Devotions By Jan


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Black or White?

Scripture for Today: I Peter 2:24 “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed.”

Is the zebra an animal wearing a white coat with black stripes?  Or is he an animal with a black coat striped white?  Does it matter?  All I can see are their remarkable stripes!  They are wonderful protection as it can be difficult for a predator to single out from a herd just one zebra to chase.  The zebras know to stay together against their common enemy.  There is strength and security in their unity.

Today’s verse talks about stripes that offer healing.  These stripes are much more remarkable but are anything but beautiful (Isaiah 53:2).  The stripes are the wounds Jesus suffered for our sake.  Before being put on that tree or cross,  He was beaten.  Those stripes made it possible for us to die to sin and live for righteousness.  Before Jesus took our punishment, we were soul-sick from our sin and in dire need of healing.  He accomplished by His sacrifice a healing that gives us a hope and a future!

His healing of my soul means that I am no longer powerless against the enemy of sin.  Not only am I spared the righteous judgement my sin deserves, but I am also freed from sin’s hold on me!  Because of His healing stripes, I can live a life that is righteous and pleasing to Him.  Included in that healing is the opportunity to find unity with those of a different stripe. Together in the body of Christ, we can encourage one another to stand against our common enemy.

Thank you Lord, for healing my soul.


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Barn Sour

Scripture for Today: Psalm 32:8-9a “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule…”

If the path to the left leads back to the barn, these horses may show signs of being “barn sour.”  Once a barn sour horse is turned back toward home, he will pick up speed.  If left unchecked, he will gallop back to the barn like a madman!  Becoming barn sour could be the result of fears and insecurities being away from his comfort zone, or just plain stubbornness.

Today’s verse tells us not to be like a horse or mule.  They have no understanding and need the control of the bit and bridle.  We, on the other hand, have God’s promise to instruct and teach us in the way we should go.  The Lord promises to instruct those that fear Him in the ways they should choose (Psalm 25:12).  He promises to guide the humble (Psalm 25:9).  His loving eye is on us, seeing every choice we need to make.  He knows about every decision we face.  His counsel is always available if we are humble enough to seek it.

Quite frankly, I sometimes prefer being “barn sour.”  That way, I know I am returning to the comfortable and familiar.  But He does not always lead that way.  He is more interested in growing my faith and dependance on Him.  The path that He chooses may be more challenging, but it is a path with adventures that will bring me closer to Him!  His guidance and counsel is done with love.  And I can trust that He knows what He is doing even if it is away from my “comfort zone.”

Lord, thank you for your loving guidance.

 

 

 


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Colorless

Scripture for Today: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

They still allow toilet paper of different colors in France.  One can choose just the right shade to  coordinate with your bathroom decor!  Our white-only choices seem boring by comparison.  Recently, we in North America have gone from talking about toilet paper shortages to heated discussions regarding color.  As important as this dialogue is, there is one even more important; what color is our soul?

Today’s well-known verse declares that God loves His creation.  He loves the world and His offer of salvation is inclusive to “whoever believes.”  As divided as mankind is, the need for forgiveness through God’s Son is a need that we all share.  The value He places on each of us individually is so high that He was willing to sacrifice Jesus so we could be with Him for all eternity.  Deep down in every human is a soul that is colorless in that we have the exact same need of salvation.  The ground before the cross is level.  No one is more deserving than another despite race, economic advantage or educational background.

This is a truth that changes how I view others.  Because of God’s undeserved grace to me, I can extend this same grace to others.  There is no sin too grievous for Him to forgive.  When violating even one of God’s laws I am guilty of all (James 2:10).  This is the way we are all the same, needing His forgiveness and grace.  I do not want to focus on what separates us but rather on what unites us all in our shared need for Him!

Lord, thank you for Your all-inclusive love.


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Scuba Diving

Scripture for Today: II Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”

This sport seems especially adventuresome and thrilling!  The idea of descending into the depths and being one of the privileged few to see what most do not, must be a heady experience!  The SCUBA acronym means “self-contained underwater breathing apparatus” and is the most important piece of equipment to be able to breathe underwater.  The training is rigorous to be certified as mishandling the equipment could mean running out of air, being unable to breathe.  This possibility more than anything else, keeps me from participating!

Today’s verse talks about what the breath of God accomplishes.  First, the breath of the Almighty gives life (Job 33:4).  Then the breath of Jesus gives us His Spirit (John 20:22).  God’s breath allows us to live spiritually whereas before we were dead in our sins (Eph. 2:1).  But He does not stop there.  His breath gives us His Word, inspired or “God-breathed.”  It is only through His Word that we are able to determine what is right and what is wrong.  His breath gives physical life, spiritual life and the ability to live the best kind of life.

In the middle of unrest and upheaval, one truth stands clear and unchanged; none of us can live without the breath of God.  It is His breath in His God-breathed Word that shows me how to live.  His Word shows me where my heart is wrong.  His Word corrects my prideful thoughts.  And His Word shows me what action He wants me to take.  No other treatise, article or book has this same power!

My prayer today: “Breathe on me, breath of God, Fill me with life anew, That I may love what Thou dost love, And do what Thou wouldst do.”

 


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The Hedgehog

Scripture for Today:  Col. 3:12-13  “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another, if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

We had hedgehogs living under our one hundred year-old home in France.  They were quite harmless when left alone.  They came out at night and mosied around the yard.  They were certainly slow creatures and very timid.  When approaching them, they may roll up into a spiky ball and stay immobile.  Our cat pretty much ignored the hedgehogs.  Perhaps there was an “incident” that convinced him to leave them alone!  They can look cute and cuddly when surrounded by flowers but the up-to-sixty spines that clothe their bodies are a strong incentive to keep one’s distance.

Today’s verse describes a clothing that is beautiful and approachable.  We are to clothe ourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  We are to be forgiving because we ourselves have been forgiven.  These adjectives bring to mind the character of Jesus who is “gentle and humble in heart.”  The list also reminds me in part of the fruit of the Spirit.  And as one having a new nature, they are also to characterize me.

But I am not always so soft and approachable.  Quite frankly, before that first morning cup of coffee I can be quite prickly!  There are times when being a hedgehog is just easier.  But because God has chosen me and I am dearly loved, I can respond to others with these beautiful qualities He is slowly developing in me.  Not only is this clothing more comfortable for others but for myself as well!

Lord, help me to resemble You today.