Devotions By Jan


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The Morning Dew

Scripture for Today:  Hosea 6:4  “What can I do with you, Ephraim?  What can I do with you, Judah?  Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears.”

Is there anything prettier than dew kissing the fragile petals of a rose? That moisture on the leaves and petals not only looks pretty but is important to counteracting the heat later in the day. I love cutting them and bringing them into the house! But of course, I do not bring them inside if they are still wet with dew. Handling any plant when wet is never a good idea as this is when they are most fragile. Better to leave them undisturbed while they soak up that moisture.

Today’s verse is addressed to two tribes of Israel. They knew to make sacrifices and burnt offerings but they did not show mercy to others nor did they acknowledge God. It was just routine and tradition. Their love for the Lord was as transient as morning dew or morning mist which quickly disappears. This verse describes the Israelite’s unfaithfulness to God, a common theme in Hosea often using the example of a wayward wife.

I can identify with a love that disappears like morning dew. In the morning when I read His Word and talk with Him, I can be satisfied with His unfailing love (Psalm 90:14). But as I go throughout my day, that closeness can seem to evaporate in the distractions of a busy day. And sometimes it is easy to look at my time with the Lord as an obligation to be crossed off a list. But He is not interested in empty ritual but in meaningful relationship. Thankfully, despite how fickle I am, His love does not dissipate. He continues to tap my shoulder with His love and remind me that He is there.

Thank you Lord, that I can count on Your love all day.

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2021)


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Mourning Cloak Butterfly

Scripture for Today: Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

This is a special week as it ushers in Spring. For some colder climates, its coming is not so obvious. But one of the first signs of Spring is this unassuming butterfly. It is not so eye catching as other butterflies, but it has the distinction of being the first! The Mourning Cloak butterfly will sometimes come early, heralding the fact that Spring is just around the corner. Its unusual name is due to the resemblance of its deep brown wings to the color and texture of cloth worn by those in mourning.

Today’s verse describes a place where there will be no more mourning, death, crying or pain. What an incredible thought! But even more amazing is that the Lord Himself will personally wipe away every tear from our eyes! He will turn mourning into gladness. (Jer. 31:13) The old order of things will pass away on this new heaven and new earth. And God will will dwell there among us. What used to be the Kingdom of God in hearts will one day be a literal Kingdom where He will reign.

I love the newness of Spring and the hope it represents. But one day, I will be living in a Kingdom where everything is not only new but eternally so! Death and dying will have no place. Reunions will be so sweet and there will no longer be the need for goodbyes. Struggle, pain and suffering will be part of the old order and no longer an issue. This is not wishful thinking but certainty in God’s promise. What is today my hope will one day be seen and realized!

Thank you Lord for giving me hope.


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Great White Shark Sighting!

Scripture for Today: Joshua 4:24 “He did this so that all the people of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.”

Recently a stretch of beach in Huntington Beach, California was temporarily closed due to a Great White shark sighting! Beaches are routinely closed if the Great White is thought to be aggressive or measures over six feet. Ever since the movie, “Jaws” in 1975, a widespread perception persists that you could be in danger of becoming his next meal. Although fatal attacks on humans are fairly rare, I am all for taking these precautions as they are the most dangerous of the shark species given their size, speed and power.

Today’s verse talks about the hand of the Lord being powerful. God reminded Joshua to remind the Israelites that His power had dried up the Red Sea and more recently the Jordan so that they could safely cross. And this demonstration of power was done so that all people on earth would fear Him. It is when we understand God’s power and control that we respond as we should with fear. If God did not inspire fear, than He would be someone we could tame, control or manipulate. Fearing God is obeying His Word with a healthy aversion to the consequences possible when we do not.

My fear of the God of the Bible, who is just, holy and righteous produces an awe and respect that drives me to my knees. This God of the universe is all powerful and yet He chose to love me! But His perfect love drives out a particular fear, the fear of punishment, as His Son took that punishment on Himself! (I John 4:17-18) What a wonderful gift as this means I can approach this powerful, sovereign God with confidence! Although I still sin and can face discipline, I am no longer under condemnation (Rom. 8:1) and can enjoy His faithful love!

Thank you Lord for Your power and for Your powerful love for me!


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Negotiating Peace

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 48:18 “If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.“

It is fitting that this peace symbol includes an image of the earth. The longing for peace is common to our whole world. This symbol dates back only to 1958 and was created to represent the British anti-nuclear movement. But peace in our world seems to be the exception rather than the rule. The dove is of course a symbol of peace in the Judeo-Christian world. In trying to negotiate peace, there is normally give and take, demands and concessions for both parties.

Today’s verse gives a condition for peace with the God of the Bible. But there is really no negotiating for it. God’s peace through His Son, Jesus, is a gift (John 14:27) and is not like the peace that the world can give. That is a good thing as His peace is faithful and true like Himself. His peace is as calming as a river reflecting the sky or like the waves that lull away anxiety. The condition for His divine peace is our obedience to His commands. Because of our disobedience, we were all at one time His enemies. But with the substitutional sacrifice of God’s Son, we can enjoy peace with our Creator.

His peace is an absence of conflict with Him. He paid an enormous price to achieve it and will not renege on His promise. Having this peace with God is my starting place for peace with others. It is also where being peaceful comes from in the face of disturbing news and personal challenges. I can “rest in peace” now in this life as well as enjoy His peace forever! What an amazing gift for those who walk in obedience and trust in Him!

Thank you Lord, for peace in disturbing times.
 


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Tiger’s Eye

Scripture for Today: Acts 4:13 “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

The Tiger’s Eye gemstone is said by some to have properties that encourage one to live boldly and with courage! I only know it to be a beautiful stone that my Father and brother often worked with as part of their lapidary hobby. This golden stone has fibers of other minerals trapped inside giving it that lined appearance. Roman soldier used to wear engraved tiger’s eye to protect them in battle! I have not felt particularly courageous when wearing my tiger’s eye earrings!

Today’s verse describes two unschooled and ordinary men; Peter and John. These men were ordered to give an account of themselves before rulers. With boldness and clarity they declared the name of Jesus as being the only Source of their power and the only Source of salvation (verse 12). They lived their lives with courage, no matter what the cost. The time they had spent with Jesus showed in their lives.  There was not much to recommend them in the eyes of the world. They were just ordinary men without even a higher education. Yet, their time with Jesus was evident to all.

I wonder how much my time with Jesus marks me. Do people see colored traces of the Divine in my life? There are ample opportunities to wonder and fear, especially regarding the future. Can I face the unknown with courage? Yes. But I only have that confidence after spending time with Jesus, reading His Word and being reminded of His promises. I can only experience this same courage when listening to His voice reassuring me of His love and His control. And experiencing this courage gives me confidence to share with others its Source!

Lord, may my time spent with You be evident today!