Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Holiness


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Downsizing!

Scripture for Today: Philippians 3:8  “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.  I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”

We are getting ready for a big transatlantic move.  Because we will be downsizing, there is quite a lot to sort through.  After twenty five years in France, items have piled up in cupboards, drawers, armoires, and the attic.  It is an emotional roller coaster to decide what is worth keeping and what I must let go.  There are so many precious memories attached to so many things.   The questions are endless.  Will this fit in the smaller place?  Will I someday regret throwing this?  A particular object may not be my style, but I hang on to it because it was a gift from my kids.  There are boxes and boxes of photos from pre-digital times.

Sifting through all the accumulated stuff has made me think of what Paul said in our verse for today.  He counts everything as “rubbish” when compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ.  The context is in reference to all his accomplishments in being a good Pharisee.  His own efforts in earning salvation are only rubbish.

I do not feel guilty to have some attachment to my “things.”  It is normal.  But when I compare them to the treasure of knowing and loving Jesus Christ, then indeed, it is all rubbish.  When I place that item in the box for the thrift store, I know that it makes no difference whatsoever when looking at eternity.  Whatever it is, it will not last.  Only two “things” will last forever; our souls and His Word.

Keep me focused, Lord, on what is really important!


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Tenacious Ivy

IMG_20140414_150502Scripture for Today: Romans 12:9 “Love must be sincere.  Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”

I have lots and lots of ivy in my yard.  When we first moved here I thought it was so pretty.  When I saw my landlord ripping out big chunks of it I was horrified!  Years later I understood.  Give ivy an inch it will take a mile.  If I do not hack it back, it takes over these retaining walls.  With enough neglect it would eventually take over our sitting area.

No matter how thorough I am in ripping it out, it always comes back.  It is tenacious and determined.  After working on it my hands are sore as I type.  It clings so tightly.  In fact, the word, “tenacious” means “to cling tightly.”

Our verse for today tells us we are to hate what is evil and cling to what is good.  The context is sincere love for other believers.  We are to be tenacious and cling tightly to doing what is good towards God’s family.  A sincere love for other believers will not tolerate any evil or compromise.  This is a love that does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth (I Cor. 13:6).  It is a love that forgives.  It is good and entirely pure, never false or hypocritical.

The world’s idea of love is polluted with evil.  We are tempted to show that kind of love as it is easier.  But instead of letting go of God’s standard, we are to be tenacious and cling to what is good and pure.  Oh how I need His help.  It is too easy to compromise and let go of the good.

Make me tenacious, Lord.  May I cling to You and to what is  truly good.

 


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Half and Half

creamer1Scripture for Today:  Psalm 119:113  “I hate double-minded people, but I love Your law.”

The myriad of choices having to do with coffee preferences can completely confuse me.  In a specialty coffee shop, no one would want to be behind me, waiting for me to make up my mind.  Just when I think I have it figured out, I am directed toward the cream counter.  There again I am faced with choices.  There are often three different possibilities; whole milk, non-fat milk or half and half.  I do not want my coffee too rich or too watery, so I usually end up with the half and half.  My thinking is that it has to be a good compromise.

Compromise can be a good thing in many areas of life, but certainly not in our obedience to the Lord.  Our verse for today contrasts loving God’s law with a double-minded approach.  The double-minded individual will sometimes obey God’s law, but not always.  There is a lack of true commitment.  If obedience costs something or is inconvenient, then the double-minded person will do what is easy and convenient.  James 1:17 describes this person as unstable in all his ways.  There is no constancy.  Their commitment to God is as variable as the ocean waves.

I do not want to be that person.  Loving God’s law does not mean I will always keep it.  David failed and so do I.  Thankfully, I am under grace and not law because of Jesus.  But it is always my desire to follow what God wants, even when it is difficult.  There is blessing in my life as a result of obedience.  There is nothing but pain and heartache when I do not obey.

Lord, keep me from being half and half in my obedience to You!


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Proud Eagle

eagle1970647_10201741368512184_283370718_nScripture for Today: Obadiah 1:4  “‘Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,’ declares the Lord.”

There is nothing more regal looking than the proud eagle!  Its keen vision and powerful flight makes it stand out from other birds.  It symbolizes strength and independence.  Their nests are built in the top quarter of the tallest trees.  These nests are high and inaccessible and from that vantage point they can easily spot their prey.

There is something about being at a higher elevation that makes one feel strong and invincible.  Years ago we visited Adlerhorst, or Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s military command complex.  It was built in a beautiful mountainous area behind and underneath the Krarsberg Castle.  The eagle was a symbol of the Third Reich, but Eagle’s Nest, refers to the elevated position and commanding view.  Of course, the Lord brought down its proud former resident.

Our verse for today is a warning from the prophet, Obadiah, to Israel’s enemy, Edom.  They were feeling proud and secure, trusting in their own defenses.  Pride, or haughty eyes is something the Lord particularly hates (Prov. 6:16).  Pride sets itself up against God and leads to just about every other sin.  At the heart of every disobedience is the prideful feeling that I do not need God, that rules do not apply to me, or that I somehow know better than my Creator what is good for me!  No wonder He hates it!

I am so grateful to be forgiven and under no condemnation in Christ (Rom. 8:1).  Even so, my pride can get me in so much trouble!  How much grace I forgo by my lack of humility! (James 4:6)

Lord, help me recognize and confess my pride.  I do not want to miss out on your grace today!


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Window Cleaning

Scripture for Today:  John 16:8  “When He comes (the Holy Spirit) He will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin, righteousness and judgement.”

Spring is not really here yet, but because of a few days of sunshine, I decided I had better clean my windows.  I do not usually notice how dirty and streaked they are.  But with the arrival of the sun, all of a sudden I see the dirt that has been clouding my view!  Out comes the ladder, the cleaning supplies and the newspapers.  The sunshine shows me exactly where to concentrate my efforts.  My arms are sore but it is a great feeling to have those windows free of dirt and the sunshine unobstructed, lighting up the rooms!

In our verse for today, the role of the Holy Spirit is described by Jesus to His disciples.  Not only will He guide us into truth (verse 13) but He will also convince men of what sin is, what righteousness is, and the certainty of the coming judgement.  It is because of the Spirit’s conviction that men see the need for confession and come to Him for forgiveness.

Just like windows that are cloudy from unnoticed dirt, so are the lives of those who ignore God’s conviction.  His light shows us where cleaning is needed.  There are spots and streaks we do not see without Him showing us.  His forgiveness clears out the dirt.  I sometimes find myself arguing over a small spot here or there.  Is this really sin?  Couldn’t I just leave it as it is so small?  But His truth keeps pointing it out until I agree with Him and allow His forgiveness to cleanse it.

Thank you Lord, for forgiveness and giving back to me sweet warm and sunny fellowship with You!