Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Holiness


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Neighborhood Parties

Atanase-2-ParisScripture for Today: Proverbs 14:21 “It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”

In 1999 a young Parisian had a vision.  He was concerned that there was such a disconnect between neighbors.  When he heard of an elderly neighbor found dead after four months in a nearby apartment, he established what is called, “Fête des Voisins” or Neighborhood Parties.  At the end of May or the beginning of June neighbors come together in yards, streets, and courtyards to share a meal.  Such a simple idea has spread to 36 countries with over 20 million participants!  Out of these gatherings has come a renewed community life.  Marriages have been established, some have found work, and grandmothers have felt less isolated.

Today’s verse has something to say about our attitude towards our neighbors.  Living in close quarters with people different from ourselves is rife with possibilities for conflict.  Not only are we told not to despise our neighbor, but we are to actually love them as much as we love ourselves (Luke 10:27).  What an impossible challenge that seems!

Jesus explained that loving our neighbor is the second greatest command after loving God.  When I love the Lord with my whole heart, soul, strength and mind I am in a better place to love my neighbor.  In fact, the way I demonstrate my love for Him is by how I treat my neighbor and respond to his needs.  Loving God finds its expression in the love and kindness I show those around me.  Today’s verse promises blessing to the one who is kind to the needy.  Regardless of the imposition and inconvenience it may be, I am always blessed when I make the effort.

Lord, give me opportunity today to show Your love to my neighbors.


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Woodpecker

whitebacked_woodpecker_img_0166cScripture for Today: I Corinthians 10:12 “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.”

I had never seen a woodpecker until living in France.  There was one who frequently visited our yard and with his red markings he was easy to spot.  There was one fruit tree that he especially liked to peck for insects.  I was always happy to see him, not realizing what he was doing to that tree.  One night we had an huge windstorm and with an impressive crack, that tree came down, snapping at exactly the very place that woodpecker had been working!  I feel differently about woodpeckers now.  I missed that mirabelle plum tree!

Today’s verse is a loving warning.  After describing the failures of the Israelites in the wilderness, Paul cautions that falling is a real possibility.  We can think that we are standing firm while at the same time being slowly weakened by compromise.  Like the small attacks by the beak of  a woodpecker, our resolve can slowly erode leaving us vulnerable.  A strong wind of temptation can come along and knock us flat.  We fall to the ground and we no longer bear fruit.

No one wakes up in the morning and decides to give in to temptation.  Being drawn away from Him is usually a slow sneaky process.  And it can come from something normally beautiful or agreeable.  The next verse is such a comforting promise.  God will not allow me to be tempted beyond what I can bear.  He provides a way out.  I have a choice.  That enticement to sin is never so strong that with His help I cannot resist!

Don’t let me fall, Lord.  Keep me firmly standing and bearing fruit.


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Fig Tree

Scripture for Today: James 3:12 “My brother and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

Growing up, the fig tree in our back year was my Dad’s pride and joy!  The whole family enjoyed those green figs and the abundant shade the large leaves provided.  In fact, my Dad built a round bench encircling the large trunk.  Every year, he would lay out those figs for drying and we could enjoy the dried fruit all year long.  In all those years, that tree faithfully bore its figs.  Never once did it surprise us with olives!

Today’s verse describes a ludicrous scenario.  How ever could a fig tree produce olives, a grapevine produce figs or a salt spring produce fresh water?  It is impossible, of course.  These images teach us that what comes out of the mouth reveals what is in the heart.  What comes out of the mouth is consistent with what is thought and felt inside.  Eventually, our hidden nature is revealed by the words we speak.

No one can tame the tongue nor can anyone make themselves new inside.  It is only by the work of the Holy Spirit that we can hope to change.  When cursing and praise both come out of my mouth, it is a clear signal that I need to do business with the Lord.  “…This should not be.” (verse 10) but unfortunately, it is.  I can blame my words on stress or fatigue  but what I really need to do is just confess it.  I do not want to disappoint or grieve the Holy Spirit.  And He graciously offers His self-control so that my life consistently bears fruit that honors Him.

Lord, control my tongue today to consistently honor You.

 

 


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Cranberry Bogs

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 44:3 “For I will pour water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring, and My blessing on your descendants.”

It about took my breath away!  We were driving the back roads near Plymouth, MA when we rounded the corner and saw a shimmering field of red!  The cranberry bog was being flooded with water and the brilliant October sun was hitting it just right.  The farmers flood the area with up to eighteen inches of water to free the cranberries from the vine.  Then because of the small pocket of air contained in the cranberries, they float to the surface, ready to be harvested.

Water is of course essential to growing most anything but with “wet harvesting” it also plays an important role in getting access to the fruit.  Today’s verse pictures God’s Spirit like that water so important to fruit production.  Without His work we remain a thirsty land.  Without His blessing we continue life as dry ground.  But oh how it all changes when the Holy Spirit moves and works in people’s hearts.

When I try producing fruit and good works in my own strength, I am using thirsty land and dry ground.  I need the Holy Spirit to flood my efforts with His life-producing water and power.  I can do nothing in my own strength.  It is not how busy I am doing things for others.  It is not how many Bible verses I know.  It is allowing Him to work through me as I depend on Him.  It is getting my ego out of the way and being about His glory.

Lord, please pour out today the blessing of Your Spirit.


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Plumping Lips

Scripture for Today: Psalm 12:3-4 “May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue that says, “We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips – who is our master?”

Who is it that decided that plump overly large lips are sexy?  That pouty look is all the rage and whole industries have been created to make those lips look more kissable.  There are lots of make-up tricks to achieve the look.  There are also methods using cinnamon oils and other natural ingredients.  For the truly courageous there is the option of collagen injections.  For my daughter, full lips were discovered accidentally as a result of an allergy to fresh plums!

Today’s verse describes the flattering lips.  These are lips that use words to manipulate and gain power.  What these lips say is pleasant to hear.  Truth plays no part.  These is boasting and arrogance communicated with these lips.  They answer to no one and they are their own master.  No one has the right to tell them what to say or refrain from saying.  They can use the truth when convenient, or not.  They use words like, “misrepresent” rather than “lie.”  Rather than apologize, these lips will say, “it was regrettable.”

What a contrast these lips are to the words of the Lord.  They are described as “flawless” (verse 6).  God’s words are like silver refined in a furnace and purified seven times.  I would much rather my lips resembled His.  But I am unable to attain that standard on my own.  He alone is capable of controlling what comes out of my mouth. (James 3:7).  Through His Spirit, He provides that self-control.  My lips may not look like the photo, but “an honest answer is like a kiss on the lips!” (Prov. 24:26)

Lord, be the Master of my lips today.