Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Devotions


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The Kiln

Scripture for Today: I Peter 4:12 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you…”

I learned so much going through a pottery factory in Poland.  The kiln fascinated me.  In it the clay becomes strong and durable and ready for use.  The first firing is set for about 1400 degrees and there are hotter ones that follow!  These firings harden the clay into a pink bisque, readying it for the paint and decoration.  We, as clay, are not only getting stronger with heat but more beautiful too!  It is in enduring these kiln experiences that we become vessels the Potter can use for His glory.

For some, the heat seems to be more intense.  For others, the time spent in the kiln seems longer.  For still others, the kiln experiences seem to be more frequent.  The Potter deals differently with each of us.  However, NO believer is exempt from pain and suffering on this earth.  But as believers we can be sure that the Lord uses our pain.  It is not wasted.

As we ended our pottery factory tour I saw a large dumpster full of broken pieces of bisque.  This pottery did not survive the firing process.  I asked our guide if they were to be thrown out.  “Oh no,” she answered.  “They are all melted down and used again!”  What wonderful hope we have that the Lord in His GRACE picks up those broken pieces and continues His work in us!!

I am thankful that flawed as I am, I am never beyond hope!  The past and its mistakes never mean that the Potter cannot use me!

Thank you Lord, that You transform even my failures into something to use for Your glory.


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Paragliding

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 46:4 “Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

How thrilling it must be to experience paragliding!  It amazes me to see these giant colorful “birds” floating effortlessly above.  They can reach incredible heights and cover long distances using the air currents and shifting their body weight.  The pilot will often use a variometer to find and stay in the core of a thermal.  It helps him realize when he is in sinking air and when he needs to find rising air.

Today’s verse is such a reassuring promise of the Lord’s sustaining power.  As my Creator He carries me at just the right moments.  He knows when I am losing altitude and lifts me up to where I need to be.  This sustaining power carries me right into my old age, allowing me to live life elevated!

How comforting to know that God rescues me when I am starting to fall.  But I can avoid that sinking feeling altogether with my own “variometer;” God’s Word.  His Word lets me know where those thermal air currents are.  His Word lets me know when I am losing my cruising altitude.  It is in following His instructions for life that I can stay aloft.  Without understanding and following His way, I risk slowing down and even falling.  But oh the benefits of obeying!  Life is less complicated.

There is nothing so reassuring as being carried in His strong arms.  I can relax knowing that He has my back!  I can even enjoy the ride and those beautiful vistas.

Thank you Lord, for carrying me today!

 


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Termites!

Scripture for Today: Matthew 19:5 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”

The termite can wreak havoc in Southern California as they feast on the wood of our homes.  They seem secretive and destructive.  There are three kinds; workers, soldiers and reproductive termites.  Only the reproductive ones are able to fly.  Both the young kings and queens will fly from their home in a large swarm as they search for a mate.  Each royal pair will emerge from the swarm together and establish their new home, breaking off their wings as they settle down!

Today’s verse is the answer Jesus gave to the Pharisees seeking to trap Him with questions on marriage.  He quotes what God established in the beginning in Genesis 2:24.  The step of marriage is to be binding.  The commitment it requires is much like those termites breaking off their wings.  The original and best plan for marriage is that it be exclusive and permanent.  One new flesh is created from two.  Tearing apart the two can cause excruciating pain.  The Lord in His love and compassion gives us the best plan to avoid that kind of pain.

God’s plan for marriage can seem restrictive.  But to give love the best chance to flower and last is within that safe place of total commitment.  We endure whatever pain or inconvenience there may be by “tearing off our wings.”  It shows that we are serious to stay together.  The world says that one is somehow missing out.  But I know differently.  It is through many years of ups and downs, trials and joys that my love for my husband grows.

Thank you Lord, for giving me the strength and power to tear off my wings and stay.


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Saint Patrick’s Day

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 11:28 “Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”

Today everyone wants to be Irish!  There are parades and celebrations everywhere this week marking Saint Patrick’s Day.  This patron saint of Ireland is often depicted holding a green shamrock.  It is said that he used it as a visual aid to teach on the Trinity.  But since the holiday has moved away from any religious associations, the green shamrock is now touted to be good luck and the day sees many of us wearing green.

Our verse for today gives us another reflection when thinking of the color green.  Green is the color for growth and health.  Those who thrive with the color green are those who make the Lord the focus of their trust.  It is not the green of money that is the object of our confidence.  We are not green and healthy because we have a healthy bank account balance.  We thrive and grow when we lean and rely on the Lord Himself.

When I look to my own resources, my color turns to a sickly brown.  No other resource in life can sustain me and hold me up as the Lord can out of the riches of His mercy.  Because of the unlimited blessings He gives, I will not fall.  He never disappoints, taking care of all my needs.  He promises that even in old age, I can stay fresh and green when I proclaim to others that the Lord is my upright and righteous Rock! (Psalm 92:14).

I just may wear green today, but with this verse in mind.  Thank you Lord, for keeping me fresh, green and thriving because of Your riches!


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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!