Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Heaven


by Leave a comment

HAZMAT Suit?

Scripture for Today: I Peter 1:4b-5 “This inheritance is kept in Heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last times.”

This yellow protective suit makes me smile, especially as the wearer has seemingly incorporated it into his daily routine!  But this “HAZMAT suit wanna-be” looks less scary than the real thing.  The hazard materials suit is meant to shield against chemical, nuclear and biological agents as well as fire and high temperatures.  The suit can only be worn up to two hours as it is hot and poorly ventilated.

Today’s verse tells us that the believer is shielded at all times by God’s power.  Our faith is that shield, the same piece of armor that protects us from our enemy, Satan (Eph. 6:16).  God’s power insures that the inheritance of our future salvation is kept safe and secure in Heaven.  Nothing can touch it.  No chemical, nuclear or biological agent is greater than His power.  But this does not mean that we will not “suffer grief and all kinds of trials.” (verse 6)  What it does mean is that there is a future and a hope.

There is lots of uncertainty in our covid-conscious world right now.  We are all wondering what measures are needed to protect ourselves and for how long.  It is sobering to see how quickly the world can change and how powerless we can feel.  But the one thing I am sure of is God’s power to protect, to guard and to save.  His plans for me are never frustrated.  Even though I may be touched by suffering and trial, He has secured for me an untouchable inheritance that is eternal.

Lord, I am so thankful for Your power to save!


by Leave a comment

Through the Ages

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 15:54 “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true; ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.'”

This image from the Imagerie d’Epinal, France hangs on our wall.  For me it brings back memories of our tour of the ancient time-honored printing process.  This image was done by François George in 1826 and depicts the stages of life.  Each stair step corresponds to an age of life from birth to death.  The first fifty climb the steps but after that it is all downhill!  Under the stairway is the supernatural showing both eternal destinations.

Today’s verse reminds us that the bodies we have are perishable and mortal.  But they will not always be so!  One day, believers will be clothed with another kind of body, one that will never perish and will be immortal!  Death that for now seems to have the upper hand, will one day be forever defeated.  Death will be swallowed up in victory! (Isaiah 25:8)  The sting of death will no longer be felt (verse 55).  It is for this reason that we can stand firm in our faith and give ourselves fully to God (verse 58).

It does not matter where I am on that staircase.  Whatever age I am and whatever my body is doing in its slow downward progression, I have hope of an amazing future!  He has promised me an eternity with Him and the best is still ahead of me.  Because of what Christ did on the cross, death and evil do not win.  No despair can erase this truth.  No tragedy nullifies my hope.  In Christ alone, there is “No guilt in life, no fear in death; This is the power of Christ in me.”

Thank you Lord, for Your promise!


by Leave a comment

Zip Codes

Scripture for Today:  II Corinthians 5:8  “We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.”

Did you know there are 43,000 zip codes?  They first made their appearance in 1963.  This 1973 stamp features their growing importance.  The 5 digit code was improved upon in 1983 with the addition of 4 more digits.  But it was met with such resistance that it is not required.  Some zip codes are more well known like the Beverly Hills 90210 zip code featured in a television series.  ZIP is actually an acronym meaning, “Zone Improvement Plan.”

Today’s verse expresses Paul’s preference for another “zone,” one that will be a huge improvement!  There is no zone on earth that can compare to what awaits us in our forever home!  What God has prepared for those who love Him defies the imagination! (I Cor. 2:9)  And for Paul, looking forward to being at home with the Lord gave him courage to face persecution, imprisonments and rejection.  This world is never really “home” for the believer.  We are “at home” when we are in His presence.  There will be a “settledness” at home with Him.

There is a saying that one can be too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good.  I totally disagree!  The more I have this eternal perspective, the more fully I live this life with intention and significance!  I never want to feel too “settled” here.  True “home” remains in my future.  It is so incredible that it is worth thinking about and anticipating!  And like Paul, the thought of my forever home gives me hope and courage when life gets difficult.  The hope of my heavenly home inspires and motivates me to live this life for Him.

Thank you Lord, that being with You is being at home.

 


by 2 Comments

Feng Shui

Scripture for Today: Colossians 3:1 “Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”

The principles of “feng shui” have been around for centuries with a  history covering more than 3,500 years.  The words translate as, “wind – water.”  This philosophy believes that there are mystical energies that need to flow unimpeded.  Whether it be a building, a grave, or the placement of furniture, it is thought that their orientation affects one’s feeling of well-being and energy, producing positive vibes and even attracting wealth!

Today’s verse tells us where Christ is seated.  His place is on the right hand of God interceding for us.  This verse gives us an orientation for our minds and hearts.  Being raised with Christ, we are dead to what is earthly and alive to what is spiritual.  Our minds and hearts can now focus on Christ and what is eternal.  The result is not a positive vibe or a fluctuating sense of well-being.  The result of this new orientation toward Christ is a whole list of Christ-like characteristics; compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness. patience, forgiveness and love (verses 12-14).  Rather than some mystic flow of energy, there can be peace in the home.

It is hard to direct my thoughts towards what is unseen.  The “seen” offers too many distractions!  But there are many moments of “dead air” throughout my day.  I may be waiting in line, driving the car, or doing any mindless task and lose an opportunity to think on Him.  But a line of Scripture, the lyrics of a song or the beauty of nature can redirect my thoughts back to Him.  And He is always there.  He always welcomes me.

Thank you Lord, that thinking on You is the best part of my day.

Look familiar?  This is a repost due to summer ministries.


by 2 Comments

The Red Carpet

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 12:28 “In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.”

For many the red carpet represents fame, fortune and accolade.  Since the twenties the red carpet has been associated with Hollywood stardom, showcasing our film stars.  Getting the “red carpet treatment,” is a saying dating back to 1902 when special train passengers were welcomed aboard an exclusive express car.  But looking back further, the red carpet dates back to ancient Greece and was reserved for royal feet.  The red color was special as the dye was difficult and expensive to make from the cochineal insect.

I do not ever expect to walk on the red carpet.  But according to the verse for today, I can be on a path that leads to immortality.  I am not receiving accolades from the media or any official recognition.  But there is One watching where I put my feet.  I am stepping on a way of righteousness.  That righteousness does not come from me but from Christ. The path is red with His blood as He made a way for me, living a sinless life because I could not.

Because of the cross, my path leads to an eternity with Him!  There, all the accolades and glory will go to Him.  He deserves all my praise and gratitude.  The one-dimensional tributes and trophies given here will pale in comparison to the eternal reality that awaits.  He wants me to persevere in doing what He wants, staying on that path in order to receive what He has promised (Heb. 10:36).  It is just not important that there is no recognition here.  I would rather walk on those streets of gold than any special red carpet!

Lord, keep me focused on pleasing You today.

Look familiar?  This is a repost due to summer ministries.