Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Holiness


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Blood Test

Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:23 “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”

I wish there were some other way to check one’s cholesterol levels than a blood test.  They are never fun and neither is the fasting beforehand.  The waiting room experience usually increases my anxiety.  The nurse asks me which arm I prefer.  Neither, really.  I make the required fist and try to remember those relaxing techniques.  Surely it was something about breathing.  I know not to look.  Is this really necessary?  Can’t I just promise to lay off the ice cream?  It is over before I know it.  My results signaled no real problem with cholesterol or any other problems and I am thankful.

Our verse for today is also a voluntary testing, but of one’s heart, motivation and thoughts.  The One who does the testing is infinitely more patient, tender and loving than any health professional.  He goes deeper than any needle can reach and reveals what cannot be seen.  He not only reveals potential problems but He is there to deal with them.

Just as blood testing is not a comfortable experience, so this heart examination can be uncomfortable.  Seeing our failings and imperfections can burst our self-satisfied bubble and leave us vulnerable.  It is much easier to go through life without seeing the plank of wood blocking our vision (Matt. 7:3).  When He searches my heart He may find remnants of bitterness and unforgiveness thought to be already resolved.  He sees those anxious thoughts that may indicate my lack of faith.  But when He brings these things to light, He offers full and complete pardon.  The heart no longer feels heavy but light with forgiveness and reassurance!

Search me today Lord, and make my heart healthy with Your loving care.


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Physically Fit?

Scripture for Today: I Timothy 4:8 “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Of course being physically fit is important.  I am not athletic but having a husband that is helps me see the value of keeping those muscles firm.  However, no matter how active one is throughout life, there comes a time when the body breaks down.  Hopefully, it will be later rather than sooner when one has led an active life.

My Mother at the age of ninety-two has finally agreed to use a walker.  She is in good company with others doing the same.  The dining hall where she lives looks like a small parking lot filled with walkers!  Being physically fit has a different and limited meaning at that advanced age!

Our verse for today compares the value of physical fitness with spiritual fitness.  The one will last only a limited time.  The other will last as long as life does, and then some more, into eternity!  Godliness has value for every situation life presents.  Being godly shapes an entire life.  The value of a godly life is in being like the Lord.  His character reproduces itself in us as we submit and obey Him.  Rather than growing weaker with age, godliness can grow stronger.

Just as staying physically fit takes determination and effort, so does cultivating godliness.  It is not in our nature to produce it on our own.  Godliness is something that the Lord produces in us as a natural result of closely following His commands.  But that takes prolonged and intense effort.

Lord, I may not finish physically strong, but may I be more godly tomorrow than I am today!

 

 

 


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The Best Inheritance

Scripture for Today:  Ecclesiastes 7:11 “Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.”

Death can be a nightmare of paperwork.  There are legal death certificates. There are important notices to banks and government offices.  And there is also a death tax to pay.  Of course, there is one document that is prepared ahead of time; the last will and testament.  Much thought goes into this piece of paper and it reflects a life of monetary achievements.  Sometimes the life of a beneficiary of this document is changed significantly.  But there is another kind of inheritance that does far more in impacting a life.

Our verse for today describes wisdom as being an inheritance.  It is the best kind of inheritance as it cannot be eaten up by moths and rust.  No thief can steal it away and it is exempt from any taxes!  There is nothing more precious to hand down to one’s descendants.  More than material goods, its possession can change a life significantly.

Wisdom is a spiritual inheritance as it finds not only its beginning in the fear of the Lord but its continuation (Prov. 1:7).  When we fear, respect and obey our Creator, our lives reflect it with wise choices.  When we fear and worship the Lord we are able to live skillful godly lives.  Not only are our own lives blessed by this love and obedience for God, but others close to us are blessed as well.  The model of wise living is an inheritance for those who follow.  This influence can last for generations!

The inheritance of wisdom is something my own Father has passed down to me.  My prayer is that I will be able to leave this same inheritance to my children and grandchildren.  Lord, make me wise today!


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Honor

10590685_10152541766293283_2864432810476582835_nScripture for Today: Psalm 62:6-7 “Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.  My salvation and my honor depend on God.  He is my mighty rock, my refuge.”

It was a moment of honor.  My Father was a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy during WWII.  Last week we buried him with military honor for his service all those years ago.  It was a moving moment to hear the three gun salute and taps being played.  It was an  especially touching moment to see those soldiers saluting the coffin.

The memorial service the next day was entirely different.  It was also a moment of honor as we remembered the life of a wonderful man.  But there was a difference.  In speaking of my Father, we also honored our Heavenly Father.  He had been my Dad’s rock and refuge since 1939.

Our verse for today says that salvation depends on God.  We cannot save ourselves from our sin.  He is the One who in His grace bends down to extract us from the messiness our sin creates.  But our honor also depends on Him.  In addition to redeeming our lives, He crowns us with love and compassion (Psalm 103:4).  David even talks about how God increases honor for him in Psalm 71:21!

If my life or my Dad’s life is honorable, it is because of the Lord.  Our Creator continually works in those who belong to Him, forming His beautiful character.  The praise and honor ultimately belong to Him!  He makes a life beautiful and worth living.

It really will not be so long before I am with my Dad, worshiping and honoring together the One who gave us honor.  Thank you Lord, that You create honorable lives  May my life honor You today.

 


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Chair Shopping

Scripture for Today: Psalm 1:1 “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,”

Recently, I have been chair shopping for our small studio.  The limited space allowed me means I have to be very careful about the style and size I choose.  I especially like the older chairs with their wood carvings.  But I steer clear of those with cane bottom seats.  I am not sure of their durability.   My choice has to do double duty, used at the table and at the desk.  No arms or flared legs, no wide seats or very high backs.  It is a challenge to be so particular!

As believers, we need to be just as particular about where we sit.  Our verse for today is a progression from walking to standing and finally to sitting.  With each action there is more identification with those opposed to God.  After occasionally walking as the wicked walk, there is standing and spending more intentional time with sinners.  And finally, there is sitting down comfortably with mockers.

The consequence of this close association is a weakening of resolve to live the way God requires.  With the approval of those who do not care about God’s standards, one can easily rationalize one’s behavior.  Somehow, wrong can seem right and right can seem wrong.  In aligning ourselves with those who disobey God, we are changed.  Instead of influencing others, we ourselves are impacted to do what we know is wrong.

The problem with sitting comfortably with mockers of God is that we forfeit God’s blessing.  He pours out His unmerited favor on the one who takes a stand and lives for Him!

Lord, help me to watch where I sit!