Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Devotions


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Groundhog Day

Scripture for Today:  Colossians 2:17  “These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality however is found in Christ.”

As of yesterday, Groundhog day has come and gone for this year.  Every second of February, this furry little rodent becomes an “animal meteorologist.”  The Pennsylvania Dutch superstition says that when he emerges from his burrow and sees its shadow, winter will continue for six more weeks.  But spring is supposed to be early if the groundhog does not see his shadow.

The shadows spoken of in today’s verse represent all the rules and regulations that are merely human commands and teachings (verse 22).  As a shadow approaches, the reality is not far behind.  And the reality is Jesus Christ.  Rules and regulations are no shortcut to wisdom, spirituality or self restraint (verse 23).  These are found in relationship to Him.  How sad to know there are those who prefer the shadows.  Rather than recognizing the reality of salvation in Christ, some would rather live with religious regulations and traditions.  And like shadows, there is only empty coldness.  One cannot love and serve a shadow.

So many try the shadows not realizing they have missed the Essence.  This is especially true for those who have grown up in the Church and think they have tried Christianity.  The fact is that religious do’s and dont’s are not the same as a personal relationship with Christ!  One can confuse shadow with reality.

Rather than chasing after shadows, I want the reality of Christ in me.  I do not want to confuse the two.  I do not want to be content with just the customs and traditions of religion.  I want relationship.  It amazes me that Christ wants a relationship with me as well!  The shadows have had their day.

Thank you Lord, that relationship with You is the reality!


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Merry Christmas!

Scripture for Today: Matthew 28:20b “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

“If you look for Me at Christmas, you won’t need a special star; I’m no longer just in Bethlehem, I’m right there where you are.” (author unknown)

 

MAY HIS PRESENCE BE YOUR GREATEST GIFT!                                MERRY CHRISTMAS!


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Zip Codes

Scripture for Today:  II Corinthians 5:8  “We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.”

Did you know there are 43,000 zip codes?  They first made their appearance in 1963.  This 1973 stamp features their growing importance.  The 5 digit code was improved upon in 1983 with the addition of 4 more digits.  But it was met with such resistance that it is not required.  Some zip codes are more well known like the Beverly Hills 90210 zip code featured in a television series.  ZIP is actually an acronym meaning, “Zone Improvement Plan.”

Today’s verse expresses Paul’s preference for another “zone,” one that will be a huge improvement!  There is no zone on earth that can compare to what awaits us in our forever home!  What God has prepared for those who love Him defies the imagination! (I Cor. 2:9)  And for Paul, looking forward to being at home with the Lord gave him courage to face persecution, imprisonments and rejection.  This world is never really “home” for the believer.  We are “at home” when we are in His presence.  There will be a “settledness” at home with Him.

There is a saying that one can be too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good.  I totally disagree!  The more I have this eternal perspective, the more fully I live this life with intention and significance!  I never want to feel too “settled” here.  True “home” remains in my future.  It is so incredible that it is worth thinking about and anticipating!  And like Paul, the thought of my forever home gives me hope and courage when life gets difficult.  The hope of my heavenly home inspires and motivates me to live this life for Him.

Thank you Lord, that being with You is being at home.

 


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The Elf Owl

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 14:2  “The Lord looks down from heaven on humankind to see if there are any who are wise, who seek after God.”

I was drawn to the Elf Owl thinking its name had something to do with Christmas.  But of course, the name has to do with its tiny size.  It is the smallest owl in the world, no bigger than a sparrow.  Many people in seeing it mistaken this owl as just a young one.   And because of his size he only eats small insects.  He is not an aggressive bird and will fly away rather than stay and fight.  Perhaps that has something to do with his size as well.  The Elf Owl will play dead when captured until the danger is passed.  This owl’s reputation as being wise is certainly seen in his behavior!

Today’s verse equates seeking after God with wisdom.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10)  Those who are actively seeking the God of the Bible are showing that wisdom.  Wisdom is seeing just how tiny we are when compared to His grandeur!  Like the owl, our reputation of being wise is seen in our behavior.  And wisdom can be evaluated by our righteous and godly living.  In contrast, Psalm 14:1 describes the fool as the one who says in his heart that there is no God.

The more I seek Him the more I am showing wisdom.  Seeking after God is always rewarded as He wants me to find Him.  He has promised that those who earnestly seek Him will find Him (Hebrews 11:6).  It is worth the effort as He is the One who not only created me but loves me and has only the best in mind for me!

Lord, may I never stop seeking after You.


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Sticking My Neck Out

Scripture for Today: Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.”

It is obvious how this Eastern Snake-Necked turtle got its name.  The neck on this common Australian turtle can be as long as his body!  When it feels threatened it can emit a strong musky liquid from the armpits and groin area.  Of course, its best protection is his shell.  But for this species, to fit that long neck into his carapace he has to bend his head sideways and make it go in sideways.  Retreating into his shell may take some extra maneuvering but worth the protection it gives.

Today’s verse talks about the Lord being our refuge in times of trouble.  He is good and He cares when we have stuck our necks out too far!  The refuge He offers is His presence and is always available.  There is no situation that is too difficult for Him regardless of how vulnerable and exposed we feel.  By hiding in Him we can wait out whatever is making us feel threatened.  He is our refuge, our fortress and our hiding place.  In His loving and protecting presence we can patiently wait out any pressure, stress or assault.  It is God who gives perseverance and encouragement (Rom.15:5).

I do not know what tomorrow may bring.  But I do know that He is already there and He will give me what I need to persevere.  At the first sign of trouble, He wants me to hide myself in Him.  He cares for me because I trust in Him.  He responds to my trust by being exactly what I need when the hard times come.  What a comfort that He is good and ready to hide me!

Thank you Lord, that You care.