fade without them or without a physical memento to remind us. These dog tags hang in the Old North Memorial Garden near the Old North Church in Boston, MA. They commemorate those who have lost their lives in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Today we can identify remains through DNA. Even so, dog tags are still issued. They serve as an important reminder of sacrifice.

And we need important reminders. Today’s verse teaches us one of the many ways the Lord shows us His grace and compassion. He helps us remember. He knows that we are forgetful. We continually need His reminders of the wonders He has done. He brings them to mind at the most opportune time; when we are depressed and our soul is downcast (Ps. 42:6) and when we are on our bed and all is quiet. (Ps. 63:6) We find comfort when we remember His Word. (Ps. 119:52)

My tendency is to forget what I have studied in His Word, what I have seen and experienced of His wonders. Over time, they fade from my heart. (Deut. 4:9) if I am not careful and watch myself closely. It seems to be my default setting. But when I forget, I will need to learn it all over and over again, rather than growing in my faith! I may not have dog tags, but I have His many reminders through His Word and His personal reassurances of His faithfulness in the past!

Thank you Lord, for Your reminders.