Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Holiness


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Like a Tree

IMG_20121124_121653Scripture for Today:  Psalms 1:3  “He shall be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season.  And its leaf does not wither.  And whatever he does, he prospers.”

This tree does not look like much without its leaves.  Even so, it seems stately and strong.  I can just imagine the shade it would provide in a different season.  The bench there looks so inviting.  Its branches are solid to give birds rest and shelter.  Its elevated location sets it apart.  It has withstood the winds and heavy snows over many years.

In our verse the righteous man who delights in obeying God’s Law is likened to a tree.  Like the tree, those who obey Him are  upright, strong and uncompromising.  The righteous one cannot be moved by the winds of adversity.  He is seen by others.  His stature is a testimony to the care and blessing that comes from obedience.

I am so thankful for that little phrase, “which yields its fruit in its season.”  The tree pictured here is not bearing fruit.  It is not the season.  However, it is still stately and strong as it awaits the next season.  There are times in my life when I wonder about the fruit I am producing.  However, when I am faithful to love and follow His Law, I can be assured of staying strong and healthy.  There is a time and season for every purpose under heaven (Eccl. 3:1).  God is the One who controls the seasons and produces the fruit in me.

I love this image of being a tree.  My roots are firmly planted in His unchangeable and good Law.  I will not be moved, regardless of the winds that buffet me.  I stand strong and prosper in life because of this promise!


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Love and Light

Scripture for Today:  I John 2:10 “The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him.”

It can seem very dark here in Alsace.  It is not that we live in the country.  But we are in a much less populated area than southern California.  Things are spread out and there just is not as much artificial light.  Sometimes between villages, my husband will turn off the headlights to impress our visitors with how dark it can get.  When walking at night, I always use my small key chain flashlight to avoid tripping.

Today’s verse talks about staying in the light.  Jesus is our light.  He illuminates the path of obedience we are to walk.  Obeying Him allows us to remain within the beam of that light.  It is easier to talk about obedience in general terms, but here the verse is very specific about one particular commandment; loving our brother.  We are at risk of falling when we do not love our brother.  It is like turning off the headlights or forgetting my flashlight.  Loving our brother as God commands keeps us in His light and on the right path.

I never realized before how closely linked are LOVE and LIGHT.  The amount of light I live with is dependent on how much I love my brother.  Quite frankly, I get used to my way being dimly lit.  My eyes adjust to the lack of light due to my lack of love.  I do not think to do anything about it…….until I stumble.  I trip on my lack of love.  How much better it is to make the effort to love.  My walk is so much more pleasant in the light!

Lord, help me to stay in Your light by my brother.


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This Means War!

Scripture for Today:

Ephesians 6: 12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

I thought it strange to see this menacing figure staring at me as I waited for my sushi take-out.  I am not sure why he was there or what the restaurant owners were thinking in their choice of decor!   He was quite large!  I would think they would want their establishment to be a welcoming place!

I snapped his picture because he made me think about the fact that I am a warrior too.  I do not think I look quite so threatening, but then it is not about looks.  In fact, the verse for today talks about our war not having anything to do with flesh and blood.  Our war takes place in the unseen spiritual realm.

God’s choice of me as one of His warriors is ludicrous!  My courage is so nonexistent that I need to enlist my husband in combat with a spider!  There is nothing in me to inspire fear.  However, the devil will flee from me according to James 4:7.  When I am subject to my Commander-in-Chief, He gives me the ability to resist the temptations of the enemy.

I am well-equipped in this battle so I have no reason to fear!  God has outfitted me with all the armor I need.  I can be strong in Him and the power of His might.  Not only that, I already know the outcome of this war.  I am on the winning side!  “If God be for us who can be against us?”  Romans 8:31  The answer is, no one.

Unlikely warrior that I am, I can be confident because of the One who goes before me.  Victory is mine!


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Choose!

Scripture for Today  Deuteronomy 30:19  “I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses;  therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live.”

This sign is not so clear, is it?  It looks as if either direction may work.  The signs in France can be almost as confusing to an American.  They seem to indicate a turn to the left when in fact they are pointing ahead, but at a slight angle.

This sign reminds me of the person who believes they can go two directions at once, even opposing ones, and do fine.  The verse today talks about making a choice.  These words were spoken by Moses to God’s chosen people.  In fact it was his farewell address.  Moses knew that the people would be tempted to follow after other gods while at the same time worshiping the Lord.  It doesn’t work.

There are times when we are tempted as well to have one foot in the world and one foot in the church.  Like the sign, that is going in two opposing directions.  There is a choice to be made.

It sure seems obvious which is the correct choice!  Wouldn’t one want life over death and blessing over curse?  The choice is just that clear.  When we follow the world’s values we are setting ourselves up for a life complicated by sin.  We miss out on God’s blessing.  Jesus said in John 14:6 that HE is the life!  Outside of Him there is death and curse.

I need to remind myself that even when the choice is difficult and I am tempted to go another way, choosing Him is worth it!  He rewards my obedience with blessing and life!


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Old Clothes

Scripture for Today:  Ephesians 4:22  “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.”

From time to time we all need to go through our closets and throw out what no longer works for us.  In France, one is more likely to go through the armoire, as built-in closets are not the norm.  Sorting means making some hard decisions, especially getting rid of that item we still like but is now too small!  We look to see what piece of clothing is outdated, needing repair or is a multiple.  Sometimes we are attached to an item only because of the memories it invokes or because of the person who gave it to us.

Our verse today is about putting off our old self.  Like a piece of clothing we are to take it off.  The old self or old nature is who we were before Christ changed us and gave us a new nature, resembling Him.  The old self is characterized in Eph. 4 by lies, sinful anger, stealing, unwholesome talk, bitterness, rage, brawling, slander and all malice.

If you are like me, some of these items are still hanging out in your closet!  Like a ratty comfortable robe, I slip back into habits that should not be a part of my wardrobe any longer.  I am often unaware of what I am wearing.  But those old clothes are NOT pretty.

I do have a choice.  Nothing obligates me to put my hand on that old worn out sin and wear it again today.  Because of Christ, I can be new.  I can have a whole new look, a look that resembles Him.  Help me Lord, to recognize the old and throw it out!