Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Submission


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Shoes as Art?

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 6:14-15 “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace.”

We were recently in Ghent, Belgium where we enjoyed wonderful chocolate, french fries and waffles!  But most impressive was the unusual architecture.  We were always looking up at the decorative tops of buildings when I spied these hanging shoes.  I assumed it was someone’s idea of art, but perhaps it had some other significance.  In any case, we had done so much walking that I wondered if some tourists gave up touring the city by giving up their shoes!

Our verse for today comes from the list of items needed to wage spiritual war.  One ignoble piece is footwear.  It seems less important than some other pieces having to do with protection or combat.  Yet, this piece of equipment tells us what the desired outcome of our battle is to be.  Our entire goal in fighting the forces of evil is to present others with the Gospel.  It is something that Satan will oppose and do his best to prevent.  It is in his interest to foster a reluctant spirit to speak the Good News to others.

This is a Gospel of peace between God and man.  Our feet are to be well shod and ready to go at God’s command.  He directs us to those who He has prepared with open heats and minds.  We are ready to obey His directives by listening to the leading of His Spirit.  It requires putting our own desires on hold in order to get up and go!

Regardless of what this day may bring, keep my feet in readiness Lord, to share Your Gospel!


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Physically Fit?

Scripture for Today: I Timothy 4:8 “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Of course being physically fit is important.  I am not athletic but having a husband that is helps me see the value of keeping those muscles firm.  However, no matter how active one is throughout life, there comes a time when the body breaks down.  Hopefully, it will be later rather than sooner when one has led an active life.

My Mother at the age of ninety-two has finally agreed to use a walker.  She is in good company with others doing the same.  The dining hall where she lives looks like a small parking lot filled with walkers!  Being physically fit has a different and limited meaning at that advanced age!

Our verse for today compares the value of physical fitness with spiritual fitness.  The one will last only a limited time.  The other will last as long as life does, and then some more, into eternity!  Godliness has value for every situation life presents.  Being godly shapes an entire life.  The value of a godly life is in being like the Lord.  His character reproduces itself in us as we submit and obey Him.  Rather than growing weaker with age, godliness can grow stronger.

Just as staying physically fit takes determination and effort, so does cultivating godliness.  It is not in our nature to produce it on our own.  Godliness is something that the Lord produces in us as a natural result of closely following His commands.  But that takes prolonged and intense effort.

Lord, I may not finish physically strong, but may I be more godly tomorrow than I am today!

 

 

 


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Germs!

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 7:1  “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reference for God.”

I do not think I am a “germaphobic,” but I do admit having one of these hand sanitizers always within arm’s length!  My husband with his chemistry background has concocted his own solution for just pennies.  It does not smell as nice as the store bought variety but it gets the job done.  I think the concern over germs comes from his side of the family.  We bought my mother-in-law a plaque that says, “Jesus and germs are everywhere.  So wash your hands and say your prayers!”  I am not sure our preventive measures keep us healthier than anyone else, but I would like to think so!

Our verse for today talks about being uncontaminated not only in the body but in the spirit too.  There is a special motivation to keep ourselves morally pure.  The context teaches that our bodies are the temple of God (6:16).  His desire is to live with us, walk among us and be a Father to us.  Because of these promises, He wants us to keep ourselves holy or set apart for Him.

Staying healthy spiritually takes a consecrated effort.  It is too easy to be contaminated by the world’s values.  It is too easy to compromise our standards for a relationship with a nonbeliever.  But when we do, that special relationship with our Father is compromised.  I do not belong to any human being the way I belong to the Lord.  He has bought me at an incredible price and I belong to Him.

Lord, take my heart, my soul, my mind, and my body.  They are exclusively Yours.


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Sweet Sunlight

Scripture for Today:  Ecclesiastes 11:7  “Light is sweet and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.”

I love the contrast in this photo of light and dark. The clouds heavy with rain move just enough to reveal the sweet light behind them.  I love to be in the sunlight and I seem to appreciate it even more after the darkness of the clouds.  Soon, I will be moving to the land of almost continual sunshine in California.  But I know from experience that after a few months of that sunshine being uninterrupted, I tend to take it for granted.  Of course, it will still be a pleasure to my eyes, but the contrast that makes me appreciate it may more often be missing.

Our verse for today is written by Solomon in a book filled with references to the sun.  The phrase, “under the sun” is often used when speaking of the futility of life.  All of life is said to be meaningless and vain if not lived in right relationship to God.  Even sweet light and the pleasure of seeing the sun has no real meaning without knowing its Creator.

The context of our verse also speaks of remembering the darkness.  There will always be in every life those days of darkness.  Remembering those hard times helps us appreciate the sweet light so much more when it arrives!  Recognizing the contrast makes me grateful for every ray of sunlight!

I am so thankful for a loving personal God who gives me just the right amount of darkness and sunlight.  I can trust Him as He gives to each day what He knows is best.  He allows pain and pleasure, and “mingles toil with peace and rest.” (Day By Day)

Thank you Lord, for the sweet light of Your presence.


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Wisteria

IMG_20140413_123137Scripture for Today: Hebrews 12:11 “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Our neighbor’s wisteria below our Alsacian home is at its peak.  I can hardly tear my eyes away from it as it is so full.  It practically bends the fence with the weight of its blooms.  I do not remember it being quite this spectacular other years.  But I do remember seeing our neighbor pruning it, and this is the beautiful result.  However, not all wisteria vines flower well.  There is the story of a lady who after twenty years of fertilizing and pruning finally gave up on her wisteria.  She cut off the branches, poured gasoline on the trunk and burned it.  The plant started blooming the next spring and every year since!

I could not read that story without thinking of today’s verse.  The Lord does discipline and train His children.  Our Heavenly Father is perfect and so is His correction.  For the believer, judgement and punishment have been taken care of on the cross.  But we do need His loving discipline.  Although it is painful, it is always done for the goal of producing in us the beautiful blossoms of righteousness and peace.

Discipline can last a long time when I do not respond to His correction.  Thankfully, He never gives up on me, as did the woman in the story.  Of course, not all the suffering in my life is discipline.  But when repentance is called for, how much better that I quickly fall to my knees in humble confession!  What hope to know that what follows may be the most productive time of my life!

Thank you Lord, for producing in me Your peace and righteousness.