Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Grace and Forgiveness


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Gift Exchange

Scripture for Today:  Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast.”

I love a Christmas party when there are gifts involved!  Whether it be an ornament exchange or even a white elephant exchange, there is the anticipation of bringing home something different or unexpected.  The only problem for me comes when I bring home something a whole lot nicer than what I brought!

Today’s verse teaches that there is nothing we can exchange with God for our salvation.  Very clearly it states that salvation does not come through our work or efforts.  We want to think that somehow, something we did contributed to being saved.  But no matter how hard one works to earn Heaven, man will always fall short of the perfect standard of God’s holiness.  Trying to exchange our righteous deeds for His free gift of salvation does not work.  Those good deeds are just “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).  Salvation is a gift from God.  There is nothing I can offer Him in exchange!  Because this is true, none of us can boast about having anything to do with it!

My gratitude towards God grows by leaps and bounds when I grasp this truth.  It is all grace and it is amazing!  There is tremendous freedom in my spirit to be assured that my salvation depends on Him and not my efforts.  Without this truth, I would always be in a state of fear and worry about my eternal destination.  Putting my faith and trust in what HE did on that cross rather than in what I can do makes my heart light!

Thank you Lord, for Your incredible gift of grace!


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Sticker Shock

Scripture for Today:  I Corinthians 6:19-20  “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

If the idea of “sticker shock” is to be shocked at a price, then this menu item fits the bill!  What makes the $247.95 price so very shocking is that it is listed with reasonably priced offerings!  When looking closely one can see why the price is so high.  But at the risk of sounding like a food snob, I cannot imagine pairing such a high end drink with the lowly hamburger!

Today’s verse talks about a price that God paid.  The price He paid was enormously high and shocking!  On that cross He shed blood and died.  He paid the debt that we owe for our own sin.  And it cost Him everything.  The only reasonable response is to honor Him with the body He has transformed into a temple for His Spirit.  As a temple, we are to be holy and set apart for Him.

My body rightfully belongs to Him.  I am not my own.  Because of His sacrifice I am His.  So then, I am to honor Him in all I do.  I am to keep this body pure and in good shape.  But frankly, I do not always do a good job of it.  Thankfully, He does not go to “Returns” because I am defective!  He did not purchase me because I was worth it.  He purchased me to give me worth.  It is amazing that He would think I could be worth loving, worth holding.  But He does.  He created me to be His.

Thank you Lord, that I am forever Yours!


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Stupid Directions!

Scripture for Today: James 4:6 “But He gives us more grace. That is why the Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”

The other day while finding our way in the mountains, our GPS got totally confused.  Her voice stayed confident as she told us take the second exit at the round point where there was none!  There were several times that had we obeyed her, we would have turned right into the mountainside!  After listening to her continue to give us outrageous directions, we finally just turned her off!  Thankfully, we had an old fashioned map as a back up.  But not once did she apologize!  She never said, “I was wrong and you were right!”

Today’s verse talks about more grace that is given to the humble.  As undeserving as we are, those who can come clean with the Lord about their failures experience His favor.  But there is something in all of us that bristles at the thought of admitting our errors.  Sometimes, the only way it can happen is if we can point to extenuating circumstances!  Or we can maybe admit we were wrong if someone can share our chagrin.  It is never a comfortable experience.

As uncomfortable as it is to be humbled, His grace makes it worth it!  I would much rather live in His favor than have Him be opposed to me.  But each time I allow pride, stubbornness and determined independence from Him to creep into my day, I am foregoing His desire to bless me.  Half the time I do not even realize it is happening as I am so full of it!  How good of Him to bring me to my knees!

Forgive me my pride, Lord.  Oh how I need your grace today!


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Co-Parenting App

Scripture for Today: I Timothy 2:5 “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”

These two sheep seem to be communicating just fine.  But for many divorced parents, the communication between Mom and Dad continues to be as explosive as when married.  In an effort to stay out of court, some judges mandate that the parents try a co-parenting application.  The idea is to reduce conflict and improve communication through custody calendars, records for shared expenses and a private messaging center.  A warning appears when the app senses abusive language or sarcasm.  The application is sometimes called a “robot mediator.”

Today’s verse talks about the only mediator needed between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.  He is the only One who is uniquely qualified as both fully man and fully God to be that mediator.  Jesus as the sinless Great High Priest, ever lives to make intercession for us to the Father.  He is there at the right hand of God for that very purpose (Romans 8:34).  Every time Satan accuses us, Jesus intercedes.  Every time we feel unworthy because of our sin, Jesus intercedes with the reminder that He paid for that sin.

Jesus, being my mediator, assures me that I can enter that heavenly throne room and approach with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).  Because of the blood of Jesus I can receive mercy and find grace for every need (Hebrews 10:19).  No one else can do that for me!  How incredible it is that I can draw near to the God of the universe because of my faithful Mediator!  He is the bridge that spans the chasm of sin that once separated us.  Because of Jesus, I can enjoy a communication and closeness unparalleled.

Thank you Lord, for being my perfect loving Mediator.


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Baring Teeth

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

This normally sweet fluffy Pomeranian bares his teeth to warn off any advance.  Baring teeth is a clear indication that attack is imminent.  Teeth have long been a symbol of aggression.  That must be the idea behind the old expression, “fighting tooth and nail.”  In French, “to have a tooth against someone” is their way of expressing the idea of holding a grudge.

Today’s verse teaches that it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense rather than hold a grudge.  To overlook an offense takes patience and it is a sign of one’s wisdom.  But to overlook something hurtful does not mean having no memory of it.  Sometimes, the memory stays.  But rather than it being at the forefront of our minds, we let it go and show grace.  It is a gracious behavior and one that is to our glory.  Holding a grudge makes us small and petty.  There is no glory in that!

I am so grateful for the people in my life that have overlooked my offenses.  They have been many, some intentional and some not.  When I realize the grace extended to me, than I can more easily extend that same grace to others.  And the supreme model of total and complete forgiveness is the Lord who does not treat me as my sins deserve (Psalm 103:10).  I am forever grateful that Christ does not hold a grudge or where would I be?  Even so, I do have trouble letting go and it is inglorious!  I need the help of His Spirit to truly forgive from the heart.

Lord, make me wise enough to show patience and not hold grudges!