Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Submission


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Rocking the Boat

2512077-Falling-off-the-boat--on-purpose-of-course-1Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Everyone knows not to fidget and stand up in a boat.  Those that do are at risk to lose their balance and fall overboard.  Changing places with someone while in a moving boat can be especially tricky!  All that moving around rocks the boat and makes everyone aboard nervous.  There is much less risk of a fall overboard when calmly staying still in one place.

I feel like I am changing places in a moving boat.  With our transatlantic move, everything seems to be in upheaval.  The boat is rocking many times a day as we prepare.  Not only are we preparing our departure with a myriad of details but also our arrival on the other side.  Sometimes, anxiety gets the best of me with so much internal rocking and fidgeting that I feel I am falling.

I know from our verse for today that the Lord does not intend for me to react this way.  Whatever is rocking my boat is included in the phrase,”in every situation.”  For each and every emotion or logistic detail, He is waiting for me to give it to Him in prayer.  When I do, the tension dissipates.  The rocking stops.  I am not falling overboard.  In thanking Him, even in the difficulties, I am recognizing His hand and control.  I can sit still in the boat and feel His peace that goes beyond all understanding (verse 7).

Thank you, Lord, that You offer a life without anxiety and worry.  Your shoulders are big enough and I can give it all to You to bear.  Help me just sit still and enjoy the ride!


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Packing Fruit?

IMG_20141014_082419Scripture for Today: Galatians 5:22-23a “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Moving is such a life-changing and stressful time.  I am surrounded by numbered boxes and already I find myself needing something previously packed.  Every object I lay my hand on requires a decision.  Do I pack it in a box destined for the French studio or our American home?  Do I give it to a friend?  Do I give it to the thrift store?  Do I throw it away?  Do I sell it?  Will I regret the decision I just made?

One thing I do not have to think about is the perishables.  Whatever does not get eaten will at the end be given to the neighbors.  I would not make the mistake of packing the fruit!  However, when putting together these boxes, it is almost as if I have packed away fruit, that is the fruit of the Spirit.  I am stressed and crabby.  I am not so kind and loving to my husband.  So often, I lose it and self-control is out the window.

Our verse for today describes the one who is filled with and walking by the Spirit of God.  The results of being in close communion with Him are evident in one’s behavior and attitude.  I have none of these qualities on my own, especially in tense stressed moments.  But as a believer the Spirit of God resides in me.  The more I confess my inadequacies and turn to Him for help, the more He responds with this beautiful fruit.  These qualities describe to perfection the One I serve.  He is slowly (some days very slowly) producing His character or image in me!

Lord, especially in the middle of boxes, produce Your fruit in me!


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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.