Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: House


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Snails

Scripture for Today: John 14:2 “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.”

For some, snails are a delicacy.  When I see a snail in my garden, I do not think of eating it.  I am annoyed at all it eats.  They are disgusting creatures who I suppose have their place in the food chain.  But one advantage snails have is they never have to move!  They carry their house on their back.  No change of residence, no packing boxes and no moving van.

I am feeling very nostalgic about the home in which we currently live but are soon to leave.  As I go through every cupboard and closet, I come across items that bring to mind precious memories of our eight years here.  Our time in this home of over one hundred years has been unique.  Will I ever again have a home that creaks as much, sleeps as many or has as many stairs?

Our verse for today talks about a future home that awaits those who belong to the Lord.  Jesus told His disciples that during their coming separation, He would be preparing a place for them.  As Jesus prepares a place for me, I wonder what it will be like.  For one, it will be eternal.  There will be no need to move.  When I enter this dwelling place prepared especially for me, I imagine breathing a deep sigh of relief and contentment.  It will immediately feel like home because I will be with its Builder!  No earthly house can ever compare to that sense of coming home.  It will be so perfect.  It will feel so right.

Thank you Lord, that my future “dwelling place” will be my true home!

 

 


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Location, Location, Location

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 19:23 “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”

When looking to buy real estate, it has been said that there are just three things that matter most; location, location, location!  The views enjoyed here make for a fabulous location, although I am not so sure about the access roads!

It will not be long before we will be changing location.  Change can be difficult.  The next location will have its advantages and disadvantages.  I wonder if I will be as happy and content in the new place.  The views will be different.  The climate and the neighbors will all change.  There will certainly be new challenges that come with settling in and adapting to different circumstances.

Our verse for today talks about the one who can rest content.  This verse in other versions says, “abides satisfied,” “rests secure,” or “serene.”  The fear of the Lord leads to a life that is content and serene, not fearing potential trouble.  When I think about changes ahead, I can move forward with a calm spirit.  Because I fear, worship, and serve the God of the universe, location is not such a big factor.

Whether I am on one side of the ocean or the other should not determine my contentment.  My satisfaction comes not from location, but from my relationship with the Lord.  He takes care of all matters of the heart.  He knows what makes me happy and has every power to fill my life with good gifts (James 1:17).  My role is to follow Him rather than my heart.  Because He is moving me, the new location will be nothing but positive!

Lord, help me remember that You are my contentment, regardless of my location.


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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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Building Up or Tearing Down?

house unnamedScripture for Today:  Proverbs 14:1  “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.”

I stopped to watch this demolition the other day.  I wondered how long the house had stood there.  Living in Europe, I am accustomed to older buildings and appreciate their charm.  Our own home is over one hundred years old.  But in just one day, this home came down.  All the memories associated with those rooms are gone.  All the stories lived out behind its walls are now a little harder to recall.  It made me a bit sad.

Our verse for today describes a house coming down.  It is very much in the power of a woman to make or break a household.  A foolish woman needs no help to bring the house down around her head.  But a wise woman will fight for her home and her family.  She will do everything in her power to protect those precious walls.

Who is the wise woman?  She is the one who fears the Lord first and foremost (Psalm 111:10).  Following God’s commandments in a marriage relationship and as parents is the surest way to keep that house standing.  A foolish woman will consider God’s way as old fashioned and antiquated.  Without realizing it, the foolish woman will tear her own house down little by little.  Before long the roof caves in and she wonders what has happened.

There are cracks in my walls every now and then.  Sometimes following God’s way is just difficult.  I need His help to obey.  Unless the Lord builds my house all this work will be for nothing (Psalm 127:1).  But the result is well worth the effort.

Thank you, Lord, that my house is still standing!  Keep me building my house Your way!


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Building a Home

Scripture for Today:  Proverbs 24:3-4  “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”

Could this cottage be any more perfect!  I love the weathered stone, the thatched roof and the greenery climbing all over it!  England claims the largest number of thatched roofs in Europe, but there are quite a few in France as well, called “toit de chaume.”  They are most often made of straw.  These roofs only need refurbishing every forty to fifty years.

It looks peaceful and quiet in this home, but I wonder.  It may not be as idyllic as it seems.  Our verse for today speaks of another building material; that of wisdom and understanding.  Without these components a house can very well be marked by conflict and strife.

Wisdom and understanding are not found at the local Home Depot.  There is only one true source.  Psalm 111:10 says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and those who do His commandments have understanding.  A house built on these principles is a home where peace can endure.

I do not know of a single Christian home where there is no conflict.  Put two family members in the same room and there will be two very divergent points of view.  Keeping the peace and reacting with wisdom and understanding is an impossible challenge without the Lord’s help.

The Lord desires for the home to be a safe place where one can express oneself without fear of being rejected.  His love is unconditional and my desire is to show that same quality of love.  It is never easy, but it is wise.

Lord, may my home be pleasant, built with Your wisdom and understanding.