Grace and Forgiveness | Devotions By Jan

December 15, 2015
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The “Text Neck”

Scripture for Today: Psalm 3:3 “But You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”

The hunched-over position while texting can have some serious consequences. With the head weighing 10-12 pounds, bending over our phones increases the force, pulling on those neck muscles and joints. Not only can our poor posture lead to headaches and spine problems, some have even made a connection with depression! The idea is that the relationship between mind and body can run both ways. We slump over because we are sad or we are sad because we slump over!

Today’s verse tells us that the Lord’s presence in our lives is a protective shield. He looks out for His own. Nothing and no one can snatch us out of His hand (John 10:28). And as believers, He is our glory. Our lives are to progressively reflect His glory as He creates Christ’s character in us (II Cor. 3:18). But in addition to all of this, He lifts our heads! And not just a little bit. He lifts our heads high! We no longer hang our heads in shame and disgrace. We do not have to look down in humiliation and guilt. Because of His love and forgiveness He lifts our heads high! What an amazing thought!

When He lifts my head, I have the advantage of seeing more of His wonders in my life! With the perspective that comes with grace and forgiveness, I can see just how much He has blessed me! Like Mary in her song, I can say that I am blessed, “for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is His name.” (Luke 1:49)

Lord, help me to live this day with my head lifted up high with the assurance of Your love.

November 24, 2015
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The Gavel

Scripture for Today: Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The tapping of a gavel in a courtroom can mean different things. When tapped twice, everyone is to rise. When it is tapped three times, all are to be seated. There can be repeated vigorous tapping to restore order. One tap may be used to declare a matter settled and finished. With the tap of a gavel comes all the power of that court. When that gavel is brought down there is a decision made. And that symbol of authority brings with it a certain finality.

In the courts of heaven, the gavel comes down with unquestionable authority. God has every right to proclaim someone guilty or not guilty. He is our righteous Judge and all His judgements are true and just. Today’s verse is a wonderful assurance for the one who has placed their faith in Jesus. There is no fear of that gavel coming down. The believer is justified, or declared righteous, not because of our own deeds but because of being credited with His righteousness (Romans 4:22-25). The just punishment that we rightly deserve has been fully met by His death on the cross. The righteousness Jesus achieved has been laid to our account!

It has been decided. The gavel has already come down. I do not have to live in fear and doubt. He declared, “It is finished,” on that cross. How amazing that I can stand before Him, declared righteous! There is peace with God now and throughout eternity. My heart is not troubled because of my guilt and sin. His forgiveness and declaration has established heartfelt peace, relief, and the joy and hope of heaven!

Lord, how can I ever express my gratitude?

November 20, 2015
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Self Control

Scripture for Today: Titus 2:12 “It (grace) teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,”

This dog understands the word, “No!” I am amazed at his self-control sitting there right next to that meat. I wonder how long that lasted? With smelling it, seeing it, and imagining that first bite, the dog must be trembling with the effort to refrain from gobbling it up in a moment! I do not think the owner was too far away as the tension mounted.

Today’s verse is surprising. The grace that normally comes to mind is the grace that offers salvation, that amazing unmerited and undeserved favor from God. (verse 11) But this grace is a grace that teaches. This grace allows the believer to live a godly life that pleases the Lord. And like saving grace, it is completely unmerited. We do not earn the ability to live a self-controlled life. It is a gift that is part of the evidence of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Gal. 5:23). We cannot take credit for staying away from sin. We cannot take credit for our obedience to God. It is all grace.

I am so thankful for the gift of self-control without which my life would be a mess. His Spirit enables me to say “No” to temptation. His Spirit gives me the power to turn my back on ungodly desires and choose obedience. And despite the occasional slip, He has changed my heart to want what is right. My highest desire is to honor Him with my choices. And it is with His help that I can achieve that desire even just a little.

Thank you Lord, that Your self-control is another evidence of Your grace!

November 19, 2015
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Bumper Bowling

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 2:7-8 “He holds success in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.”

Maybe I would feel differently about bowling had I grown up using these bumpers. Imagine no more gutter balls! But I did not have this luxury and I was on my own trying to get that blasted ball to reach any of those bored pins. It was not as if my Dad did not try to teach me. He was in a bowling league at his work and had his own ball. He and his team won trophies, but of course no serious bowler would consent to using these bumpers. But I love the idea of having that little edge to correct the course of my wayward ball.

Today’s verse is beautiful! The Lord God wants us to succeed but true success is only found in a relationship that follows His course. None of His commands are arbitrary. They exist for our good and for our protection. Through His Word He speaks and guides. When we obey and follow His perfect way, we enjoy the blessing of intimacy with Him.

I look at those bumpers as His grace to forgive, correct and restore. Even with the best of intentions I fail. I am “prone to wander” off His path. But because I belong to Him, He does not let this silly sheep stray too far. Sometimes that corrective bump can be a bit of a shock and not at all comfortable. But it is just what is needed to get me back on course.

Lord, I want to always be one of Your faithful ones. Keep me on that path of righteousness today.

September 25, 2015
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New Scale

Scripture for Today: I John 1:10 “If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His Word is not in us.”

This scale reminds me of the one from my youth. One can now buy them with the label, “Vintage” or “Retro!” Today, ours is not so ancient as it is digital. It is probably accurate enough, but I do not like what it says! No matter what I do with my eating habits it always says exactly the same thing. Perhaps it is stuck. Perhaps I am stuck. In any case, I would rather think that it is incorrect. Ideally, there should exist a scale that says exactly what I want it to say!

Today’s verse is about someone who is in denial about their sin. The one who claims that there is no problem with sin is not dealing with reality. Rather than continue to feel the discomfort of conviction, this individual would close their eyes to truth. But in doing so, God is made out to be a liar. His Word and truth do not reside in those who claim to be just fine.

The first step in dealing with my sin is to recognize its ugly existence. There is no sugar-coating it to be small and of no consequence. Like the scale that tells the truth, so is God’s Word that makes me uncomfortable. And just as I do not throw away the scale because of what it says, so I do not exchange His truth for something I like better. He promises and is faithful to forgive and cleanse me from every sin (verse 9). I just need to find the courage to admit to it!

Lord, help me to be honest with myself and admit when I am wrong.