Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Devotions


by Leave a comment

Do Not Follow!

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 12:26 “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”

In following this construction truck I was careful to keep my distance of at least two hundred feet.  Normally, when there is a sign forbidding a behavior, the rebel inside me wants to contest, ignore or disobey!  But because there was an explanation of possible damage with that second sign, I did not follow too closely.  I did not want to risk a broken windshield and so I hung back, regardless of the impatient car behind me!

In today’s verse there is a warning that motivates us to be wise in choosing our friends.  There is an explanation that encourages prudence in who we allow to become close.  A righteous person will take care not to associate with the wicked.  For even a righteous person can be influenced by a friend to participate in evil.  One can feel pressured to compromise morals and standards.  The pull can be subtle or progressive and barely noticed.  Friendship effects and impacts our character sometimes without us even realizing it!  This is why it was so important for the Israelites not to marry foreigners who did not worship the one and true God. They could be easily led away from Him.

I would like to think that my faith is so strong that I would never be influenced to do evil by someone wicked.  But if I were to become close friends with someone who does not have the same goal of living for the Lord, I could be gradually pulled away and faith could weaken.  Close friends have an enormous influence on my thinking.  They can encourage my faith or weaken it!  I want to choose carefully who I follow!

Lord, keep me closest to those close to You!


by Leave a comment

The Inchworm

Scripture for Today: I John 2:21 “I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.”

Do not believe everything you read!  This little inchworm is not a worm, nor is it exactly an inch long!  But the inchworm name is given to thousands of moth species in the Geometridae family when in their caterpillar stage.  The family name comes from the Greek, Geo meaning earth and metron meaning measure.  However, if you used this little guy to measure, your measurements would surely be off!

Today’s verse is clear that one can know what truth is and what truth is not.  That must mean that truth can be measured.  This verse contradicts the prevailing thought that in the spiritual realm, there is no objective truth.  There is “your truth” or there is “my truth” when it comes to spirituality.  The famous question of Pilate to Jesus, “What is truth?” was in response to what Jesus had just said.  “Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” (John 18:38)  Jesus is the standard of truth as He said of Himself, “I am the truth…” (John 14:6)

In a world where truth changes from one decade to another, what a comfort to know and be sure of objective, unchanging and eternal truth!  The truth of His Word is always a faithful measure.  Without it I would be lost!  He is my standard of truth.  He is the one and only measure of truth.  Because of Him I can recognize the lies that can so easily deceive me.  And because of Him being truth I can build my life on a sure and unmovable foundation.

Lord, keep me in Your truth.

 

 


by Leave a comment

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!


by 1 Comment

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!


by Leave a comment

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.