Grace and Forgiveness | Devotions By Jan

June 18, 2015
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Ticks

Scripture for Today: Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

It is such a small insect. The nymphs are as tiny as poppy seeds. Their bite is so inconsequential as to not even be noticed. With warmer weather comes the increased risk of being bitten by a tick. But how risky can such a little thing be? There is Lyme disease but now the experts are warning of a similar virus called “Powassan.” However, unlike Lyme infection this tick-bearing disease can infect a person in a fraction of the time and in 10% of the cases it is fatal.

Our verse for today talks about serious consequences for our sin. It is not fatal only 10% of the time but all the time. Thankfully, the remedy is given to us as a gift in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. But an individual sin can look as harmless as that tiny tick. If brushed off immediately, it has no chance to attach to the skin and do damage. But sin, regardless of how inconsequential it seems, will always do damage. It attaches itself to our soul and transmits disease for which there is no human cure.

It is easy to excuse myself for what was done with a good ulterior motive. I can rationalize that lie as being little and white. The French call that slip-up a “péché mignon,” meaning just a little weakness. But my sins are fatal and I need His grace and forgiveness. Left in my sins I only deserve what is coming to me. But the gift of God wipes out my debt of sin and gives me true life!

Thank you Lord, for ridding me of what separates my heart from Yours.

May 29, 2015
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Amazing Starfish

Scripture for Today: Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”

Is there anything as colorful and fascinating as a starfish? Their name is slowly changing to “sea star” as in fact, they are not really fish. But whatever the name, they are amazing and a little creepy all at the same time! They can consume prey outside their bodies, and they have no brain or blood! But what impresses me the most is their amazing ability to regenerate limbs! When caught by the arm by a predator, they can leave it behind and grow another!

Our verse for today is all about a different kind of regeneration. Being in Christ makes us a “new creature” (II Cor. 5:17) The old has passed away replaced by the new! It is due to the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit. It is all His work in us and has nothing to do with our own good works. He saw our predicament, desperately needing to be saved. Rather than giving us what we rightly deserve, the Lord acted out of His infinite mercy. He changes the heart and makes us new.

Self help and good intentions will not make me new. Strong resolve or publicly-made resolutions will not change my heart. I may succeed in changing my behavior but I am still the same inside. It is only through His supernatural regeneration that I am truly made new. His Spirit makes it possible. There is newness of life and purpose now. And there is completion of the process in Heaven where I will finally become like Jesus! (I John 3:2)

I am tired of the old me. Thank you Lord, for making me new!

May 5, 2015
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Wedding Jewelry

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 61:10 “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”

This radiant bride reminded me of my own wedding day. There were a few surprises marrying into a Chinese family. An unexpected gift of jade was given me by my new Chinese Grandmother-in-law just after the ceremony. She saw that I wore it right away with my wedding dress. Jade is traditionally thought to ward off evil spirits and keep the couple safe on the wedding day. This stone is historically thought to be royal, representing virtue, purity and righteousness.

Our verse for today brings all kinds of images to mind. As believers we are clothed in the Lord’s righteousness. The material is pure dazzling white because of the forgiveness we receive by faith. As the Church, we are the Bride of Christ. We are purified and presented to Him without spot or wrinkle. We are glorious, set apart in a love relationship with Him (Eph. 5:27). As if that were not enough, we are adorned with jewelry on that beautiful day that begins our eternity with Him!

My own efforts at righteousness are regarded as filthy rags (Is. 64:6). They are as ineffectual as jade in truly making me virtuous or pure. But the jewels I wear on that day will, like righteousness, be a gift of grace from His hand. Jade will not make me royal either, but being a child of the King does!

What a day that will be! Today I can “delight greatly” in just the thought of what is to come! His salvation and righteousness make me beautiful!

April 20, 2015
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Sparkling Water

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 12:3 “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”

I was never much interested in drinking sparkling water before living in France. But it quickly became my drink of choice. Now, I not only prefer it to flat water but I have my favorite brands. I can taste the differing amounts of salt and the varying levels of carbonation. Perhaps it is an acquired taste as so many of my friends want nothing to do with it! For me, it looks pretty in a tall footed glass. The bubbles catch the light and seem to make the water more refreshing. I especially appreciate that it has no calories!

Our verse for today is also about a different kind of water. It is different because its source is a different kind of well. Water is essential to life and this water is essential to eternal life. We draw from the Source of salvation and He will never disappoint. His water quenches the deepest longing of our souls. When drawing from this well, we do so with joy and anticipation.

Jesus points out this “well of salvation” in John 4. He calls Himself the “living water” that becomes a spring of water welling up inside to eternal life (verse 14). We draw from this water with joy, knowing that His provision of salvation is all grace. It is a gift. And it is a gift that is for all time and completely satisfies. There is no more thirst or striving for something more. Nothing else in life can compare to the joy that is found in His presence. He fills me up with that joy! (Psalm 16:11)

Perhaps the bubbles can represent the joy in this different water! Thank you Lord, that You are my unending Source of refreshment and life!

April 10, 2015
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The Ostrich

Scripture for Today: II Peter 1:9 “But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.”

I was surprised to learn that the ostrich does not really bury his head in the sand! It is such an accepted saying that I never questioned it! But in fact, it just looks as if they do being that they press their long necks close to the ground. They do this to avoid detection, and as their plumage blends in so well with the sandy soil it seems that their heads are buried. No one is too sure where this idea originated, but the saying is well known. Someone who exhibits this figurative behavior is one who does not face facts!

Our verse for today describes a believer who is figuratively nearsighted and blind, much like the ostrich. Whether intentional or not, a believer who has not grasped the reality of true forgiveness is not seeing clearly. We can easily bury ourselves in thoughts, memories and self recriminations from past sins. When we do, we make ourselves ineffective and unproductive in our Christian walk (verse 8).

I do not need to bury my head in shame. The Lord with His gracious forgiveness lifts my head. He makes it possible for me to live out my faith, adding to it goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness and love (verses 5-7). I continually remind myself that as far as the Lord is concerned, my sins are as far away as the east is from the west! (Psalm 103:12) He has completely removed them. Being convinced of this truth makes it possible to live for Him the abundant life He wants to produce in me!

Thank you Lord, for lifting my head to see Your wonderful and complete forgiveness!