Holiness | Devotions By Jan

January 31, 2017
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Unusual Fountain

Scripture for Today: James 3:10-11 “From the same mouth come praise and cursing. These things should not be so, my brothers and sisters. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?”

We had been to this small Alsacian village many times, having coffee at the “place de la Marie” with a view of this fountain. But on the occasion of the “Fête de Ribeauvillé” there was a happy crowd surrounding it. The streets were full of costumed people participating in a parade. But there seemed to be just as much interest in the fountain. We checked it out and found to our surprise that instead of dispensing water, there was white wine flowing from those spouts! No wonder there was a crowd and no wonder they seemed happy!

Today’s verse talks about what pours out of our mouths. With that one opening we can curse or praise others. The same mouth that prays piously on Sunday at church can also be a source of filth at the wheel when cut off by another driver. James tells us not that this is impossible or never done. He tells us that this should not be. As believers, that uncontrollable tongue can be controlled by the indwelling Spirit. As believers, we are to be characterized by fresh water speaking only what is helpful and good to hear (Eph. 4:29).

That bitter water pouring out is a sign that something is not right in my heart (Matt. 12:34). Even if no one hears those ugly bitter words, it reveals a problem needing to be resolved. I cannot control this tongue on my own. It is impossible without Him. But with His help my mouth can always be a blessing to those listening.

Lord, I need You to control my mouth today!

January 20, 2017
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Reality Shows

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 19:23 “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”

The popularity of the reality show has soared since the early 90’s. Candid Camera was an early prototype, first airing in 1948. But since then there have been many different genres including: court shows, soap opera styles, elimination competitions, documentary styles, self improvement or renovation shows, to name a few. The most popular seem to be the “Fly on the Wall” shows directly involving big names, also called “Celebreality.” Of course reality has little to do with these shows as scenes are staged and re-staged. The participants are coached and the editing is deliberately misleading.

Today’s verse has the secret to what constitutes real life. The fear of the Lord leads to life as it is meant to be lived. Anything else is a life without that spiritual dimension. Without a relationship with our Creator, we have edited out what is essential to a life well-lived. The fear of the Lord is an attitude of respect, awe and obedience to Him. This fear leads to true real life and is also the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) Fearing and obeying Him allows us to be and stay content, untouched by the trouble that comes from a grasping envious life.

The media and our world system in general tends to stimulate in me a state of discontent. I can be swayed by watching those who are wealthy, influential trend setters. It is easy to look on my own life and wonder if I am missing out. What I am seeing may seem perfect but it is not real. Nor is it satisfying. My life becomes richer and fuller as I turn to the Life-Giver!

Thank you Lord that I find real life in You!

December 29, 2016
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Throwing out the Old

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 4:22 “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.”

What a nasty surprise to find this Burmese python in a pile of old clothes at a Florida flea market! Being nocturnal he probably caught something yummy to eat during the night and was using this dark soft spot to slowly digest his prey and nap the day away. If I were the woman startled by this eight foot long snake slithering out of a pile of clothes, my scream would likely be heard miles away!

Today’s verse is about putting off our old self. Like a piece of old clothing we are to take it off. The old self or old nature is who we were before Christ changed us and gave us a new nature, resembling Him. The old self is as disgusting as that snake, characterized by lies, sinful anger, stealing, unwholesome talk, bitterness, rage, brawling, slander and all malice. But now with the new self we can be clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, patience and over all, love (Col.3:12 & 14).

If you are like me, some of the old items are still hanging out in your closet! Like a ratty comfortable robe, I slip back into habits that should not be a part of my wardrobe any longer. I am often unaware of what I am wearing. But those old clothes are NOT pretty. I do have a choice. Nothing obligates me to put my hand on that old worn out sin and wear it again today. Because of Christ, I can be new. I can have a whole new look, a look that resembles Him.

Help me Lord, to recognize the old and throw it out!

December 23, 2016
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Little Drummer Boy

Scripture for Today: Deuteronomy 6:5 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your soul and with all your strength.”

The Little Drummer Boy is one of the more recently written classic carols. It was originally a Czech song entitled, “Carol of the Drum.” Translated by Katherine Davis in 1941, and later modified with the help of Henry Simeone and Henry Onorati, it was first performed in 1958. It made the top 40 list for five years in a row, establishing itself as a well-loved classic. The repetition of the “rum pum pum” twenty one times makes it a very rhythmic song to which “the ox and lamb kept time!”

I cannot imagine Mary allowing the drummer to play his drum for Jesus when he asked! What mother would appreciate such a loud intrusive sound startling her baby? But I love the sentiment of this song. The drummer boy is poor and has no gift to bring the newborn King. Even so he wants to honor Him. So he uses his talent as a gift, and is rewarded with a smile from the baby Jesus.

Today’s verse encompasses all of what Jesus wants from us today. He quite simply wants it all; all of our heart, all of our soul and all of our strength. There is no other gift more appropriate after everything He has given us! When we love Him in return with our entire being, it honors Him more than any show of a costly gift.

To give the Lord my all is a life-long challenge. But every Christmas I am reminded that this is what Jesus did for me when He stooped to earth to redeem me. How can I hold back anything? Amid all the gift giving this Christmas, I want to give my all to Him and see His smile.

Merry Christmas!

November 30, 2016
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Persimmons

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 24:14 “Know also that wisdom is like honey for you; If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”

I recently rediscovered persimmons. Remembering their strange bitter aftertaste, I thought I did not like them. What I had not realized is that there are several varieties. The one I disliked so much was the Hachiya pictured here. They have a pointed bottom and are mushy inside. But the Fuyu variety with the flat bottom is wonderfully sweet and can be eaten like an apple. However. even the Hachiya can be tasty when baked in pudding, cookies and breads.

Today’s verse likens wisdom to the taste of sweetness in honey. Finding wisdom is worth the effort as it will mean a future hope. There is not much hope of a positive future for the fool who discounts God’s words. But the one who is wise is the one who treasures His words, finding them “sweeter than honey” (Psalm 119:103) God’s Word is what makes wise the simple (Psalm 19:7). And with wisdom one makes the best decisions, starting with obeying His Law.

Gaining wisdom is a lifelong process involving not only reading and knowing His word, but intentionally putting it into practice. His Word does not read like an advice column that one can take or leave. God’s Word is not just full of suggestions on how to live. It is authoritative. God’s precepts give me not only a good course of action but the very best one! I have no wisdom of my own but I can walk in His wisdom when I submit to His way! Living wisely means there is hope for my future!

Lord, make this a sweet day by helping me be wise.