Devotions By Jan


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Cutting The Cheese

img_20160827_153946Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 15:16  “Your words were found and I ate them.  And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart.  For I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of Hosts.”

While living in France, it was a little intimidating to be the first to cut the cheese when offered that cheese platter.  For the French, nothing stinks more than someone who has not cut the cheese properly!  This display in Alsace at the Munster Cheese Museum gives the correct method for each form of cheese.  There is a certain logic to the rules as everyone gets an even piece in size and rind.  When rules are followed, the presentation will stay beautiful and leftovers will keep better.

Today’s verse likens the experience of reading God’s Word to the pleasure there is in a really good French cheese.  So many of them I consider a joy and delight to my taste buds.  Here, the Word of God can be a joy and delight to one’s heart.  Jeremiah was known as the “weeping prophet” as his message was one of judgement for his own people.  One does not usually associate the words, “joy” and “delight” with Jeremiah.  Yet, even knowing that his people would reject God, he could still find gladness in his own relationship with the Lord.  He knew he belonged to the Lord God of Hosts.

There are precious loved ones in my life who also reject God’s message of salvation.  There is no avoiding heartbreak over that hard reality.  Yet, God does not want me to live my life in sadness.  He wants to give me joy and delight through His Word and through my relationship with Him.

Lord, lift the weight of that sadness and replace it with Your joy and delight.

Look familiar?  This is a repost due to summer ministries.


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Slowed Down

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:31-32 ” I hold fast to your statues, Lord, do not let me be put to shame.  I run in the path of your commands for You have broadened my understanding.”

These runners chose a strange place to run.  Their path took them right through the mud.  The slipping and sliding have them covered with it.  If the goal was to get as dirty as possible then they nailed it!

It only makes sense that for the serious runner, the ground chosen would be free from mud or any other kind of obstacle that would slow progress.  That piece of lifted concrete, that hole or dip in the ground, or that unfortunate rock can trip us up and we fall flat on our face.

Today’s verse mentions running in the path of God’s commands.  This path has none of those unfortunate obstacles.  It is smooth and flat.  The path of God’s commands may be challenging, but there is nothing that God places there to trip us up or cause us to fail.  He is  interested in our success.  He wants us to reach great speeds and distances.  Maybe we can even enjoy the endorphins of the “runner’s high!”

The more we run according to His way, the more He broadens our understanding of what He wants and why it is the best course.  To be on that path with others is a tremendous encouragement but sometimes it feels as if we are running all alone.  Regardless, I do not want to follow a more popular path and be put to shame.  I want to remain resolute and determined to obey, regardless of the cost.

Lord, keep me from veering off Your path today.

Look familiar?  This is a repost due to summer ministries.


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Feng Shui

Scripture for Today: Colossians 3:1 “Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”

The principles of “feng shui” have been around for centuries with a  history covering more than 3,500 years.  The words translate as, “wind – water.”  This philosophy believes that there are mystical energies that need to flow unimpeded.  Whether it be a building, a grave, or the placement of furniture, it is thought that their orientation affects one’s feeling of well-being and energy, producing positive vibes and even attracting wealth!

Today’s verse tells us where Christ is seated.  His place is on the right hand of God interceding for us.  This verse gives us an orientation for our minds and hearts.  Being raised with Christ, we are dead to what is earthly and alive to what is spiritual.  Our minds and hearts can now focus on Christ and what is eternal.  The result is not a positive vibe or a fluctuating sense of well-being.  The result of this new orientation toward Christ is a whole list of Christ-like characteristics; compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness. patience, forgiveness and love (verses 12-14).  Rather than some mystic flow of energy, there can be peace in the home.

It is hard to direct my thoughts towards what is unseen.  The “seen” offers too many distractions!  But there are many moments of “dead air” throughout my day.  I may be waiting in line, driving the car, or doing any mindless task and lose an opportunity to think on Him.  But a line of Scripture, the lyrics of a song or the beauty of nature can redirect my thoughts back to Him.  And He is always there.  He always welcomes me.

Thank you Lord, that thinking on You is the best part of my day.

Look familiar?  This is a repost due to summer ministries.


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Cat Attack!

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

It was always obvious when our Tiger was angry.  Like this cat, his eyes would dilate and his ears would lie flat.  That flicking tail did not mean he was any too happy.  And of course, the hissing, spitting and odd moaning sounds were a sure indication that he was ready to strike.  Sometimes his back would arch and his fur would stand on end.  At that point, I did not argue with him but just got out of there!

Today’s verse tells us just how important our feelings are.  The strong emotions we feel are the motor behind so much of what we do.  That is why it is so important to guard our hearts from emotions that fester, build, and boil over to hurt others or hurt ourselves.

Guarding our hearts is an intentional activity.  Like a soldier guarding an entrance, we can be disciplined and vigilant about what we allow ourselves to feel.  Rather than nursing a hurt, we can choose to let go and forgive.  Rather than feeling envious of others, we can choose to be thankful for what we have.  Instead of stoking the fires of our anger, we can seek reconciliation.  With the Spirit’s help, we do not have to be the victims of our emotions.  Our thoughts can turn to what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely and admirable (Phil.4:8).  Thinking on these things can guard our hearts from those negative emotions.

I do not share these warning signs with a cat.  But I have my own.  When sleep eludes me, when I cannot face that person or when my stomach is in knots, then I know my heart may not be right.

Make my heart right today, Lord.

Look familiar?  This is a repost due to summer ministries.


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The Red Carpet

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 12:28 “In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.”

For many the red carpet represents fame, fortune and accolade.  Since the twenties the red carpet has been associated with Hollywood stardom, showcasing our film stars.  Getting the “red carpet treatment,” is a saying dating back to 1902 when special train passengers were welcomed aboard an exclusive express car.  But looking back further, the red carpet dates back to ancient Greece and was reserved for royal feet.  The red color was special as the dye was difficult and expensive to make from the cochineal insect.

I do not ever expect to walk on the red carpet.  But according to the verse for today, I can be on a path that leads to immortality.  I am not receiving accolades from the media or any official recognition.  But there is One watching where I put my feet.  I am stepping on a way of righteousness.  That righteousness does not come from me but from Christ. The path is red with His blood as He made a way for me, living a sinless life because I could not.

Because of the cross, my path leads to an eternity with Him!  There, all the accolades and glory will go to Him.  He deserves all my praise and gratitude.  The one-dimensional tributes and trophies given here will pale in comparison to the eternal reality that awaits.  He wants me to persevere in doing what He wants, staying on that path in order to receive what He has promised (Heb. 10:36).  It is just not important that there is no recognition here.  I would rather walk on those streets of gold than any special red carpet!

Lord, keep me focused on pleasing You today.

Look familiar?  This is a repost due to summer ministries.