Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Love


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Memorial Day

Scripture for Today: I John 4:10 “This is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

Today on Memorial Day, North Americans remember those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.  We commemorate the war dead with special ceremonies, parades, speeches, and graveyard visits.  Some consider the origins of this day as coming from “Decoration Day.”  After the Civil War, graves were decorated with flowers, although this had been the practice of women for centuries.  It is good to remember how costly freedom is and to honor those who paid for it with their lives.

Those who gave their lives for freedom did it out of a love for their country.  Today’s verse speaks of another sacrifice also motivated by love.  There is no greater love than this; than to lay down one’s life for another (John 15:13) and that is what the Lord did for us.  And it was also a sacrifice made for the sake of freedom.  Christ died to free us from the power of sin.  The believer is no longer mastered by sin but is able through God’s Spirit to live differently.

We remember this sacrifice not only on Good Friday and when taking communion, but hopefully everyday.  Though sometimes I forget how costly His sacrifice was.  It was not only physical pain for Jesus but the incredible pain of separation from the Father.  It was the first time in all of eternity that God turned away from His Son.  And it was because of my sin.  Jesus endured that separation from God so I would not have to.  “What wondrous love is this?”  Every time I think on it I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

Oh Lord, I want to remember every day.


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Flip Flops

flip flopIMG_20160519_085943Scripture for Today: Numbers 23:19 “God is not human, that He should lie, not a human being that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?”

I would never have thought to use flip flops as a table centerpiece!  Thankfully, the flip flops were new and not used!  Living in this beach culture, I see this footwear in most any social setting imaginable.  Our local mall has a store exclusively dedicated to flip flops.  But the name of this footwear also calls to mind the idea of changing one’s mind or position.  In this presidential election year, flip flopping seems to be common on both sides of the political aisle!

Today’s verse reassures us that God will not flip flop.  He is not like us but always says what He means.  He never says He will do something and not come through.  When He speaks, He acts.  When He makes a promise, it will happen.  He can back His word with the power to do it.  Being all knowing, God would never say that He was unaware of the extenuating or changing circumstances.  No matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ (II Cor. 1:20a).

Living in a world of broken promises, it is sometimes hard for me to really take the Lord at His word.  Too many times it is easier to doubt than to believe that He means what He says.  He says He loves me.  He says He will care for me and cause all things to work for good.  He does not disappoint.  I cannot think of even one time that He has proved Himself unfaithful.  Yet, I still hesitate to live like I really believe it!

Give me grace Lord, to trust You more.


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Vintage Clothing

Scripture for Today: Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

I am and have long been inexplicably drawn to thrift stores.  Long before it became popular, I was there.  The best places are the ones with no special sorting.  That way, one is more likely to find some unrecognized treasure.  But many of them do have a special rack labelled, “Vintage.”  I am not sure what qualifies for this category.  To me, the term usually just means outdated.  What is especially annoying is to find something hanging there that is suspiciously like what is currently hanging in my closet!

Toady’s verse talks about some spiritual clothing that is never vintage and never outdated.  We are to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Each of these clothing pieces have to do with how we treat others.  And each of these beautiful qualities are expressions of the Spirit residing in the believer.  They are not clothing for special occasions but are to characterize our every-day look.  Wearing these clothes sets us apart from others as belonging to the Lord.

Knowing that I am “dearly loved” by the Lord makes all the difference in how I dress.  I do not have anything to prove to myself or others.  I am secure and held up by His love, making it possible to take the humble position with people.  I can forget about myself and focus on the needs of others when I really understand and live out that love.  Because He loves me, I have something to share. None of these qualities come from me, but from His love for me!

Thank you Lord, for changing my clothes to reflect Your love.


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License Renewal

Scripture for Today: Acts 11:23 “When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.”

I recently had the frustrating experience of renewing my driver’s license.  After 10 years of automatic extensions, it was time.  I was unhappy to give up my old picture.  It was always fun to get that extra scrutiny, as I had changed so much.  I scheduled an appointment for early in the morning to avoid waiting in long lines.  My husband, however, just showed up when it opened without an appointment.  You can guess who got out of there first!  But we both had a nice surprise at the window.  We did not have to take the written test!  We were given grace!

Today’s verse describes another instance of grace.  Barnabus was sent to Antioch where Greeks were hearing the Gospel and turning to the Lord in large numbers.  Up until this point, salvation was seen mainly among the Jews.  Barnabus saw first hand what was to become the first largely Gentile church and he was glad to see that, “the Lord’s hand was with them.”  He discovered what the grace of God had done.

Grace is my favorite subject in God’s Word.  There is evidence of grace in every individual who turns their heart to Christ.  Grace is His hand of favor on my life and it is totally unmerited.  God shows grace only because He decides to and because His love moves Him.  He continuously pours out His grace on my life in every promise, in every answered prayer, in every gift from His Spirit.  His grace covers my stupid mistakes.  I don’t deserve it, but isn’t that the point?

Lord, where would I be without Your grace?

 


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The Nightingale

Scripture for Today: Psalm 42:8 “By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me – a prayer to the God of my life.”

The nightingale is not much to look at being a plain and uninteresting brown.  He is shy and likes to hide in dense thickets and bushes.  But he has been the subject of songs, fairy tales, operas, books and poetry over the centuries.  His song is exceptional for its variety, range and power.  While the female is strangely quiet, the male regales his listeners with whistles, trills and gurgles.  Although he sings during the day, his song is especially noticeable at night without any other noises to distract.

Today’s verse describes another song that occurs during the night.  This song can be just as beautiful and there is only an audience of One.  This song is a prayer of gratitude and praise to the Lord.  Without audible notes, it rises up within our souls to be heard by our Creator.  Because He loves us, He listens intently to our impromptu concert, and we feel His pleasure.  There are no other noises or distractions in those dark quiet hours.

All day long I feel His love directed towards me.  I am aware of His presence throughout the day.  But in the mundane tasks, the hurried schedule and all the distractions, I forget to respond with praise.  But at night, when the house is finally quiet I can turn my thoughts to Him.  Instead of being frustrated at being awake, I can use those moments to compose a song only He will hear.  Regardless of words or notes, He is honored by the melody of praise in my heart.

Thank you Lord, for putting a song in my heart tonight!