Devotions | Devotions By Jan

November 2, 2015
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Like, Follow and Share

Scripture for Today: Psalm 96:3 “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.”

We place quite an importance on three simple words in social media; “like,” “follow,” and “share.” Whether it be Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin, we look for the feedback of our readers on different social media platforms. There is a definite progression from simply liking an entry, to becoming a regular follower, to then sharing and promoting the content to others. Sharing with others seems to involve more effort. In fact, analysts have found that sharing is a whole lot less popular that liking. They found that sharing feels more like work while liking seems more like play!

I could not help but see the spiritual parallels! Today’s verse is about moving to that last step of “share.” Of course, for the believer the word “like” is much too watered down for what is felt for the Lord. To really know Him is to love Him with all one’s heart, soul, mind and strength! And a love like that wants to follow Him in the “paths of righteousness” He sets before us. But getting to that third step of sharing with others is sometimes the most difficult. We are to declare to the nations His glory and tell others of all the wonderful things He has done for us! We are even to proclaim the salvation He has given us “day after day!” (verse 3)

What the Lord has done for me is too good not to share! He has shown His grace and faithfulness to me time after time. The way He has met my needs over the years is nothing short of amazing. The way He has led me is nothing I could have ever scripted for myself!

Lord, give me the opportunity to share You today!

October 16, 2015
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Thin Ice

Scripture for Today: Psalm 89:2 “I will declare that Your love stands firm forever, that You have established Your faithfulness in Heaven itself.”

This kitty is trying to walk on thin ice. I have yet to meet a cat who enjoys getting wet. This one is walking oh so gingerly to avoid falling through the ice and getting an unintended freezing bath! So many factors are against him. The ice could be thinner in spots or the air temperature could change. A sideways slip could move him off the ice and into the surrounding cold water. How much more reassuring to walk and stand on firm ground!

Today’s verse is about standing on something that is firm forever. There is no chance of it failing to take our weight. It will hold us up when every other kind of love lets us down. There are no outside factors or circumstances that will change it. God’s love is completely dependable and faithful. When God establishes something, nothing under Heaven can change it as His decrees are firm (Psalm 19:9).

He has not only declared that He loves me but He has proved it with the ultimate sacrifice; His death on the cross. What other evidence do I need? And yet, there are times when I do doubt it. Knowing my dark heart I wonder how He could possibly love me. It is a true miracle that He does. Thankfully, He does not love me because I am lovable. If that were the case, it would be thin ice indeed! It is out of His grace that He has committed Himself to love me and not because I deserve it.

“O, the wonder of it all….just to think that God loves me!” Help me to stand firmly in Your love today.

October 2, 2015
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Not Feeling It

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 3:3 “You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?

My poor husband recently had a rotten tooth extracted and with the local anesthetic, he felt and looked much like this pug! But the upside is that there was no pain during the procedure. He did not feel a thing!

Feeling physical pain is sometimes easier than dealing with strong feelings and emotions. Over the years I have often heard it said that, “feelings are neither good or bad.” They are somehow neutral and natural. It is what we do with them that can result in something negative or positive. Feelings and emotions drive us to do so many wonderful or horrible things.

Today’s verse seems to support the idea that our feelings are normal and natural. When we feel jealousy, we are following our normal human inclination. However, some feelings, though understandable, are absolutely wrong in God’s sight. Jealousy is one. Our God is a jealous God but we are never given that right. Hate is another. The hate does not even have to lead to action to be wrong (Matt. 5:21). When one lusts for someone other than a spouse, it is as wrong as the actual act of adultery (Matt. 5:27-28). Feelings matter.

Of course not all feelings are wrong. But just because it feels normal does not mean that the Lord approves. My heart is deceitful and ready to excuse every feeling for whatever reason (Jer. 17:9). My heart is all about those feelings that motivate and shape my life. Controlling them, dealing with them and sometimes confessing them is only possible through His Spirit!

Lord, help me evaluate my feelings in the light of Your Word.

September 23, 2015
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Misnomer

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 13:4-5 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

In Southern California we are a bit mixed up. The seasons are not so readily identifiable. Our weather is so warm and summer-like that we continue to enjoy the summer fruits, including watermelon, even in the early days of autumn. But the display of pumpkins is a reminder of what the calendar says. However, calling pumpkins, “watermelons,” is a good example of a misnomer. They may both be round and heavy but there the resemblance ends. It is obviously the wrong label.

There are a million misnomers in our world but one that stands out is the use of the word, “love.” We name many different emotions as love when they are not. The description in today’s verse makes that obvious. It might look like love. It might feel like love, but many times it falls short of what true love is all about. Of course, there are different kinds of love, whether they be brotherly or romantic. But whatever we name “love” needs to resemble the qualities listed in I Corinthians 13. This passage goes on to list many others, including the very important aspect of love never failing.

It is easy to be swayed into thinking that love means good feelings. It is such a lovely experience when it does. But the essence of love involves a committed decision to faithfully seek the best for the other person. For me, that decision takes work and determination. Oh, but the benefits are worth it!

Thank you Lord, for showing me how to love and giving me the power to do it!

September 14, 2015
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Maverick

Scripture for Today: Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

This horse seems to have a mind of his own! Without a rider or other horses nearby, he walks alone. Perhaps he is a maverick who enjoys his independence. The meaning of the word, “maverick,” has changed from its original meaning of being an unbranded animal separated from the herd. Now the word has come to mean a person who is unconventional and an independent thinker. Depending on the context, a maverick can denote something negative or positive.

Today’s verse encourages the believer to resist conforming to the world’s way of thinking. Rather than following the latest ideas or fads, the Christ-follower is to think differently. His goal is to find and follow what God wants. It is always something good, pleasing and perfect. With a mind renewed by God’s Word, we can evaluate and test our thinking to know when we are following what He wants. His plans are perfect. He wants only what is good for us. And as our Creator, He knows better than anyone else what will in the long run be pleasing.

I am sometimes confused as to what God wants in a particular situation. I know that trusting my own desires and emotions can be deceiving. Sometimes the Lord gives me exactly what I want, but not until I submit all of it to Him first! Being a “living sacrifice” is all about that submission (verse 1). But what I find is that His plan is a whole lot better than mine!

Lord, change my thinking to want only what You want.