Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Devotions


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Kisses

Scripture for Today: I Peter 1:22 “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have a sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.”

I am not sure if these seals are kissing or just checking each other’s breath!  Maybe they are siblings making up after a squabble.  Perhaps they are long lost friends experiencing a sweet reunion.  I hate to think of it as just an easily explained animal behavior.  Rather than believing it an instinctive act, I prefer to see it as a sweet moment of greeting.  After living in France for nearly three decades I grew accustomed to kissing cheeks as a form of greeting.  I grew so used to it that often it could become meaningless and routine.

Today’s verse talks about love being sincere.  It is described as a love that comes deeply, from the heart.  It is more than showy grandstanding or flowery speech.  It is more than a warm greeting.  A sincere love will not be just, “with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (I John 3:18)  A sincere deep love is unselfish and without hypocrisy.  There is no thought of recompense or some hidden agenda.

There is a progression in experiencing this kind of love.  It can only begin with a pure heart.  And a pure heart begins with obeying the truth.  It is a relief to know that I do not have to manufacture this lofty love on my own.  It is a natural outgrowth of the Lord working in me.  Obedience to His way will keep my heart pure, unsullied and able to love.  When I am having trouble loving someone, the best remedy is to run to Him for cleansing!

Lord, today make my heart pure and able to love.


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Teflon

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 19:11 “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”

It has been years since we have cooked with teflon-coated pans in our home.  With the controversy over the PFOA used in its production, and the release of toxins at high heat, we thought it better to stick with the cast iron.  And stick we do!  I have to say I miss the ease of clean-up with non-stick coatings.  But as long as there is a question about risk to health, I would rather be safe than sorry.  A few extra minutes at the sink seems a small price to pay.

Today’s verse talks about overlooking an offense.  Those insults and innuendos do not have to stick.  The one who lets that verbal jibe slide is the one who is taking the high road.  The intended insult and humiliation does not stick when there is no response or biting reply.  That offense may have been unintended.  Sometimes, the offense is only a perceived one.  In any case, what was nasty or negative can actually work in one’s favor when responded to with wisdom and patience.

I wish I were coated with teflon!  I wish those hurts would slide right off my back.  Too often, I remember every word of a past insult.  How unlike the Lord!  Jesus did not take offense and quit when He was insulted, spit upon and mocked.  He went all the way to the cross and was glorified by the Father.  Any offense I face from others is so very small in comparison.  He wants me to overlook it with grace and forgiveness.  In doing so I am well viewed by others, but more importantly, He is glorified!

Lord, make me wise and patient enough to let it go.


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Oil Tasting

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 1:9 “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”

There are so many varieties of flavored-infused olive oils to choose from that stores will sometimes offer a “tasting bar.”  The salesman was adept at explaining the different pairings and recipes possible, so much so that I walked away with an expensive bottle of rosemary flavored oil.  I am supposed to feel good about olive oil as it is better for good health than some others.  But oil is still fat and I hesitate to feel too enthusiastic about it!

Today’s verse mentions an oil of joy and is speaking of Christ which means, “the anointed One.”  Jesus is set apart as holy and righteous, superior to the angels or any other created being.  There is joy in this righteous relationship Christ shares with the Father.  There is joy despite the fact that Jesus was called a “Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” (Is. 53:3)  It was for the joy set before Him that He endured the cross (Heb. 12:2).  It is this same joy that we can experience even when going through trial and difficulty (James 1:2).

Just as oil was used in biblical times to consecrate and set apart a person, so this “oil of joy” does for me today.  Living with joy when nothing is going according to plan sets me apart and makes me different!  Joy in spite of grave health problems, uncertain finances or dashed dreams is not the norm.  But His Spirit’s fruit includes a joy that I can set before me as I endure whatever life may throw at me!

Lord, may the oil of joy overflow my heart regardless of what today may bring.


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Shutters

Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:5 “You have enclosed me behind and before, And You have placed Your hand upon me.”

I loved living with shutters in both Germany and France.  They completely blocked out noise and light, making it easy to sleep in!  When a storm came through, it was great to protect the newly washed windows from rain splatters.  During a hot spell, closed shutters kept the house cooler.  And for security reasons shutters were especially helpful.  In fact, some insurance plans would refuse to cover for theft if the shutters were open!  But the best thing about shutters was the sense of privacy they afforded.  I often felt a sense of peace with those shutters closing out the world.

Today’s verse describes just how well God’s Spirit knows me.  He knows when I am sitting, standing, when I go out and when I return.  He knows me so well that He knows what I am going to say before I say it.  Rather than this being an uncomfortable thought, it is a truth that is wonderful.  His thoughts to me are too numerous to count and they are precious (verse 17).  He lays His hand on me in a loving and protective gesture.  Like those shutters, He encloses and surrounds me with His presence and His love.

The world often needs to be blocked out.  Being enclosed in the Lord’s presence is only possible when I retreat from all the noise and activity around me.  To be still and listen to His voice often means turning off all the other clamoring distractions.  It is shutting the door to the room or closet to pray in private (Matt. 6:6).  When I make that effort, He is there, ready to meet me.

Lord, help me to shut out the world today and enjoy Your presence.

 


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Like, Follow and Share

Like-Follow-Plus-ShareScripture 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!