Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Self Image


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Twins?

IMG_9349Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:14  “I will praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

The unthinkable actually happened.  We were visiting a chateau in the Loire Valley with friends and I crossed paths with my twin.  OK, so she was not my twin but we were wearing the same dress.  Normally, one does not strike up a conversation with a complete stranger in French society, but in this case an exception was made!  We had a good laugh and teased each other about our good taste and our different accessories.

More than once, I have almost stopped someone on the street, thinking they were someone else.  Looking similar is big business for the celebrity look-alikes.  But in fact, there are always differences between us, even among identical twins.  Each one of us is unique.

Our verse for today comes from a psalm of David that acknowledges God’s intimate knowledge of His creation.  From the very beginning in our mother’s womb, He has formed us to be exactly who we are.  Our particular combination of DNA is not by chance.  Each one of us can say we are unique, unlike anyone else.

The same can be said of our relationship with God.  Although all believers have the same access to God through His Son, Jesus, each of us relate to Him differently.  Our personalities, life experiences, our emotions and our understanding of God’s Word all play a part in this special and unique relationship.  There are no cookie-cutter ways to love and commune with Him.  His relationship with me is unique to me.  His relationship with you is unique to you.

He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Thank you Jesus, for being my King and my Lord.


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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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Pet ID

Tiger 996640_10152030118915115_1578389347_nScripture for Today:  Psalm 139:1-3  “O Lord, You have searched me and known me.  You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar, You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways.”

Our Tiger loves the outdoors.  As there are no fences between our neighbors, he freely roams where he likes.  I suppose Tiger cuddles up to our artificial Christmas tree because it reminds him of the tree out front.  I never said he was smart!

For years now, Tiger has had a computer chip in his neck.  We had the vet insert it with all the information needed in case he is lost.  It does not hurt Tiger and will last as long as 25 years!

Our verse for today is a beautiful description of God’s perfect and intimate knowledge.  Much better than a computer chip that tracks movement, He is aware of every movement and every thought!  Such knowledge is hard to imagine!  Not only is our God all-knowing, but He cares to take note of our smallest gesture.  He not only knows our thoughts but He understands why we think them!

Why would He care when I get up from this computer?  Why would He care when I worry about getting everything done in a day?  Because I belong to Him.  Because He loves me.  There is never a time when God is not thinking about me.  I know this is true from the number of thoughts He has toward me (verse 17 and 18).  They are as innumerable as all the grains of sand in the world.  In response, my soul echos the words of the hymn, “What wondrous love is this?”

Thank you Lord, for your detailed intimate knowledge and love for me!  Help me believe it today.


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Blushing

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 34:5 “They looked to Him and were radiant; their faces shall never blush for shame or be confused.”

Blushing is thought to be sweet and endearing.  But for the one experiencing it, the blushing just makes an embarrassing situation more difficult!  This involuntary reaction seems to be more prevalent when young.  That is understandable when the blushing is due to feeling awkward in a new social setting.  Most people tend to outgrow the problem.

There are articles written on how to avoid blushing in ten easy steps.  There are good tips available, but when blushing is due to shame, the world’s answers fall apart.  One suggestion advises to condition your body to believe there is no reason to blush.  Since it is involuntary, you are not to blame as you are not guilty of anything.  But the feeling of shame is legitimate when we are guilty.

Our verse for today refers to blushing that is caused by a sense of shame.  When looking to a righteous, perfect God, it would be natural to feel shame for our sin.  One’s first reaction would be to cover one’s face in the blinding light of His holiness!  But for those who fear the Lord and belong to Him, there is no more shame.  In His grace, He has paid for all our sin and shame with the sacrifice of His Son.  No one who trusts in Him will be condemned or held guilty (verse 22).

Because He has erased my sin and shame, I can look to Him and be radiant!  No longer will I blush for my past sins.  He has removed my sin and guilt as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12)!  Thank you, Lord, that my face can be radiant with Your forgiveness!


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Presentation is Everything!

Scripture for Today:  Colossians 1:22  “But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation.”

Living in France has given me a special appreciation for the finer points of dining.  The French believe that appetite starts with the presentation of a dish.  And they are right!  Looking for just the right picture of a well-presented meal has made me hungry!

When a platter is served with those small touches of creativity, the mouth waters in anticipation.  Even the addition of a little parsley can add so much.  At the open market this morning, the lady threw some parsley in with my vegetables, just because!  I have seen some beautiful presentations both in restaurants and in private homes that have added so much to the meal.

Our verse for today also talks of a presentation.  At one point we were estranged from God, hostile in our attitude as well wicked in our actions.  There was nothing beautiful or appealing in us.  Our sin made us ugly and unappealing.  But while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8).  There was nothing in us to attract His love.  It was all grace.

Because of what He did for me on that cross, I am now presentable!  Christ will one day present me faultless and irreproachable to the Father!  He has paid the ultimate sacrifice so that I can share in His righteousness.  When I am presented to the God of the universe, it will be without shame!  I will be beautiful and spotless!

Christ’s presentation of me to the Father is my solid hope; “dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne!”  Presentation is everything!