Devotions By Jan


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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.


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The Boomerang

Scripture for Today:  Matt. 18:21-22  “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'”

I have never thrown a boomerang so I would be the last choice to participate in the many competitions that exist.  When thrown in a certain way the boomerang is designed to return to the person who threw it.  It is made to spin on an axis perpendicular to the direction of its flight and so return to the point of origin.  Who has not seen the boomerang used in a cartoon, hitting the unsuspecting on the back of the head!

In today’s verse, Peter asks the Lord how many times he should forgive his brother.  I am sure that when Peter suggested seven times he felt he was being very generous.  But the Lord’s answer was surprising; seventy times seven.  It is not that we are to count at all.  The idea is that we forgive our brother every time he asks.  Like that boomerang, there are those in our lives who keep coming back for forgiveness.  Perhaps it is a family member.  Maybe it is someone in the church.  It could even be that they are asking forgiveness for the same exact offense every time!

How exasperating to have to forgive someone over and over again.  And yet, this is what the Lord does for me.  Like a boomerang, I keep coming back to Him for forgiveness and very often for the same failing.  I am so glad He does not count.  I am so thankful that He promises to forgive me every time I come to Him (I John1:9)

Lord, help me not to count but show that same forgiveness to others!


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Anemone Stinkhorn

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 52:10 “The Lord will lay bare His holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.”

This Anemone Stinkhorn fungus almost looks diabolical!  It is also called the Sea Anemone Fungus and Starfish Fungus, looking so much like those creatures.  Its name in Greek means “disgust, juice, red.”  And its most disgusting feature is its putrid smell which attracts flies who carry its spores.  But what fascinates me are those spreading arms, ranging from six to ten and dividing into two tentacles each.

Today’s verse describes just one arm, an arm that is powerful and holy.  God’s arm is laid bare so that His strength, might and deliverance are seen by all the nations.  This arm brings salvation to His people and all will see it.  Because of God keeping His word to the Israelites, they will again know and honor His name (verse 6).  Those ruling over them had been mocking God and God will not be mocked (Gal. 6:7).  His arm is not too short to save (Is. 59:1) and the demonstration of His power would reach the ears of all the nations.

The Lord continues to bare His arm as He intervenes in my life.  Nothing is too hard for Him regardless of the illogical limits I tend to place on Him.  He continues to deliver His own.  He continues to answer impossible prayers, stumping the doctors.  He is mighty to save from dangers I do not even recognize.  His outstretched arm keeps me from what would have been a nasty fall.  Half the time, His intervention goes unnoticed.  But He wants me to trust and lean on that arm, “safe and secure from all alarm.”

Lord, help me recognize Your arm today.

 

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