Devotions By Jan


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Yuletide Log

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 2:14 “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.”

Christmas is not just about the pretty lights and decorations.  Just as important to that “Chrismassy” feeling are the aromas!  Whether it is hot cocoa, peppermint or gingerbread, the smells can make one feel the magic of the season.  As wonderful as the aromas of cooking can be, some of us use shortcuts!  One can now buy a yuletide log for the fire that gives off the odor of fried chicken!

Today’s verse brings to mind a victory march after a battle.  Christ is at the head of this processional and we are the spoils of war.  Being His captives means we are subjects of a new King.  He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son (Col.1:13).  No longer are we slaves to sin.  And one of our identifying marks is our “smell.”  Believers are to be an aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere we go.

For some, my aroma is not so pleasant.  In fact, I even stink to people who are rejecting the Savior.  But for the one being drawn to Him, I am a pleasing aroma (verses 15-16).  He has promised to use me to spread the aroma of Him.  When I praise Him to others, I smell good.  When I encourage someone to trust Him, I smell good. And when I stay faithful to Him even in the midst of horrible circumstances, I smell good.  Knowing Him is an aroma and influence that can go a long way.

Lord, may I smell good for You today!

 

 


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Electric Eel

Scripture for Today: II Peter 1:3 “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”

You may be shocked to learn that an electric eel much like this one has been delighting spectators at an aquarium in Tennessee!  He even has a name, Miguel Watson.  A system was connected to his tank that enables his shocks to power a strand of lights on a nearby Christmas tree!  When trying to find food Miguel will emit low-voltage blips that cause a rapid dim blinking of lights.  But when he is actually eating or gets excited he releases higher-voltage shocks that result in bigger flashes!

Today’s verse talks about the divine power that God uses to give the believer everything needed to live a godly life.  His power creates a life that man cannot achieve on his own.  Godliness means to resemble Him and it can only happen through our knowledge of Him.  His power enables us to have faith, goodness, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, affection and love (verses 6-7).  And when these qualities increase over time we become more effective and productive in our knowledge of Him (verse 8).

In looking at this list I am convinced that showing these qualities can only happen through His power!  Quite frankly, my light is sometimes just a dim flash.  Without being connected to His power I can do nothing (John 15: 5).  But when I am abiding and connecting with Him, He produces a godly life that not only pleases Him but is a light to others.  And just as the eel produces more power when eating and excited, I need to be feeding on God’s Word!  His Word motivates and encourages me to be more like Him.

Thank you Lord, for empowering me!

 


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Zip Codes

Scripture for Today:  II Corinthians 5:8  “We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.”

Did you know there are 43,000 zip codes?  They first made their appearance in 1963.  This 1973 stamp features their growing importance.  The 5 digit code was improved upon in 1983 with the addition of 4 more digits.  But it was met with such resistance that it is not required.  Some zip codes are more well known like the Beverly Hills 90210 zip code featured in a television series.  ZIP is actually an acronym meaning, “Zone Improvement Plan.”

Today’s verse expresses Paul’s preference for another “zone,” one that will be a huge improvement!  There is no zone on earth that can compare to what awaits us in our forever home!  What God has prepared for those who love Him defies the imagination! (I Cor. 2:9)  And for Paul, looking forward to being at home with the Lord gave him courage to face persecution, imprisonments and rejection.  This world is never really “home” for the believer.  We are “at home” when we are in His presence.  There will be a “settledness” at home with Him.

There is a saying that one can be too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good.  I totally disagree!  The more I have this eternal perspective, the more fully I live this life with intention and significance!  I never want to feel too “settled” here.  True “home” remains in my future.  It is so incredible that it is worth thinking about and anticipating!  And like Paul, the thought of my forever home gives me hope and courage when life gets difficult.  The hope of my heavenly home inspires and motivates me to live this life for Him.

Thank you Lord, that being with You is being at home.

 


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Level Ground

Scripture for Today: Psalm 143:10 “Teach me to do Your will for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”

This traveler can see for miles and miles.  Because there are no hills, mountains, turns or trees she can see far ahead. But not only that, she herself can be seen from a distance.  I enjoy walking when there are no ups and downs to change my pace.  But because of this level ground I would be vulnerable and open to scrutiny.

Today’s verse is David’s prayer to do what pleases God.  He prays that God’s Spirit will lead him to level ground.  This is the path of righteousness or as some versions say, “the land of uprightness.”  This level path was walked by Jesus.  The rough ground was made level for Him when every valley was raised up and every mountain and hill were made low (Isaiah 40:4)  The reason for the level ground was not for ease of walking.  It was rather for His glory to be revealed and for all people to see it (verse 5).  There was nothing on that level ground to obstruct the view of His glory.

The way I walk is open to scrutiny and like David, I need His Spirit to teach me.  People are watching how I walk whether I realize it or not.  He is my God and His glory is at stake.  When I walk to please Him, He is lifted up and glorified.  When I follow what I know He wants, than those watching can be helped to faith.  Level ground does not necessarily mean that my way is easy.  Far from it.  But that level ground does makes me visible.

Lord, lead me to level ground and may nothing obstruct the view of Your glory in my life!


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The Elf Owl

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 14:2  “The Lord looks down from heaven on humankind to see if there are any who are wise, who seek after God.”

I was drawn to the Elf Owl thinking its name had something to do with Christmas.  But of course, the name has to do with its tiny size.  It is the smallest owl in the world, no bigger than a sparrow.  Many people in seeing it mistaken this owl as just a young one.   And because of his size he only eats small insects.  He is not an aggressive bird and will fly away rather than stay and fight.  Perhaps that has something to do with his size as well.  The Elf Owl will play dead when captured until the danger is passed.  This owl’s reputation as being wise is certainly seen in his behavior!

Today’s verse equates seeking after God with wisdom.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10)  Those who are actively seeking the God of the Bible are showing that wisdom.  Wisdom is seeing just how tiny we are when compared to His grandeur!  Like the owl, our reputation of being wise is seen in our behavior.  And wisdom can be evaluated by our righteous and godly living.  In contrast, Psalm 14:1 describes the fool as the one who says in his heart that there is no God.

The more I seek Him the more I am showing wisdom.  Seeking after God is always rewarded as He wants me to find Him.  He has promised that those who earnestly seek Him will find Him (Hebrews 11:6).  It is worth the effort as He is the One who not only created me but loves me and has only the best in mind for me!

Lord, may I never stop seeking after You.