Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Holiness


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Our Fig Tree

Scripture for Today: James 3:12 “My brothers 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.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2015)


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Bread-Loving Cat

Proverbs 6:25-26a “Do not lust in your heart for her beauty, and do not let her captivate you with her alluring eyes.  For on account of a prostitute one is brought down to a loaf of bread…”

photo credit: Julie Corsi at https://www.flickr.com/photos/corsinet/6807535513

This is not our cat, Tiger, but it very well could be. We were always careful to close the kitchen door when any food was left out. Tiger was not very discriminating in his tastes and would try just about any “people food!” As long as it was forbidden, it was somehow worth the effort to climb up on the counters or table and brave our displeasure.  Of course our cat, being French, was spoiled with the availability of baguette!

Today’s verse uses the image of a loaf of bread to describe the impoverished state of a man who visits a prostitute.  He not only wastes his money on something that does not really satisfy, but he also cheapens what is meant to be beautiful within the commitment of marriage. In allowing himself to be captivated by lust, he impoverishes his very soul. What could be romantic, noble and satisfying is reduced to something as ordinary and common as a piece of bread.

The warning in this verse can also apply to what goes on in my heart and mind. Jesus puts the standard very high teaching that secret lust is as serious as actual sexual sin (Matt. 5:28). The standard is put so high in order to safeguard what is meant to be beautiful. Rather than think of God’s Law as restrictive, I see His way as being what is most satisfying. Sexual immorality impoverishes whereas following God’s plan enriches and deepens a relationship.

Lord, protect my heart and mind from cheapening what You mean to be rich and satisfying.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2014)


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Reflections

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 27:19 “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”

This fox looks a little confused! The light and angle of the water is just right for him to see his reflection. Perhaps he is enthralled with himself or maybe he is startled to think he is not alone! I wonder how long he stood there looking at himself. Perhaps he stood rooted to the ground just until the image was distorted by a ripple in the water or a falling leaf.

Today’s verse likens the reflection of water to the way the heart of man is reflected in how he lives. It seems a very obvious statement. But there are so many things that muddy the waters and distort that reflection. A polished image on the outside can even be a distraction as to the state of our hearts. Add a suit and tie, a classy car, and a smooth tongue and assumptions are made as to the character of a man. A practiced smile and impeccable manners can go a long way to misrepresent who we really are. But eventually, like still waters reflect an image, so our hearts are revealed in the way we live our lives.

My heart is just as desperately wicked as described in Jeremiah 17:9. I am often deceived into thinking that I am really a pretty good person. But that is deception. I continually need His grace and forgiveness for all the hidden sins. The image I project to the world is lost on the Lord! He sees every ugly thought in my heart. The amazing thing is that He loves me anyway. He waits for me to turn my heart to Him for cleansing. He is always faithful to do it! And  when He does, His image in me is beautiful!

Lord, make my heart beautiful today.


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Humble Pie

Scripture for Today: James 4:6 “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”

This pie actually looks good! But the word “humble” in the expression “humble pie” actually came from a different word. In the early 1400’s “numble” was the word for chopped organ meat from venison, often baked in a pastry. The “n” was eventually dropped and the “h” added. Numbles were for the huntsmen, his family and his companions whereas the choice deer meat was sold to the upper class. Today, eating “humble pie” means to act apologetically and admit one’s error.

Today’s verse talks about more grace that is given to the humble. As undeserving as we are, those who can come clean with the Lord about their failures experience His favor. But there is something in all of us that bristles at the thought of admitting our errors. Sometimes, the only way it can happen is if we can point to extenuating circumstances! Or we can maybe admit we were wrong if someone can share our chagrin. Eating humble pie is never a very comfortable experience.

As difficult as it is to humble myself, His grace makes it worth it! I would much rather live in His undeserved favor than have Him be opposed to me. But each time I allow pride, stubbornness and determined independence from Him to creep into my day, I am foregoing His desire to bless me. Half the time I do not even realize it is happening as I am so full of myself! How good of Him to bring me to my knees in humility!

Forgive me my pride, Lord. Oh how I need your grace today!


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Hot Lips

Scripture for Today: Ecclesiastes 10:12 “Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips.”

When I hear the term, “Hot Lips’ I think of the character, Margaret, on the television show MASH. But in fact, Hot Lips is the name of this two-lipped tubular flower. It can be bright red, white, or a combination of the two. This perennial loves the sun and is drought resistant, needing little water. It can grow quickly and give the yard a cottage garden look. Their nectar is irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies and the flowers are edible to humans.

Today’s verse is one of many in Scripture that teach regarding our lips and what they reveal about us. This verse was written by King Solomon, known for his God-given wisdom. A wise person and a fool are distinguishable from one another by what comes out of their mouths. The words from a wise person are gracious and win him favor. But what comes from the lips of a fool destroys him. He starts out speaking foolishness but as he keeps babbling, his words become wicked madness.

In our image-conscious culture I am often surprised by classy well-dressed people who destroy that perfect picture by what comes out of their mouths. But I know I can sound the same way. My words are not always gracious, especially when responding to hurt or injustice. I can look the fool when I jump to a wrong conclusion and I react instead of thoughtfully responding. Speaking like a fool comes easy. It is a much more difficult challenge to speak wise gracious words. Thankfully, God offers His wisdom when I ask Him (James 1:5). And the control of my tongue can come through His Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).

Lord, make my words gracious today!