Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Service


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Tools

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 13:20a-21  “Now may the God of peace……equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.  Amen”

Being that my husband is not a handyman type, our tool box leaves a bit to be desired.  It is not surprising  that no one seems to want to borrow our tools!  We have only the minimum and somehow they sit in disarray in a corner of the basement.  We are spoiled with a landlord and with friends who are talented with tools and always willing to help.

It is important to have some tools though.  I remember in high school a group of us were returning from Bible study and the car broke down.  The driver confidently went to the trunk for tools and presented us with a hammer and a roll of duck tape!  That was not going to do much!

Our verse for today is reassuring.  God promises that He will equip us to do anything and everything that He asks of us!  He has given us His Spirit, infusing us with His power!  He has given us special spiritual gifts to serve Him better.  He has given us the fruit of His Spirit and the teaching of His Word.

There have been times in my life I have been nervous about what He might ask of me should I completely surrender my will to Him.  But I have lived this truth; my God is a gracious God.  He does not ask something of me without enabling me to accomplish it!  He is at work in me using all those tools.  Thank you, Lord, that You are faithful to equip me to do Your will today.


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Rewards

IMG_20121210_105052Scripture for Today:  Colossians 3:23-24  “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”

We all love to be rewarded and recognized for what we do!  My husband has collected a number of trophies over the years for winning basketball tournaments.  They sit proudly on the top shelf of a bookcase in our study.  On the rare occasions when I dust them, I think about those happy proud moments when he was honored along with his team.

The Lord understands our need for recognition and reward and how they help to motivate us.  But there is a reluctance to talk about rewards.  It is like we are embarrassed that we need them.  There is the idea that somehow working for reward is a motive that is suspect.  And yet, the teaching of rewards is found throughout Scripture.

Our verse for today is quite clear about linking reward to our motivation to work hard.  It is for Him that we  work and not for the approval and recognition of men.  It is always nice, of course, to have that pat on the back from men too.  But it does not always come.

There are many times that others do not see what we do, or in seeing, say nothing in the way of thanks or appreciation.  Those words of approval are important to keep us going.  We are just made that way. That is why we need to be reminded of God’s rewards.  He sees.  He knows.  He is pleased with our service to Him.

His approval, His approbation, His reward keep me going.  Please Lord, may I one day hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”


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Fruit

Scripture for Today:  John 15:5  “I am the Vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”

In the vineyards behind our house some varieties of grapes have already been harvested.  But there are others still there even while the leaves are turning golden.  These varieties produce a “vendage tardive” and are much sweeter for having been on the vine longer.  Our landlords share them with us and they are so juicy and sweet.

Of course, these grapes would not be at the point of maturity if they had somehow been separated from the vine.  But imagine one variety of grape looking at another that is harvested first and wondering when their day will come!  These grapes have to wait a bit longer for their fruit to be sweeter.  In the meantime they have to REMAIN connected to the vine.

There are times in the life of every believer when one wonders when fruit will come.  It is easy to look at other Christians and their fruit.  But theirs is a different variety.  Their spiritual gifting is different.  Maybe the number of years they have been connected to the Vine is longer.  In any case, we are to STAY connected and await God’s timing for the harvesting of His fruit.

The Father is the Vinedresser.  He is the One responsible for fruit production, whatever variety, whatever  the timing of the harvest.  My responsibility is to stay connected to Jesus, my Vine.  Without Him there is no fruit of any kind.  I need to resist the temptation of looking around at the other branches and wondering about why their fruit is bigger or sweeter.  Lord, please produce fruit in me in Your way and in Your time.