Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Hope


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Almond Blossoms

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 1:11-12 “The word of the Lord came to me; ‘What do you see, Jeremiah?’ ‘I see the branch of an almond tree,’ I replied. The Lord said to me, ‘You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.'”

The vineyards in the Alsacian countryside of France may still lie dormant. But the almond trees are in full bloom! Their delicate pink blossoms waft to the ground with the slightest breeze, leaving a sweet smelling carpet. Those fragile blossoms are a promise of what is to come. Their appearance signals that the almond harvest will follow.

Today’s verse is part of a conversation the prophet Jeremiah had with the Lord. At first glance the thread of the conversation does not seem obvious. Although it is reassuring to know that God’s word will always be fulfilled, what does God watching have to do with the almond tree? I love how the Lord plays with language in this verse! The Hebrew for “watching” sounds like the Hebrew word for “almond tree.” The Lord is reassuring this prophet and us too that His word is faithful and true. He will fulfill every promise.

When I see justice delayed or evil men prospering, it is easy to doubt God’s word. When I see God’s promises seemingly unfulfilled, I can easily grow impatient. Although my timetable may be different, His word will be fulfilled. No matter how many promises God has made, they are YES in Christ (II Cor. 1:20). And He has promised so much that is still in the future. Thankfully while I wait, He has given me those almond blossoms to reassure me that He has not forgotten. He is watching to make sure every word of every promise is fulfilled.

Thank you Lord, that You are watching.


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What Time Is It?

Scripture for Today: Romans 13:11 “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”

Time changes can be so annoying. Even just a one hour difference can completely throw us off! Daylight Saving Time has arrived and I find I am always checking the clock. I am not sure when to be tired or when to be hungry. But I am not the only one confused. This time change is used in over 70 countries and affects one billion people every year! It was first used in Canada in 1908. Throughout history, the changes have varied between two hours, 20, 30 or 40 minutes!

Today’s verse talks about an hour that has already come; the hour to wake up from spiritual slumber. The night is almost over and the day is about to arrive. This is something for which we need to be prepared. We are to understand our times, the present time and the time that is to come. Thankfully, God’s Word gives us signs for what is coming. Although there are lots of different ideas about how to interpret them, one thing is sure; our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed!

It is easy for me to be sleepy and to believe that things will always continue as they are. I need to “wake up” and realize that my time is limited. Knowing that Christ’s return could happen at any moment changes my priorities and how I live. When I live with this certainty, it makes me want to live a pure life that pleases Him (I John 3:2-3). I want to live wisely, making the most of every opportunity the Lord offers me (Eph. 5:15-16). I need to keep an eye on that clock!

Lord, wake me up today!


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Sunrise

Scripture for Today: Psalm 49:14a “They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd but the upright will prevail over them in the morning…”

There is something so hopeful about watching the sunrise! The darkest part of the night seems to be just before that magical moment. The darkness lightens in almost imperceptible degrees. And soon, the sun peeking over the horizon, colors the sky with with warmth. The sunrise represents a new day with new beginnings. And how special it is to share that time of sunrise with the one you love!

Today’s verse talks about the morning that is coming for the upright. Those who place their trust in God can look forward to the time when He will redeem them from the dead and take them to Himself. (verse 15) But for those who trust in themselves, the outlook is not so good. (verse 13) If they have depended on their own wealth and splendor, it does not serve them well in the life to come as they cannot take it with them. (verse 17) The upright have no reason to fear evil days ahead when surrounded by the wicked. (verse 5) With the arrival of the morning, those in right standing with God will prevail!

I cannot buy my salvation. I cannot save myself. My standing in the world does not impress the Lord. He is not awed by success or riches. I may enjoy admiration from others and even have lands named after me. (verse 11) But none of that matters in light of eternity. I bring nothing to the table but a humble broken heart. In His grace and mercy He accepts me, “just as I am without one plea,” except that He died for me. And because of His saving grace, I will prevail in the morning!

Thank you Lord, for the new day coming!


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Stunned by the Cold

Scripture for Today: Matthew 24:12-13 “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

The recent frigid temperatures in Texas have had some surprising victims! Over 5,000 sea turtles have had to be rescued off the coast. The cold has stunned the residents of Texas, causing all kinds of power outages and clean water problems. But the cold has literally stunned these turtles! The extremely low temperatures mean that these sea turtles can no longer move, eat, or keep their heads above water. They have grown too cold.

Today’s verse is part of the response Jesus gives to his disciples’ questions regarding the end times. Just as with birth pangs, there will be signs that will signal the end of the age. (verse 3) Those signs are disturbing. But perhaps the most disturbing is that love will grow cold. When there is no love there is no regard for one’s neighbor and there is no check on wickedness. But when there is love for one another, “..love covers over a multitude of sins.” (I Peter 4:8) Without love, sin runs rampant.

I am so glad this hard passage ends on a positive note! Those who stand firm to the end will be saved! I will not stand firm without drawing from His strength! My knees become weak when it seems as if evil is winning. When I see God’s justice delayed and the wicked prosper, it is easy to give up. When so many around me are deceived by so-called science and humanism, I could easily throw in the towel. But the story is not over yet, and the ending will be a triumphant one when HE returns on the clouds with power and great glory! (vs 13)

Lord, keep me standing firm.

 


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Goose Barnacles

Scripture for Today: Philippians 3:21 “who by the power that enables him (Jesus Christ) to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”

Photo by John Turnbull https://www.flickr.com/photos/71925535@N03/6498240597/

Have you ever wondered why this barnacle is named after a goose? The long black “neck” or stalk and the white triangular “head” or body of the barnacle could perhaps remind one of a goose. But for the superstitious living in thirteenth century Europe, their appearance explained the disappearance of the geese at certain times each year. Belief that barnacles transformed themselves into geese was a fanciful way to explain bird migration.

Today’s verse talks about a transformation that is real. It is the future of every believer that one day, our lowly bodies will be transformed to be like Christ’s glorious resurrected body. Christ’s power enables Him to have all the control and to accomplish this. It is because of this incredible truth that the believer can stand firm in the faith. (verse 58) The perishable will be transformed to imperishable, the dishonor transforms to glory, the weakness becomes power and the natural will be spiritual! (I Cor. 15:43-44)

That is quite a transformation! Though my deteriorating body breaks down over time, transformation is coming! Even in the face of my eventual death, I can look forward to a new resurrected body! Death will be swallowed up in victory! (verse 56) My new body will be strong, healthy, eternal and without flaws. Hard to imagine but it is what He has promised. With this new body there will be no sinful fleshly impulses to fight against. With this new body, I will not need a pocket for tissues. But most exciting, with this new body, my eyes will see God!

Thank you Lord, for the transformation You promise!