Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Love


by Leave a comment

A Christmas Carol

Scripture for Today: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” 

This particular version of the classic tale by Charles Dickens was filmed in 1938 and stars Reginald Owen as the unloveable Scrooge.  It was the first major adaptation of a Dicken’s novel and it took some liberties with the story, having each Christmas spirit appear in one night rather than in three.  But the message of Christmas being a time to give liberally to others finally gets through to the stingy Scrooge.  He begins to care.  He begins to love.  And so he begins to give.

Today’s often-quoted and beloved verse explains the reason for God offering His Son.  He gives because He loves.  He loves all of mankind, regardless of race, religion or culture.  The offer of His Son was to give us a way to spend all eternity with Him.  It was His love that motivated such a sacrifice of His one and only Son.  And it is only through faith in His sacrifice for sin that eternal life can be ours.

The birth of Christ was a gift for everyone because our need for a Savior is universal.  We all need Him.  No one is exempt from their need of a Savior to forgive and give life. One day I invited Him to be mine and it was the best and most important decision I have ever made!  And because He loved me first, I can love Him in return.  One of the best ways I can love Him is by showing His love to others.  He loves so He gives.  I want my love for others to show itself in selfless giving.  Not only at Christmas but everyday!

Thank you Lord, that You gave.

 


by Leave a comment

White Christmas Movie

Scripture for Today: John 15:15 “I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

This 1954 musical with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye is a feel-good movie about friendship.  The plot begins with Danny’s character, Phil, saving the life of Bing’s character, Bob during World War II.  This begins a long friendship of performing together.  After throwing in some love interests and lots of miscommunications, they help out their former commanding officer who owns a lodge but has no clients as there is no snow.  Their performance brings them in and of course, the story ends with snow falling.

Today’s verse is surprising!  Jesus is calling His disciples friends rather than servants.  His relationship with them is closer than a master/servant one.  There is closeness because there is meaningful communication.  Jesus shares His heart, His plans and all that He knows from God the Father.  But even though they are friends, there are still commands to be obeyed (verse 14).  And the greatest love possible is when one lays down their life for a friend (verse 13).

To be friends with Jesus is an amazing thought!  But what a unique friendship it is.  There is no other like it.  First of all, I obey Him.  I show my love for Him by acknowledging HIs authority.  My life is lived for this friend!  And He reveals to me what He has planned in His Word.  Jesus is that friend that “sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24).  He  will never leave me or forsake me (Deut. 31:8).  No other friend can promise that!  And this friend has laid down His life for me!

Thank you Lord, for Your incredible friendship!

 


by Leave a comment

FastPass to Santa

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

There is nothing worse for a mom of young children than standing in a long line to see Santa!  What starts out with happy anticipation quickly turns into whining and complaining.  Feet hurt, tummies rumble and the need for a  bathroom trip is desperately trying to be ignored!  Thankfully with the FastPass, made with a simple on-line appointment, one can sail past all those waiting to the head of the line!

There is a throne that we can approach any time.  Today’s verse describes our access to the throne of Heaven.  It can be approached with confidence for those that belong to Him.  There is never any waiting as He is always available.  His ears are attentive to our cries (Ps. 34:15).  His throne is a throne of grace, ready to give us what we do not deserve.  And His mercy and grace are given at exactly the right time when we most need it!  He will never turn us away or redirect us to the end of the line!

How amazing that He is the God of the universe and yet so approachable!  I am so glad He does not wait until I am worthy before I approach, or I could never be near Him.  He responds my cries for help.  He understands when I feel like giving up.  When all I want to do is cry in His presence, He understands that too.  He empathizes with everything I feel because He experienced weakness as well (verse 15).  And He responds with amazing grace and mercy!  What a wonderful God we serve!

Thank you Lord, for allowing me in Your presence anytime, anywhere!

 


by Leave a comment

Christmas Preparations

Scripture for Today: Luke 2:7 “And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

We are in the midst of preparing for Christmas.  The tree is up, the house is decorated, and the presents are for the most part wrapped and tagged.  I enjoy making Christmas goodies for the neighbors and that remains to be done.  There are still the menus to decide on and some major cleaning projects nagging at me.  The news reported that Americans on average spend 38 hours preparing for Christmas! And I always tell myself that this year, I will simplify and take things a bit slower.

Today’s verse describes the humble scene of Christ’s birth.  Because of the ordered census, the inns were filled with travelers and there was no room available.  The King of Kings made His entrance into this world in a stable-like setting.  I sometimes wonder about that inn keeper.  Did he later realize who it was that he turned away?

Today, there continues to be no room for Jesus.  He does not force entry into one’s heart.  He knocks at the door of our lives (Rev. 3:20) and awaits our response.  His desire is to take up residence and begin a life-long close relationship.  What a missed opportunity for those who turn Him away!  But amid all the preparations for Christmas, am I making room for Jesus?  Somehow, the very reason for Christmas can be crowded out with all my distractions and frenzied activity.  I want my heart to be wide open to Him.  I want His presence to fill up every nook and cranny.

“O come to my heart, Lord Jesus.  There is room in my heart for Thee.”

 

 

 


by Leave a comment

Helium Shortage

Scripture for Today: Psalm 21:6 “Surely You have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of Your presence.”

It had never occurred to me that there could be a helium shortage.  However, it cannot be manufactured and there is a limited supply underground.  Five years ago a tank costs 25 dollars.  Today the price tag reads closer to 300 dollars!  The concern of party balloon companies is understandable.  But the implications for the medical field are very troublesome as it is used for MRI’s as well as for research in chemistry and biology.

Today’s verse mentions something that will never run out.  There will never be a shortage of God’s blessings.  They are unending and eternal.  King David, talking about himself in the third person, lists some of the blessings he sees as coming from the Lord: victories, the desire of his heart, a crown, length of days, splendor and majesty.  What a king could understandably take credit for, King David attributes to God.  But it is not only these God-given blessings that make David glad, but more importantly the joy of God’s presence!  He knows and trusts in God’s unfailing love for him (verse 7).

How giving and generous the Lord is!  He liberally gives and gives and sometimes I am not even aware that HE is the Source!  Because of His great love for me, His blessings are unending, continuing on into eternity.  His flow of blessings may not be material.  They may not even be what I think I should have.  But they are always more than I deserve!!  But what surpasses every blessing is the joy of His presence!  Feeling HIs faithful love and presence, especially in the difficult times, is the deepest and most meaningful blessing!

Today may I “praise God from whom all blessings flow!”