God’s Love | Devotions By Jan

July 23, 2015
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Inheritance

Scripture for Today: Psalm 33:12 “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.”

I am happy I have a husband who plans for the future. Our will and testament have long been written. There is a superstition out there that says that death will quickly follow after drawing up a will. But we are still here!

Throughout Scripture is found the encouraging promise of the inheritance that awaits believers in heaven. Our inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for us (I Peter 1:4). Everything about that inheritance far outweighs the importance of an earthly inheritance left to the family.

What is so amazing about our verse for today is that God has an inheritance too! The Psalmist is referring to the nation of Israel as God’s chosen people and His inheritance. God has set them apart to be His own special people. However, in the New Testament the Church is also referred to as a holy nation and a special people (I Peter 2:9). Because He has purchased us and shown us mercy, we too are a people set apart for Him. We are His inheritance!

Of course, to obtain an inheritance, a death would precede it. But because I have been bought with a price, I already belong to Him (I Corinthians 6:20). However, I become His inheritance after my own death when I will be forever in His presence! It is incredible that He would think of me that way! This must be why He says in Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”

Can He really love me that much, that He would call me His inheritance? He tells me,”Yes!” I am His and He is mine.

July 10, 2015
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Abandoned

Scripture for Today: Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

It was hard for my daughter and her husband to leave Barney with friends for a week in order to take a vacation. Because they had adopted this little Jack Russel Terrier from an animal shelter, they were worried he would feel abandoned once again. Thankfully, he fit right in with their friend’s household and loved playing with new doggie friends!

It would break my heart to enter an animal shelter. I would probably ignore logic and come home with at least one abandoned pet. Many people who buy puppies later decide it is an inconvenience and get rid of them. Others do the same with their litters as they have neglected to neuter their animals. Some breeders use the shelters to dump unsold puppies.

In our verse for today is a very comforting truth; the Lord our God will go with us. He will never leave us or forsake us! There is never a question of being abandoned by God. These words were spoken by Moses to the Israelites in verse 6 and then repeated in verse 8 to Joshua and the Israelites. His leadership was coming to an end and Moses did not want them to feel abandoned.

There are times when I am overcome with fear. I am not facing battle with enemies, but I do face other fears. The Lord wants to reassure me of His presence. Having the promise that He will never leave me or forsake me helps calm those fears. He will never look the other way and leave me on my own.

Thank you, Lord, that You will never abandon me.

(Look familiar? This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule)

July 1, 2015
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Bucket List

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 2:9 “but just as it is written, ‘Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.'”

There is a saying that has made its way into American English; “the bucket list.” This saying has come to represent all the wonderful things we would like to see and do before dying. The phrase came from a movie where two men were facing terminal illness. The story follows their friendship as they pursue most everything on their list, living out to the fullest what they thought would be their last three months of life.

There are plenty of travels and adventures I would like to experience in my lifetime. The travel channel on television and the news feed on Facebook often create longings to explore and experience new things! The bucket list may even include different lifestyles, past times or hobbies. But the realities of life, the lack of resources or opportunities keep that bucket list filled to the brim!

Our verse for today gets me excited! If I do not get to everything on my bucket list, it is not a problem! There is an eternity in front of me! There will be no time constraints. There will be no lack of resources. God is even now preparing for my arrival with incredible adventures that I cannot even imagine! What He has planned for me makes that bucket list look pathetic! I can imagine some pretty wonderful scenarios. But my imagination of what is ahead does not even come close to the reality of His plans!

Thank you Lord, for Your incredible love and for all that awaits me!

(Look familiar? This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule)

June 23, 2015
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Steeple

Scripture for Today: Psalm 36:5 “Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies.

I have had the privilege of living for decades with fabulous French cathedrals practically in my back yard. I have seen so much ornate architecture in my years in Europe that the wonder and grandeur of their cathedrals almost seem commonplace. But there is something about the simplicity of a white steeple on a New England chapel that touches my heart! The steeple draws the eye up toward heaven as if it were a pointing finger. Can anything rival the sky above?

Our verse for today draws our gaze upward, just like that simple steeple. The heavens not only “declare the glory of God” but they also declare the love and faithfulness of the Lord. Its vast expanse reminds me of how tiny and insignificant I am compared to how majestic He is! His love and faithfulness are as big as that vast expanse of sky.

The phrase, “the sky’s the limit,” does not apply here! God IS love and there is no limit. He is faithful and true to His character. His yes is always yes and His promises sure. His eternal nature makes His attributes eternal as well. One cannot exhaust His love or faithfulness. Our infidelities and failures will never change who He is. He is faithful to who He is and His love will never fail.

Looking up to the heavens reminds me. Too often I am distracted by looking down. All I can see sometimes is my own little world of problems and I miss the bigger picture. The eternal perspective escapes me. The steeple lifts my gaze to where it belongs!

Lord, may the skies be a reminder today of Your love and faithfulness to me!

June 22, 2015
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Without Dad

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:15 “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!'”

This is my first Father’s Day without my Dad. He lived a full rich and lovely life, but even at age 92 it was too soon for him to go. Knowing that he is with his beloved Savior makes the separation easier. It is for just a short time, but I am used to having him here. I still say, “Mom and Dad,” as if he were still with us. It has been a bit difficult to forego the Father’s Day card for him this year.

Our verse for today describes the special relationship a believer enjoys with his Heavenly Father. We can refer to Him as, “Dad.” The relationship is meant to be that close and intimate. It is not a relationship filled with mindless obligation and rules. We do not fear Him as a slave fears a master. There is awe, respect and obedience but because of Christ, the fear of wrath and condemnation is no longer there! Because of Christ, we are part of the family!

How amazing that He chose me to be part of this family. I certainly was not born into it! None of us were. We had to be adopted to be in this heavenly family. Why on earth He chose me is beyond understanding. I was an undeserving rebel. Yet, my Father in His grace initiated the entire process. Having a Father who is God is the best kind of Father. His care is perfect and everlasting! His love is unconditional and complete. His presence and comfort never fail!

Thank you Lord, that I can celebrate You as my Father every day!