Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Holiness


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Swallow’s Nest

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 84:3-4 “Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young – a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, My King and My God.”

There is a city ordinance in San Juan Capistrano, California, that prohibits knocking down a swallow’s nest!  Their bird droppings may be annoying, but they are protected.  The return of the swallows in March is celebrated every year with a parade and their likeness is sold in the town’s souvenir shop.  These swallows build their mud nests clinging to the ruins of the Great Stone Church of the Mission.  The arches of the vaulted ruins are bare and exposed, making it the perfect place for their nests.

Our verse for today speaks of another perfect place for a nest.  The swallow builds her nest near God’s altar.  When one thinks of a nest, there is the thought of comfort, care and protection.  A nest represents home and hearth.  The altar of God represents His presence.  It is a place of adoration and worship.  The psalmist cannot even mention the word “altar” without praising His name!  The context of this verse goes on to say that there is happiness when dwelling in His presence.

A nest may be built of all sorts of bits and pieces.  It could include mud, feathers, twigs and leaves.  But the most important factor is its proximity to God’s altar.  My nest could be feathered well with all kinds of creature comforts, but does it include God’s presence?  Dwelling in His presence means there is happiness and praise for Him (verse 4).

I want my nest to be His dwelling place.  Lord, may my home be marked by happiness, satisfaction and praise to You!

Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.


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Classical Music

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

I was surprised to learn recently that one of our daughters does not enjoy classical music.  I grew up with courses in music appreciation, piano, and in a home filled with the sounds of classical music.  I am sure I could appreciate some of the intricacies better than I do, but I have always enjoyed it.  When I asked her why she does not like it, her answer actually made sense.  She resents getting in a calm peaceful place with one movement, only to be shaken up with the next movement in a faster tempo.  I understand this sentiment but most every piece, regardless of its different moods and movements, will have a theme that is always repeated in some form.  I enjoy listening for it and recognizing its reappearance.

Our verse for today can be a theme that reoccurs throughout a life.  Whatever a believer does, it is to be to the glory of God.  That covers a lot of movements and moods.  There are moments of the day where there is frenzied activity and one can hardly catch one’s breath.  Then there are calm slow relaxing times.  Always appreciated are the pauses and rests.  There are discordant parts of life where the melody can sound abrasive only to be followed by some soothing sounds.  Regardless of the style, a theme ties it all together.

If something as mundane as eating or drinking can be done for God’s glory than most anything in life can be done for Him.  This is the recurring theme I want for my life!

Lord, may You be glorified in every mood and every movement!

Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.

 


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Making Hay

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 3:12-13a “If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light…”

Living in our area, surrounded by fertile fields, these large rolls of hay are a common sight.  Of all the shapes possible when forming bales, the cylinder shape is thought to be the most economical and a favorite for those raising cattle.  The large ones are quite heavy at 2300 pounds.

I was surprised to learn that some bales of hay, if too moist when baling takes place, can actually catch fire!  Micro organisms begin breaking down the moist plant fibers and produce heat in the process.  If there is oxygen present and the temperatures rise enough, that bale of hay can spontaneously combust!

Our verse for today is also about burning up hay!  There will be a day when the works of all believers will be evaluated for the purpose of reward.  The foundation believers build their lives on is Jesus Christ.  But what materials we use to build our lives can vary.  What is done for God’s glory is considered gold, silver, and costly stones.  The works that are rewarded are those done to further His Kingdom.  The wood, hay and stubble are works done with selfish motives or for our own glory.  The context  teaches that the quality of our work is revealed by fire.  Whatever survives that fire is rewarded.

The old saying, “making hay while the sun still shines” means to take advantage of every opportunity and not waste time.  But I do not want to be building with hay or anything else that does not bring glory to Jesus!  Lord, keep me focused on living my life for You.

Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.

 


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Like Father Like Son

IMG_20140519_171407Scripture for Today: Hebrews 6:12 “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”

I am so happy to have this old picture of my husband and son.  What a great rite-of-passage moment this was!  I, of course, was totally excluded from such a masculine activity.  Our son would certainly not have learned the right technique from me!  I know that some people start this learning process much earlier without inserting a razor.  But this was the real deal and all came through it unscathed.

Learning by example is so much easier than a written “how to” explanation.  The author of Hebrews understood this as did Paul in I Corinthians 4:16.  Imitating others is something we do naturally.  Whether it is cutting a candy bar on a plate with knife and fork, (Seinfeld) or taking on the habits of the father, imitating others is done almost without thought.

Imitating the faith and patience of others is something requiring not only thought but effort.  Our verse for today encourages us to make that effort and not to become lazy in our Christian walk.  The context talks of God recompensing our love and work for Him, helping His people and being diligent until the very end.

Who do I imitate?  There is quite a choice presented in the great “faith chapter” of Hebrews 11.  Some of these heroes of the faith did not even receive the things promised (verse 13).  Yet they stood firm, seeing them at a great distance with eyes of faith.  They were able to endure unthinkable hardships because of their patience and faith.

I can choose who to imitate.  Lord, help me to follow the best examples of faith.  May I be diligent and persevere in my faith until the very end!

Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.


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People Watching

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 10:12 “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves.  When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”

One of the best things about living in Europe is enjoying all the outdoor cafes.  And one of the best things about sitting outside is people watching!  Ordering and eating is almost secondary to that all-important activity.  It is an art to do it discreetly, but we all do it!  And as long as one does not make eye contact, it is all perfectly acceptable.  Part of the fun is guessing the nationality of a tourist by how they are dressed.  Not only am I noticing fashion but I find myself wondering about the social standing of a passerby.

Our verse for today addresses those who compare themselves to themselves.  Paul is admonishing those who are looking only on the surface of things (verse 7).  He did not fit their ideas of a dynamic speaker or an impressive presence.  In the context of this verse, Paul is teaching that boasting has no place in the life of a believer.  And boasting is what can so easily happen when we compare ourselves to those like ourselves.  Rather than looking for approval by commending oneself, we are to seek God’s approval (verse 18).

Comparing myself to others believers can sometimes lead to complacency and smugness.  Perhaps I am not struggling with some of the same issues as a “weaker brother” in Christ.  But God knows my heart and how much work still needs to be done!  Being well viewed by other believers is never the point.  True wisdom is comparing myself to Jesus Himself and asking the Lord to make me more like Him!

Keep me focused on You, Lord.