Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: For Foodies


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Mulled Spiced Drinks

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:8 “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” 

Some smells transport me back in time.  This is one of them.  Every outdoor Christmas Market in our area of France sold hot spiced wine or hot spiced apple juice.   The smell of it would waft up and down the rows of stands.  People would wrap their frozen fingers around that mug for warmth.  And for those indulging in the alcohol version, the warmth radiated within as well.  Those spices of allspice, cloves, cinnamon, orange zest, ginger and anise would be mulled for hours, the flavors intermingling.  The result was pure delight!

Today’s verse encourages the believer to think about a list of things that are excellent or praiseworthy.  Just as a variety of spices are mulled and mixed over time, so we too are to reflect, ponder or ruminate over the truth.  Truth is the starting point for all of our thoughts.  And when we start there, we find ourselves thinking of all the rest.  The truth is noble and right.  The truth is pure, lovely and admirable.  The Truth is Jesus Himself (John 14:6).

My thoughts can be all over the place.  So many times, it takes a conscious effort to reign them in and focus on truth.  So many things clamor for my attention.  So many things distract me and often those very things are the opposite of this list!  But there is a wonderful result when I mull over truth.  I will experience the peace of God guarding my heart and mind (verse 7) and the peace of God will be with me (verse 9).

Thank you Lord, that thinking on You is worth the effort.

 


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Well Done?

Scripture for Today: Matthew 25:21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come share your master’s happiness!'”

My biggest fear in baking a turkey is bringing it out underdone and killing all my guests and family!  I have learned from painful experience that just because my turkey is nicely browned does not mean that it is cooked all the way through!  Believing the charts and knowing my oven helps me gauge doneness but the best way to avoid food poisoning is using a meat thermometer.  By the way, that is not my oven.  It has never been that clean!

Today’s verse has nothing to do with cooking or doneness.  These words are from a parable about a master and his servants who were to invest his money for him.  Two of the servants made his money grow and were commended for their work.   They were faithful to obey and do what they were told.  These two servants were rewarded for their faithfulness with more responsibility, an invitation to share in his happiness, and with words of commendation, “well done.”

It is my goal to one day hear those words from my Savior on entering Heaven.  On my own it is impossible.  But He has through His power given me everything I need to live the godly life He requires (II Peter 1:3).  Because of His nature in me, I can be productive and effective for Him (verse 8).  I can be a “good and faithful servant” only because He gives me what I need to live for Him!

Today, I am especially thankful that He has given me faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, affection and love!

Thank you Lord, for giving me Yourself!


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Cornucopia

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 13:15 “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.”

Is there a more fitting symbol of plenty than the cornucopia?  The original idea was to have an abundance of flowers, fruit and corn overflowing from a goat’s horn.  Today, we are happy with just a basket in the shape of a horn!  According to legend, the origin of the “horn of plenty” is said to be Greek mythology.  But now, it is associated with Thanksgiving and an abundant harvest.

In today’s verse the “fruit” is flowing out of lips that openly profess the name of Jesus.  As believers who bear His name, we are to continually praise God for all He has done for us.  Our praise and thankfulness characterizes our lives.  And it is only through Jesus that we worship God with our praise.  He gives us the ability to see, understand, and appreciate His working in our lives.  But sometimes, to thank Him is a sacrifice.  Professing His name and living a godly life means there will be suffering for doing what is right (II Tim. 3:12).  It is fairly easy to thank Him when all is well.  It takes more faith to praise when going through hard times.

When I can thank God in the middle of difficult heart-wrenching times, I know I bring Him pleasure.  Not only does it please Him, but thanking Him changes my perspective and strengthens my faith!  I want my heart to be grateful so I can recognize His control and His goodness to me.  I want to see beyond my problems to all that He has done for me!  He has proved His faithfulness over and over!

Lord, may my lips continually praise You.

 

 


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Coconut Oil

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 1:9  “You have loved righteousness and You have hated lawlessness.  Therefore God, even Your God has anointed You with the oil of exultant joy and gladness above and beyond Your companions.”

When I smell coconut oil, it transports me back to younger days at the beach!  I associate the smell with a tropical vacation and in fact, one of its claims is that it reduces stress.  Coconut oil is called, “the wonder oil.”  I can understand calling it that if even half its claims are true.  Coconut oil is purported to be good for skin and hair.  It is supposed to improve digestion and increase immunity.  They say it speeds up healing, keeps organs healthy and boosts heart health.  I have no idea how much of this is actually true.  I just know I like the smell and taste!

Today’s verse refers to Jesus Christ.  In fact the name, “Christ” in Greek means, “anointed one.”  God set apart and anointed Jesus in giving Him a position that is above any other.  He not only is worthy of this distinction, but this anointing oil comes with joy and gladness.  Despite awful betrayal and death, Jesus experienced exultant joy and gladness.

I, too, am anointed with oil!  Psalm 23:5 says that the Lord does this for His own.  I am set apart for Him.  The oil also represents His Holy Spirit, who testifies with my spirit that I belong to Him (Romans 8:16).  This oil is surely the “wonder oil!”  His Holy Spirt is the Source of joy in my life as part of His fruit (Gal. 5:22).  And like Christ, I can experience joy and gladness despite my circumstances.  His joy is deep down in my heart where nothing can touch it!

Lord, I want to feel that joy today!


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Portion Control

Scripture for Today:  Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Apparently, Americans are not the only ones who struggle with portion control!  The Polish cuisine is a hearty one as this Zapiekanka sandwich demonstrates, unless of course it serves several.  This baguette-style sandwich is considered Polish fast food and rivals most of our large sandwiches.  I was taught growing up to finish everything on my plate.  But the problem is that today, that plate groans with the weight of portions that have grown bigger and bigger, and the control has to come from me!

In today’s verse, there is no need to think about portion control!  Those that hunger and thirst for righteousness will be full and satisfied.  With His righteousness we do not pine for something more.  There is no feeling of missing out on something better.  A righteous life is the best kind of life.  Doing the right thing, following His way, and experiencing right standing with our Creator gives a sense of well-being that is complete.  No other kind of life can be quite as full or satisfying!

My problem is that I hunger and thirst for other things, good things, that give only temporary satisfaction.  But of course, I hunger and thirst again.  However, I do not want my life to be characterized by wanting.  I desperately want to experience that contentment and satisfaction He offers.  If I make the Lord the object of my longing, He will satisfy me.  He has promised life to the full (John 10:10).  This “blessedness” means that I can overflow with hope (Rom. 15:13) and with joy (II Cor. 8:2).  I want to be able to say with the Psalmist, “my cup overflows!” (Psalm 23:5)

Fill me up with You, Lord.