Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Hope


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Renovation

3563583617_df2bbee613Scripture for Today: Psalm 122:1 “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.”

Our small condo is slowly being renovated.  Each time we visit to see how the work is progressing, I try to be realistic.  It all takes longer than I had anticipated.  Thankfully, we do not need to live there during the work.  With each visit, new things are seen that should be changed or upgraded.  I will be very glad when all the work is finally finished.

Our verse for today speaks about being glad to enter the house of the Lord.  To be with other believers and worship our Lord together is a glad event.  However, we are all in the process of some serious renovation in that house.  There may be some rough edges on people that need sanding down to make smooth.  There may be a hanging hinge on a door which makes opening up difficult to do.  Perhaps, there are “damaged” people in that house that need repair.  Can I really be glad to enter a house like that?  Wouldn’t it be better to come in after all the renovations were complete?

I can be glad to enter the Lord’s house knowing that God is working in others just as He is working in me.  He promises to continue working right up to the day of His return (Phil. 1:6).  The on-going changes He is producing in others are the same kinds of renovations He is doing in me.  As believers, we are all in the process of change and growth into the very image of His Son.  It is a renovation that we live with, knowing that the outcome is worth it!

Lord, help me to be patient with Your work in me, and in others!

 

 


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Slow in Coming!

Scripture for Today: II Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness.  Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Our third grandson is officially late in making his entrance into this world, at least according to the doctor’s best guess.  Everyday we wait with bated breath thinking, “Is this the day?”  We are all on pins and needles.  Everything is in readiness and we have even been able to get some extra projects done.  The time seems to drag by and even slow down as we wait and wait.  Maybe it will be today!

It occurred to me that just as we wait for the coming of a baby with breathless excitement, so we are to wait for Christ’s coming.  Our verse for today refers to His second coming.  The time can seem long as we wait.  It can especially seem long when living in a difficult and arduous time.  There will be sweet relief from all kinds of pain when Christ arrives.  For those who do not belong to Him, the day will bring judgement rather than relief.  But for those who long for His return there is a special recompense (II Tim. 4:8)

There are many people who mock the idea of Christ’s return to earth.  “Where is this coming?” they ask. (II Peter 3:4)  He is slow in arriving, but our verse explains why that is.  He waits, showing love and patience for more men to come to Him in repentance and so be spared His judgement.

The words of this old hymn often come to mind, “Oh Lord Jesus how long, how long, ere we shout the glad song, Christ returneth!”  Maybe it will be today!


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The Colors of Hope

Scripture for Today:  Colossians 3:3-4  “For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.”

I love the seasonal changes in Alsace.  The colors of fall are remarkable, especially in the sunlight.  The hillsides can look like they are on fire with the reds.  I wants to imprint these colors on my memory as winter is just around the corner.  The trees will be barren and everything will seem drab and grey.  These leaves face their demise with a burst of color, as if trying to make the most of the little time left to them.

I have the privilege of teaching the Bible to a group of women in their 80’s.  They are each at a point of their lives where they are knocking on the door of Eternity.  They have fought the good fight.  They have run the race.  The fact that these women stand firm in their faith, if not on their legs, is a vibrant color to me!  Their courage is a beautiful sight to see.  Their bust of color is their testimony to others before leaving this earth.

Our real lives are not here.  We have already died and our real lives are hidden with Christ.  One day when Christ is revealed, our real redeemed selves will be revealed as well.  The color of our lives will then be permanent.   No more waiting and hoping.  No more suffering or death.  Hope will be realized in Him.  A  color-filled season awaits us and it is an eternal one.  What a season that will be!

Thank you Lord, for the vibrant color of Your future glory in me!  You are my hope.


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Letting Go

Scripture for Today: Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

I am not ready to let my Dad go.  Even though he has enjoyed a long life of ninety-two years and suffers from severe dementia, I still want him around.  Regardless of the circumstances and age of a loved one, it always seems too soon to let them go.

I know I am being selfish.  Everything wonderful awaits him in Heaven.  This butterfly reminds me of the new life and new body he is enjoying.  He is now experiencing “astonished joy!”

Our verse for today promises joy and peace for the one who puts their trust in Jesus.  Instead of experiencing despair, God fills the heart with hope.  Even when anticipating death, there is hope.  It is not natural.  It is supernatural and it is the Holy Spirit who produces this hope.  It can only happen through His power.  And it can only happen as we trust in Him.  The more I can trust Him and His plan, the more I can experience the joy and peace coming from this hope.  How can anyone face suffering and death without the sure hope we have in Jesus and the eternal home He has planned?

I am sad.  But there is peace and joy as I think of where my Dad is now, and that one day we will be reunited.  It is never the end.  I thank my wonderful Heavenly Father for this living hope that sustains me.  May this same hope sustain you, the reader, in whatever you are facing today.

 


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Anchored

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 16:8  “I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”

(A re-post during a time of troubled water)

I have always loved the movement of the ocean.  In my college years I took sailing as an elective class.  The more waves there were the more I enjoyed the ride and the challenge.  Thankfully, I have never had a problem with sea-sickness, unlike some members of my family!  During those classes I always had the teacher with me and we would only go out in fair weather.  There was no need for an anchor to ride out a storm or keep us immobile.

Would that my life would be the same kind of smooth sailing!  Instead, the water is often choppy and the skies threatening.  The ride is not always so pleasant.  With disturbing news comes all kinds of movement.  Everything seems to spin out of control and one’s only thought at a time like that is to hold on tight.

The problem comes when I hold on tight to something that moves.  God does not.  My own “can do” attitude or my own positive thoughts are not stable.  My emotions are all over the place!  Support and understanding from friends can disappoint.  They are well meaning but not consistent.  There is only one true source of stability in my life; my Heavenly Father.  Our verse for today reminds me that with His presence at my right hand, I will not be moved.

He is my hope and the anchor of my soul (Hebrews 6:19).  He does not lie and He will do what He has promised to do.  My Anchor is sure and steadfast.  The water may continue to be choppy and the skies threatening, but my Anchor will hold me steady.  Lord, keep me holding on!