Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Salvation


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Freedom

the 2nd plate unnamedScripture for Today:  Ephesians 3:12  “In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”

Lately, I have been finding limited edition collector plates in thrift stores.  The French and Germans do not always understand pricing on these items and at only one euro, I am not too willing to tell them!  This plate has been prominently displayed in our dining room for years.  I am proud of the part that America played in WWII.  Liberating France was one of our finer moments.  The celebration of freedom pictured here warms my heart.  There is confident joy as this parade makes its way down the boulevard  unimpeded.

Our verse for today speaks of a new freedom we have with God.  There is a new and living Way to enter God’s presence; through His Son, Jesus.  No longer is the system of animal sacrifice needed as Jesus was our perfect sacrifice once and for all (Hebrews 10:19-20).  Because of what Christ did on that cross, I have freedom and confidence to approach the God of the universe in His very throne room!

For the French to spill out on to the street with confidence and celebrate their new freedom, they had to believe the war was really over.  Imagine if they had not believed it but continued hiding in their homes!  Our victory has been secured by Christ, but there is no celebration, freedom, or confidence to approach God without believing in what He accomplished for us!

Because of Christ and my faith in Him, I have daily access to God.  He liberated me at a huge price to make it possible!  No longer do I have to cower in fear and shame for sin.  He invited me close in and lifts up my head.  What freedom!  What confidence!  Thank you, Lord.

 


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In Debt

piano unnamedScripture for Today: Luke 7:14-42  “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender.  One owed him five hundred denari and the other fifty.  Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debt of both.  Now which of them will love him more?”

As a rule we do not purchase items “on time.”  But early in our marriage we made an exception for this piano.  My husband knew how important piano playing was to me and so one day he surprised me.  He had it wrapped in a big red bow!  When the monthly bills began to arrive, the amount of interest required took the joy right out of that purchase!  In fact, it bothered him so much, we quickly paid the piano off ahead of time.  We did not feel comfortable being “in debt.”

In our verse for today, Jesus is speaking to Simon, a pharisee.  Simon is appalled that a sinful woman would dare to anoint the feet of Jesus.  Jesus challenges this pharisee’s self-righteous thinking with a short parable.  Those who have been forgiven much will love much.  Those who have been forgiven little will only love a little (verse 47).   Both debtors have had their debt erased.  But the one with the bigger debt is more motivated to show love and gratitude.

The more I realize the enormity of my sin, the more amazed I am that Christ paid my debt.  The more I realize the ugliness of my heart, the more grateful I am for His cleansing.  When I take a good hard look at myself, I realize that Jesus has forgiven me “much.”

My debt for sin was huge and impossible to pay.  How much better to be indebted to His grace!  “Oh to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be.”


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Lost!

langres_portehoteldevilleScripture for Today: Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Randy and I got ourselves hopelessly lost last week. We were in Langres, a medieval village in Haute Marne with my French chorale.  The ramparts surrounding it are 3.5 kilometers long with twelve towers and nine gates.  On entering one gate we were told where to meet the bus, 500 meters to the right.  The problem was, all the gates looked so similar with the same arch.  We were panicked trying to meet up with that bus!   How could we possibly know where we were going if we had no idea where we were?  We were afraid we would have to go to each of the nine gates and check for a parking lot to the right of it!  Our bus driver very kindly circled a bit to find us!

Our verse for today is all about being lost.  It comes after three parables describing a lost sheep, a lost coin and a lost son.  Jesus came to this earth to seek out the lost ones.  Those lost do not understand where they are nor where they are going.  What is worse is not realizing one is lost!

Being lost in Luke’s three parables meant separation from one’s owner or one’s Father.  It is the same for us.  When we live a life separate from our Creator, we lose the sense of who we are, where we are and where we are going!  He made us to enjoy a relationship with Him.  Being found is what answers all those age-old philosophical questions.

It is amazing that Jesus loved me enough to search for me and find me!  I am no longer lost.  I am found in Him.  In His arms I am home.


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Knees

Scripture for Today:  Isaiah 45:22-23 “Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth.  For I am God, and there is no other.  I have sworn by Myself, the word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness and will not turn back, that to Me every knee will bow and every tongue will swear allegiance.”

I tweaked my knee the other day going up a long flight of outdoor stairs.  The depth of the steps changed mid-way up and I was not paying attention.  All day long my knee protested every time I tried to bend it. Now I have a new understanding for those with knee problems!

I do hope my knees stay in good shape!  I love kneeling down on the floor to play with my grandson.  But  my knees play a more important role, that of kneeling in awe and worship before my King.

Our verse for today tells us that every knee will bow in reverence to God.  Every tongue will one day acknowledge His rule.  Kneeling is a position of helplessness and humility.  When one bows the knee it  shows respect and honor.  It is an acknowledgement of God’s absolute right to  judge.  He is both righteous Judge and Savior.  He offers His salvation to all who turn to Him in faith.

I bend my knee to Jesus here on this earth as He is my Savior and Lord.  On that future day, every knee will bow to Him as Judge.  God will not be mocked and His righteousness will prevail.  It is a sobering thought that all knees will eventually bow, but for many it will be too late and out of obligation.

“Come, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker,” with grateful hearts for His love and salvation!


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Snakes

Scripture for Today: Numbers 21:9  “So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole.  Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.”

Snakes are fascinating and disgusting all at once.  I am either afraid or repelled by them.  From time to time, Tiger, our cat, will bring a garden snake into the house to play.  Snake removal is a role I happily give to my husband!

Men do not normally have the same reaction to snakes as women.  I am sure I am overgeneralizing but it is true that as a result of the fall there is enmity between snakes and women (Gen.3:15).  Also, because of the fall, the snake is especially cursed above any other creature.

Our verse for today is in the context of severe discipline for the Israelites.  They were once again complaining, regardless of the fact that God was providing for their every need.  As punishment, they were bitten by snakes.  However, God showed mercy by providing a cure to their deadly bite.  If they would look up to the bronze snake lifted high on a standard they would be healed.  As strange as it may seem, I imagine there were some who refused to look.

God continues to show mercy today.  He has provided a cure for the most deadly disease; our own sin (Romans 6:23).  Jesus took the punishment for my sin on the cross.  But He requires of me that I look up to that cross in faith.

The cross is foolishness and a stumbling block for so many.  How heartbreaking to see those who could be healed but refuse to look to Him in faith!  I am so grateful Lord, that I looked and that You showed me mercy.