Devotions By Jan

Scripture for Today: John 3:8 “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where its going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

I am sure this pilot did his best to keep the plane level on landing at Wellington Airport in New Zealand. But the wind funneling through between the North and South Islands can be tricky. That channeling effect makes it strong and gusty. In this case it was blowing at 75 miles per hour! Aligning those runways with the wind allows planes to take off and land into the wind. This orientation is better for efficiency and safety, increasing lift and reducing ground roll.

Todays verse likens the Holy Spirit to wind. The relationship is even closer in the original Greek, using the same word, “pneuma.” And just as we cannot explain a sudden shift in the wind’s direction, so we cannot fully understand the intricacies of the Spirit’s work. Like the wind, He is invisible. But unlike the wind, the Holy Spirit is not an “it” or just a power, but the third person of the triune God. We do not control or direct Him. But as believers, we can be assured that He is not random or capricious but is working out God’s plan.

Like the airplanes that head into the wind for stability, I want to align myself with the movement and work of God’s Spirit. I want to listen carefully to His direction and cooperate! Sometimes the wind of His conviction over sin can be strong and uncomfortable. But a gentle breeze follows confession. Yes, He is invisible. But evidence of His presence is there in my life with the fruit He produces and the clarity He gives when reading God’s Word.

Thank you Lord, for Your beautiful Spirit.

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 5:14 “This is why it is said, “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

It has happened in our family. One of our kids as a pre teen got up after just a few hours of sleep. After climbing down two sets of stairs, this sleepwalker went out the door and into the night. Thankfully, the trip was only to the next door neighbor’s house where their older kids gently led our sleepwalker back home. All of this happened with none in our family being the wiser until the next day! It is generally accepted that one does not wake a sleepwalker as it can cause one to be disorientated, agitated and even aggressive.

Today’s verse describes a different kind of sleepwalking. This is a sleeper who does not know he is asleep. He does not understand that he is spiritually dead. Christ’s life-giving light is absent and he is unaware that he stumbles around in the darkness. This early hymn or poem was known to the Ephesians and teaches that it is Christ that brings us to life with the light of His salvation. Jesus calls Himself the “light of the world” and promises that those who follow Him will have the “light of life.” (John 8:12)

I am thankful His light shines on me but I can easily sleepwalk, not being careful how I live (Eph. 5:15). Living as “children of light” is a life that is different and set apart from those around me. And sometimes it is easier to just go with the flow, blend in or take the easy path. Living differently for Him is a daily choice but one that brings with it incredible blessing. I want to live wisely and be fully awake so as not to miss a single one of them!

Thank you Lord, for making me truly alive!