Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Testimony


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National Decency Day

Scripture for Today: Luke 6:31 “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

https://www.flickr.com/photos/yourdon/3386629036

How unfortunate to have to remind people to be decent! The National Decency Day was established to encourage a basic standard of civility. It is meant to be non partisan, a grassroots movement to inspire decency in everyday life. Decency was certainly the theme in this scene as an elderly gentlemen had trouble getting to his bus stop. He was kindly helped by this couple while a passerby smiles. He was then helped up the steps to that bus and I am sure the decency of strangers made his day!

Today’s verse would be the perfect verse for showing decency. Many who are not familiar with the Bible are aware of this verse, calling it, “The Golden Rule.” Its logical simplicity can lull one into thinking it is an easy principle to practice. But in fact, this verse is especially difficult when one realizes that this behavior is to be shown to enemies! We are to do good not just to strangers but to those who hate us (verse 27)! We are to bless those who curse us and pray for those that mistreat us (verse 28)! Common decency and basic civility seem like a slam dunk compared to this standard!

As with all commandments, precepts and statutes of God, my obedience is not what I would like. I feel as if I fail Him often. Thankfully, His forgiveness is consistent and faithful (I John 1:9). When with the help of His Spirit I can treat enemies the way He wants, He is glorified! Loving my enemies is not natural for me and when I can do it, I know it is another evidence of His work in me.

Thank you Lord, for Your Spirit who enables me to treat others well!


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Blue-Footed Booby

Scripture for Today: Romans 10:15 “And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written; ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’

No, these birds did not step into a puddle of blue paint, although it sure looks like it! This unusual sea bird can be found in the Pacific from Southern California to Northern Peru and the Galápagos Islands. The males do a high-stepping dance to attract the female, lifting up those blue feet. Their name, “booby” comes from the Spanish word, “bobo” meaning foolish. Perhaps they are seen as foolish because they look so clumsy on land. Or they may be considered foolish as they are so willing to approach people.

Today’s verse describe another pair of beautiful feet. These feet are also willing to approach people in order to share good news. The feet are beautiful because they proclaim peace and salvation. (Isaiah 52:7) The good news is that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (verse 13) The Israelites did not accept this good news and were zealously trying to establish their own righteousness. (verse 3 & 16) But there is no peace with God apart from His Son. And there is no salvation under any other name but the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:12)

I do not think my feet are too beautiful but the message certainly is! Peace on our planet is so fragile and many times unattainable. But I do enjoy a peace that the world cannot give me (John 14:27) and it means that my heart is not afraid or troubled. Because of His salvation I enjoy peace with my Creator. He has taken care of the judgement my sins deserve. And He offers this peace and salvation to all who call on Him in faith!

Lord, make my feet beautiful today.


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Lame Duck

Scripture for Today: Psalm 71:18 “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”

It is an odd expression. “Lame duck” refers to sitting presidents or congress members finishing out their term while the newly elected ones prepare to take office. Originally in the eighteenth century, it was a term in the British stock exchange, a slang for someone who defaulted. Since crossing the Pond, this expression has had several meanings, including “old slow ship” in a naval context. We have used this expression in the political arena since Calvin Coolidge. However, in nature, a lame duck can continue to swim and fly.

Today’s verse is an encouragement to anyone who may feel like a lame duck, marginalized because of age or loss of position. King David, with advancing age and with the constant threat of enemies, prays to God for a continued influence. Even if all responsibilities are stripped away, David sees purpose to his life. His role may change but it is just as important to declare to the next generation all he has seen the Lord do in his life.

As a believer, there can be times I may feel like a lame duck. I may not have the same role as I previously had. Perhaps my service to the Lord is less visible or public. But whatever the changes might be, a lame duck can still swim and fly! My testimony to the next generation is so much more powerful when I can recount all He has done over the years! Speaking of God’s faithfulness and grace becomes that much more credible with my personal examples.

Make me bold, Lord, to speak of You and Your power!


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Pumpkin Season

Scripture for Today: II Timothy 4:2 “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.”

With availability all year round for some produce, the concept of “in season” or “out of season” can sometimes no longer apply!  But for the pumpkin, there is no question of when it is in season!  I see the fields off the freeway dotted with orange and they have invaded the grocery stores.  In fact, in warm Southern California, it is about the only indication that autumn has arrived!

Today’s verse talks about something that is not to change regardless of the seasons, and that is sharing the truth of God’s Word.  It is always timely and speaks to every season, every year and every century!  There is an urgency to this command as there will come a time when people will not put up with biblical truth. (verse 3)  Paul encourages young Timothy not to wait for some other time that seems more favorable.  The time is now to correct and rebuke with truth while they will still listen.  Hearing the truth of God’s Word will encourage the hearer when done with patience and careful instruction.

Because people are not so open to hearing God’s truth, I tend to forget to be prepared for those small windows of opportunity to share when they will still listen.  God continues to draw people to Himself, even in the middle of an increasingly hostile-to-the-Gospel culture.  It is “not easy and pleasant to hear” about one’s need (verse 3)  And more often than not, those around me may turn their ears away from the truth. (verse 4) But the Lord only asks me to be faithful to share the truth of His incredible forgiveness.

Help me Lord, to be prepared and available.

 

 

 


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Blowfish

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 9:24 “but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have understanding to know Me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.”

The blowfish looks pretty comical when puffed up.  In fact one of his names is “pufferfish.”  This unusual fish has a very elastic stomach, able to quickly ingest huge amounts of water and air.  In doing so they become several times their normal size and so avoid becoming someone’s next meal.  When puffed up, their spines make them look like a pointy ball.  This fish gives new meaning to the idea of being puffed up and full of one’s self.

Today’s verse describes a different kind of boasting that does not puff us up or make us disagreeable.  Boasting that draws attention to the Lord, to His kindness, justice and righteousness is the best kind of boasting!  The Lord is honored and glorified when we extol His beautiful attributes to others.  Even the small understanding we have of His character is something that He reveals to us from His Word.  He is the One who gives understanding. (Prov. 2:6)

It is in God and not in myself that I am to make my boast all day long. (Psalm 44:8)  This is my way to exalt and praise Him.  When I see His many kindnesses to me, none of which I deserve, then I want to tell others!  Look what He did for me today!  Do you see how He righted that wrong?  I am in awe of His purity and justice and they motivate me not to compromise.  All the praise for anything that is good and positive in my life goes to Him!

Thank you Lord, that I can boast in You!