Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Salvation


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Bow and Arrow

Scripture for Today:  Romans 3:23-24 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came through Christ Jesus.”

As a skinny-armed adolescent my archery experience was short lived at camp.  It just hurt my arms too much to pull back that bow.  Living in Europe so long I have had more opportunity than most to see archery competitions and shows.  These expositions seemed to always be a part of local village fairs.  And I have seen some impressive displays of strength and precision.  It is beautiful to watch, as long as the target was not something living!

Today’s verse describes missing the target of God’s glory.  This word for “sin” denotes falling short of the intended goal.  Some may get closer than others but all of us fall short of God’s absolute perfection.  We can strive an entire lifetime to live up to God’s standard, but we do not have the momentum to get there without His grace.  In the Archer’s hands we are stretched with His power and pointed in the right direction.  Believers are declared righteous because of Christ reaching that goal of perfection for us.

Although I am redeemed through Christ’s sacrifice, the Archer still pulls back on my bow.  I know that He uses my problems and difficulties to stretch me.  He uses the tension to mature me in my faith.  The goal is to make me more and more like His Son.  There is no pain that is wasted.  He uses it all for His plan and His glory.  I may not understand it all but I know I can trust His strong capable hands.  He knows what He is doing.

Thank you Lord, for slowly transforming me.


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Cherry Picking

Scripture for Today: Romans 3:23-24 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely through His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

Two cherry laden trees sat untouched half way through my vineyard walk.  Every day I would check on their progress.  Today the cherries were not only at their peak but some were even rotting on the branches.  It seemed the most natural thing to do to help myself to a few hand fulls.  The sweet juice dripped all over my fingers, staining them red and purple.  Although I was sure the owner would not mind, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I could be caught “red-handed” as technically I had taken something not belonging to me!

Today’s verse explains that we are all red-handed.  “Sin had left a crimson stain” on all of our hands as we are all guilty of breaking God’s perfect law.  There is no way to remove that stain on our own.  But thankfully, one pair of hands are not red but nail-scarred.  Because of His amazing grace we are justified or declared righteous through what Christ did on that cross.  He sacrificed Himself freely out of love for us and not because we deserved it.

I want clean hands and a pure heart.  It is only then that I can enjoy Him, receive blessing and vindication from Him (Ps. 24;3-5).  But there is no cleansing without the humility to admit guilt and come clean with the Lord.  Rather than hiding my hands behind my back, He invites me to discover grace and forgiveness.  He is faithful and just to always forgive and give me a clean start. (I John 1:9)

Thank you Lord, that I can always come clean with You.


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Truth or Consequences

Scripture for Today: Romans 2:7-8 “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.”

At the risk of sounding ancient, I will admit to remembering this old television show!  It originated on radio in 1940 and became popular on television in the 50’s.  It had quite a run broadcasting its last show in 1988.  The idea was to pick contestants from the audience, ask a question impossible to answer, then require a stunt to perform as the “consequence.”  But really the only consequence to not knowing the truth was looking silly.

Today’s verse describes those who have heard the truth but reject it.  They are characterized by selfish lifestyles and evil choices.  This passage describes them as having stubborn and unrepentant hearts.  That indicates that they have experienced conviction and guilt, but have chosen to ignore it.  There does not seem to be any immediate consequence to their rejection, but the context talks about storing up God’s righteous wrath and anger.  In His grace, He holds off the consequences which must surely come.  But eventually, “trouble and distress” are in store for those who continue to do evil (verse 9).

Those are pretty negative consequences.  But for the believer, glory, honor and peace are promised for those who do good! (verse 10)  Knowing and believing His absolute truth is motivating.  Being convinced of the truth of His Word motivates me to persevere, regardless of the fluctuating ideas of “truth” around me.  It is not “a truth” by which I live my life but “the truth” in the person of Jesus Christ! (John 14:6)

Thank you Lord, for the wonderful positive consequences of embracing Your truth!

(Look familiar?  This is a re-post due to summer ministry schedule.)

 


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Straddling

Scripture for Today: Deuteronomy 30:19 “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live”

There is nothing so frustrating as being behind a driver who is straddling two lanes!  My first inclination is to pass him and get well away.  But I sure would not try to pass in either of the two lanes he is using.  Chances are he would decide on my lane just as I am passing!  Better to bide my time and wait until he makes his intentions clear.

The choice of a traffic lane is one of a myriad of choices we make in a day.  But far more important is our choice of whether we turn toward or away from the Lord.  Today’s verse makes it clear that there is a choice to be made.  There is no possibility of “straddling lanes.”  We either turn our hearts toward God in obedience or we turn away from Him in rebellion.

I love how this verse reveals God’s loving heart as He urges us to choose life and blessing.  He reassures us that what He asks is not too difficult or beyond reach (verse11-14).  He promised life, blessing, and protection for the Israelites ready to cross over into the Promise Land.  And today He promises an abundant life for all those who belong to Him (John 10:10).  Choosing Him is choosing a life consumed with loving Him, listening to His voice and holding fast to Him (verse 20).  Choosing Him is living a life that is worth living.  The Lord is my life.  I cannot even imagine living life without Him!

Thank you Lord, for giving me a choice and the privilege of choosing You!

(Look familiar?  This is a re-post due to summer ministry schedule.)


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The Gavel

Scripture for Today: Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The tapping of a gavel in a courtroom can mean different things.  When tapped twice, everyone is to rise.  When it is tapped three times, all are to be seated.  There can be repeated vigorous tapping to restore order.  One tap may be used to declare a matter settled and finished.  With the tap of a gavel comes all the power of that court.  When that gavel is brought down there is a decision made.  And that symbol of authority brings with it a certain finality.

In the courts of heaven, the gavel comes down with unquestionable authority.  God has every right to proclaim someone guilty or not guilty.  He is our righteous Judge and all His judgements are true and just.  Today’s verse is a wonderful assurance for the one who has placed their faith in Jesus.  There is no fear of that gavel coming down.  The believer is justified, or declared righteous, not because of our own deeds but because of being credited with His righteousness (Romans 4:22-25).  The just punishment that we rightly deserve has been fully met by His death on the cross.  The righteousness Jesus achieved has been laid to our account!

It has been decided.  The gavel has already come down.  I do not have to live in fear and doubt.  He declared, “It is finished,” on that cross.  How amazing that I can stand before Him, declared righteous!  There is peace with God now and throughout eternity.  My heart is not troubled because of my guilt and sin.  His forgiveness and declaration has established heartfelt peace, relief, and the joy and hope of heaven!

Lord, how can I ever express my gratitude?

(Look familiar?  This is a re-post due to summer ministry schedule.)