Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Devotions


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Two Plants

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Recently, a popular Swedish furniture chain used a clever marketing ploy to promote an anti-bullying campaign.  They conducted a (non-scientific) experiment of two identical plants given the same care over thirty days.  However, one plant was played a pre-recorded loop of negative, bullying comments while the other was played a loop of positive encouraging words.  These messages were recorded by school children and the results were nothing short of amazing!  One plant wilted and the other thrived!  Although the experiment perhaps lacked scientific controls, I can certainly get behind the message!

Today’s verse tells us that what comes out of our mouths matters.  Unwholesome talk is talk that is also rotten and useless.  Not only do these words fail to build someone up, but they have no benefit at all.  However, our words can have tremendous value in helping another to grow and thrive.  Our words have the potential to meet the need we all have for encouragement and affirmation.  Even just one word spoken at the time of greatest need can lift someone up and keep them falling into a pit of depression.

How much does it really cost me to compliment or encourage?  I want my words to be gracious, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones (Prov. 16:24).  I want my words to be like His; kind, compassionate and forgiving (verse 32).  But that cannot happen without a heart that is changed by Him.  For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of (Luke 6:45b).  My words will always reflect what is in my heart!

Lord, change my heart and so change my words!

 


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Meghan Markle’s Purse

Scripture for Today: Luke 12:33 “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in Heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.”

Being the fiancée of Prince Harry, there is a lot of interest in anything Meghan Markle wears or carries.  The purse Meghan carried at their first official royal event following their engagement sold for 675$.  People were so taken with her look that this same purse sold out on the company’s web site in eleven minutes!  But as with any purse, it will eventually show wear and tear or fall out of fashion.  Before long, it will be passed down to someone else or find its way to a thrift shop.

Today’s verse makes reference to a purse that will never wear out.  Jesus uses this image to illustrate our treasure in Heaven.  This treasure is eternal and will never fail or disappoint.  There is no chance of it being stolen or eaten by moths.  Because this is true, we can freely give to the poor from our earthly treasures.  Jesus reminds His disciples that they have already been given the Kingdom of God.  Because He has taken care of our every need, we are not fearful and can be generous in our giving (verse 32).

How I spend my money is a true litmus test of where my heart is and what I value.  I do not want my purse stuffed with what is inconsequential or with what the world says is important.  I want to use my money and influence to grow His Kingdom and please Him.  I already know that I cannot “out-give” the Lord as He provides everything I need.

Lord, may You be the true Treasure of my heart.


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Playing Solitaire

Scripture for Today:  Mark 1:35  “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.”

Among the many pastimes possible when one finds oneself alone is the game, “Solitaire.”  Any tabletop game played alone qualifies.  The term can refer to games played with tiles, pegs, stones or cards.  I am most familiar with the card version.  It is a game of luck and the probability of winning is low.  The British call this game, “Patience,” for good reason!  I admit that I get impatient with the cards and to end the game will rearrange the cards to win!  My reasoning is that there are usually better things to do with my “alone time.”

During the short three years of Christ’s ministry, alone times were rare and precious.  The context of today’s verse describes a time when Jesus was surrounded by people needing healing.  In fact, the whole town gathered at the door of Peter’s home well into the evening.  The next morning, when one would think about sleeping in after such a busy day, Jesus got up early to be alone and to pray.

It is when I am alone and the house is quiet that I am most likely to hear His voice.  When there are no distractions I can open my heart to Him.  Sometimes that time of precious communion has no words but is rather a time of being still.  Other times my prayers are a torrent of worries and questions.  In any case, He meets me where I am and reassures me of His presence.  If Jesus needed alone time with the Father, how much more do I!

Help me Lord, to find that sweet solitary place with You.


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Unique

Scripture fro Today: I Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can bear it.”

Having visited the pottery  factories in Poland has given me a true appreciation for their products.  It was fascinating to see each artist bent over their work, hand painting or stamping their pieces with intense concentration.  Each piece is signed by the artist as well as stamped with the Polish word for “unique.”  It is true that each piece is unique.  But all the pottery went through the same process of being fired in the kiln.

Today’s verse recognizes that each believer faces the same kinds of trials and tests.  The details may vary.  The timing and even the intensity may differ.  But there is a commonality to all of the trials God allows us to face.  They are never intended to weaken us but to strengthen our faith.  In each trial we see God’s hand and His faithfulness.  And we have His promise that it will never be more than we can bear.

What I am facing is never unique.  Somewhere, someone in the world has faced nearly the same thing.  Knowing that helps me to not feel so alone.  Not only can I draw strength from the stories of others, but I can be encouraged knowing what Christ faced.  He experienced every kind of temptation and yet did not sin. (Heb. 4:15)  And because He Himself suffered when tempted, He is there to help (Heb. 2:18)  He Himself is my “way out.”  Depending on His strength and help makes all the difference.

Thank you Lord, that I do not need to do this alone.


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Covering My Cracks

Scripture for Today: Psalm 32:5 “Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And You forgave the guilt of  my sin.”

All is not lost with a cracked bowl.  The hairline crack on this one was deftly hidden by the painted design incorporating it.  An honest pottery merchant would label this piece as a “second” or “third”  because of the defect.  An unscrupulous pottery merchant might fill in the crack with wax, paint over it and try to pass it off as perfect.  The customer would be none the wiser, at least at first.  Eventually, the defect would be apparent.

Today’s verse is a great example of coming clean with the Lord.  King David recognized that some of his physical ailments could be attributed to keeping silent about his sin (verses 3-4).  When he acknowledged and confessed his wrongdoing he experienced God’s forgiveness, not only for his sin but also for his sense of guilt.  David understood that by having a deceitful spirit with God one would be forfeiting His blessing (verse 2).  He ends this psalm in joy and singing having reestablished his relationship with God.

When I am not honest with God, I am like that cracked pottery trying to pass myself off as perfect!  But the healing of those cracks can only come when I come clean with Him.  What keeps me from  humbling myself is my own stubborn pride.  It is much easier to ignore my sin and pretend everything is fine.  But before long, the cracks become apparent and my excuses no longer hold water.  I know He will restore to me that joy of salvation if I own up instead of cover up!

Lord, thank you for the forgiveness You so freely give!