Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Testimony


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Bigger and Better!

fruitnut1Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 1:10  “I appeal to you brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

Have you ever wondered why some pieces of the exact same variety of fruit vary in size?  My first thought is sun exposure or better access to water.  But size difference can also be attributed to cross pollinating.  Whether a tree is self-pollinating or not, its fruit can be bigger and better and its yield more impressive when there is cross pollination.  But one needs two different cultivars of the same fruit tree; for example Red Delicious with Fuji apple.  Two exact same trees in close proximity do not improve the fruit.

Our verse for today admonishes believers to get along with one another.  There were reports of quarrels in the church in Corinth damaging their reputation or “fruit.”  The local church brings together such a diversity of people that there are bound to be differences of opinion.  Even though different varieties are thrown together there is to be fruit from our unity and cooperation.  Of course there are differences in our politics, education, preferences and backgrounds but they are not to divide us.

When believers can actually work together, we enjoy a wonderful yield.  The world sits up and takes notice when we can show respect and love to one another (John 17:23).  We live up to being associated with the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!  Standing close and united, our differences make our fruit  bigger and better!

Lord, regardless of our differences, keep me one with other believers for Your name’s sake!

 


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Flickering Lights

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 4:6 “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of the darkness,’ make His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

Our new bathroom lights were flickering this morning as I tried to apply my make-up.  At the same time that I called out to my husband, he called out to me that the lights in the kitchen were flickering as well!  It turns out that every light in the house flickered annoyingly.  We felt a little reassured to discover that our neighbors were experiencing the same thing.  In fact, friends on Facebook were reporting the same thing in neighboring cities.

Our verse for today describes a light that banishes darkness in the heart of the believer.  It is a light that is meant to grow stronger as we progressively learn of God’s glory in the person of His Son, Jesus.  God’s revelation through His Word enlightens our understanding of who He is.  His light reveals, delights and fascinates as He slowly unfolds His character to us!  How beautiful He is!

What a privilege and grace to have His light shine in our hearts!  The light of the Gospel displays Christ’s glory (verse 4).  This is something that Satan keeps from unbelievers by blinding their minds.  The darkened mind of the unbeliever remains unenlightened until he accepts that Gospel message.

My utmost desire is to allow His light to be seen by others.  But I am afraid that sometimes my light flickers with inconsistency.  My selfishness and pride get in the way of accomplishing those good works designed to be that light pointing to Him (Matt. 5:16).

“Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me!”  Lord, may Your light in me be clearly seen today!


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Color Combo

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”

We recently heard a nature presentation from a park ranger on snakes we might encounter in the Zion National Park.  She quoted this rhyme; “If red touches yellow, you’re a dead fellow.  If red touches black, you’re OK, Jack.”  As one can see from the photo, touching this Coral snake would not be such a good idea.  However, I cannot see myself touching any snake regardless of their color!  In any case, one cannot rely on color alone as this rhyme would imply as there are exceptions, especially outside of North America.

Our verse for today sounds like a proverb but it is actually a quote Paul uses to address a problem in the church.  The saying came from a Greek comedy written by the poet, Menander.  The influence of others can be strong enough to corrupt character.  In the church at Corinth, the bad company were those teaching that there is no resurrection.  Their influence was slowly eroding the character of those who held correct doctrine.

Some color combinations do not work and are even dangerous.  When we walk with fools we can suffer harm (Prov. 13:20)  Paul warns that believers are not to be yoked together with unbelievers (II Cor.6:14).  Being yoked with someone means you are walking with them, going the same direction.  The direction of a believer is completely different being on a path of righteousness.  Of course, I rub shoulders with neighbors, colleagues and family members who do not love the Lord.  I show them God’s love and share my story.  But I do not walk with them and follow their direction or I could be misled.

Lord, keep me from being misled.  Help me instead to lead others to You!


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The Ambassador

6a01053657498b970c015433a01363970c-800wiScripture for Today: II Corinthians 5:20 “We are  therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

This beautiful 1956 Nash Ambassador is remarkable with its three-tone color scheme, whitewalls and impressive grill!  This particular car is said to have been the “official car of Disneyland.”  The model name of “Ambassador” came to represent the top of the line.  This name continued so long as to become the longest-lived automobile nameplate in automotive history.

The name “Ambassador,” is more likely to be associated today with the government office.  Part of the role of an ambassador in a foreign country is to serve American interests and values.  This is to be done with the highest standards of ethical conduct and diplomatic discretion.  The ambassador is to represent the very best of his people.

In our verse for today, the Lord asks His followers to be His ambassadors.  We are to represent Christ, speaking on His behalf with His message of reconciliation with God.  An ambassador does not change his allegiance to the host country.  He remains faithful to the one he represents.  The ambassador is all about peace and reconciliation.

I sometimes forget that I am an alien and stranger here (Hebrews 11:13-14, 16).  This is not my home.  My citizenship is elsewhere in Heaven.  As His child, my allegiance is to God and not to the thinking and values of this world.  I am His ambassador, imploring others to seek peace with God through Christ.  My role is to represent His values and interests.  What an incredible responsibility to represent Him and His heart.  He longs for an intimate and peaceful relationship with each person.

May I be faithful today in representing You, Lord.

 


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Loss

Scripture for Today: Job 1:21 “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

I cannot imagine the pain of losing a precious innocent baby.  I cannot imagine the heartache of losing a spouse.  It is difficult to even imagine praising the name of the Lord at such a time as that.  And yet, this is what Job was able to do when he lost all his sons and daughters.  When Job received this awful news, his immediate response was to fall to the ground in worship and speak this verse.  He recognized that the Lord in His sovereignty gave and the Lord also took away.  Job did not “curse God and die,” as was the advice from his angry devastated wife but continued to bless the name of the Lord even in his enormous grief and continual questioning.

It is one thing to bless the name of the Lord when all is well.  It is quite another thing to bless His name when it feels like one’s world is collapsing.  The fact that it can be done gives so much credibility to the truth of God’s Word.  Those who testify to God’s faithfulness while the drugs of chemotherapy drip into their arm are those to whom it is well worth listening!

Though loss is so very painful, our hope is real.  Our God proves Himself to be the God of all comfort when we need Him most (II Cor. 1:3).  Living our hope is a powerful affirmation of the Truth to ourselves and to others.  We can trust that our dear one, though gone from our arms, is safely in His.

“My heart will choose to say, Lord blessed be Your name.”