Devotions By Jan


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Cornucopia

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 13:15 “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.”

Is there a more fitting symbol of plenty than the cornucopia?  The original idea was to have an abundance of flowers, fruit and corn overflowing from a goat’s horn.  Today, we are happy with just a basket in the shape of a horn!  According to legend, the origin of the “horn of plenty” is said to be Greek mythology.  But now, it is associated with Thanksgiving and an abundant harvest.

In today’s verse the “fruit” is flowing out of lips that openly profess the name of Jesus.  As believers who bear His name, we are to continually praise God for all He has done for us.  Our praise and thankfulness characterizes our lives.  And it is only through Jesus that we worship God with our praise.  He gives us the ability to see, understand, and appreciate His working in our lives.  But sometimes, to thank Him is a sacrifice.  Professing His name and living a godly life means there will be suffering for doing what is right (II Tim. 3:12).  It is fairly easy to thank Him when all is well.  It takes more faith to praise when going through hard times.

When I can thank God in the middle of difficult heart-wrenching times, I know I bring Him pleasure.  Not only does it please Him, but thanking Him changes my perspective and strengthens my faith!  I want my heart to be grateful so I can recognize His control and His goodness to me.  I want to see beyond my problems to all that He has done for me!  He has proved His faithfulness over and over!

Lord, may my lips continually praise You.

 

 


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Current of Air!

Scripture for Today: Galatians 5:25 “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

Scarves are worn everywhere and throughout every season in France.  There are heavy winter ones and smaller indoor ones to dress up an outfit.  Men wear them almost as much as women.  When the sun is strong, vendors are even on the beaches selling them.  The scarves in summer are lightweight and keep the sun off the neck and shoulders.  Scarves are worn regardless of the temperature and are especially worn when there might be a current of air.  Most of my French friends are convinced that a cold could be caught as the result of that breeze coming in the window!

Today’s verse talks about living by the Spirit of God.  The Greek word used for Spirit is “pneuma” and means to breathe or blow.  The Spirit is like the wind (John 3:8) being invisible and powerful.  But that wind can also be light and gentle, like a soft current of air.  It can be easy to miss if we are not paying attention.  Living by the Spirit is being sensitive to the Spirit’s leading.  He gives us the wisdom and understanding to know and follow what God wants (Col. 1:9).

Sometimes, the leading of His Spirit is unmistakeable as He steers me clear of compromising situations or obvious sin.  But other times I can easily miss what He wants and be “out of step.”  My own will is awfully strong and frankly, I do not always want to ask for His.  However, keeping in step with Him is far better as He makes my path straight when I acknowledge and submit to Him (Prov. 3:5-6).  His way is always better.

Lord, help me follow Your Spirit today.

 


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Seasickness

Scripture for Today: Psalm 107: 28-29 “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.”

These poor men!  This photo is from a postcard of American soldiers suffering from seasickness on the deck of the USS Powhatan during World War I.  The misery on their faces says it all!  Not all of them seem to be affected.  And the waves cannot be too awfully strong as the deck remains level.  But it does not take much motion for the sensitive stomach to churn.

Today’s verse talks of merchants who were used to life on the sea.  But this time, the Lord Himself stirred up a tempest that created huge waves (verse 25).  Their courage melted away as they staggered around like drunkards.  This was outside their normal area of expertise.  Even so, it was not until they were at their “wits’ end” (verse 27) that they cried out to the Lord.  And when they did, He brought them out of their distress, stilling that storm and hushing the waves.  Coming out of it, they were thankful for the calm.

I take the calm in my life for granted, that is just until the waves grow large!  I am like these sea merchants in thinking I can handle the sudden storm.  But I quickly realize that I cannot.  What starts as a queasy stomach can turn into full grown panic as my small efforts do not seem to amount to much.  How good and faithful He is to respond to my cry!  Whether that storm is of my own making or a test from Him, my first thought should always be to humbly ask for His help.

Thank you Lord, that You can still my storm.

 


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“A Watched Pot…”

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 64:2 “As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make Your name known to Your enemies and cause the nations to quake before You.”

“A watched pot never boils,” however, I am not sure this cat is watching and waiting for boiled water.  In fact, if that burner were on he is much too close for comfort!  My guess is this cat is soaking in the warmth from the oven.  This proverb is attributed to Benjamin Franklin in the mid 1700’s.  The idea is that time seems to move more slowly when waiting or anticipating something.

In today’s verse, the prophet, Isaiah, anticipates the Lord avenging His name among the nations.  He affirms the truth that there is no other God besides Him.  Isaiah remembers the mighty acts God has done in the past and is zealous for His name.  He sees Israel’s enemies seemingly gaining the upper hand with sacred cities becoming wastelands, Jerusalem a desolation and the Temple burned.  And now he waits, knowing that God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him (verse 4).

When I see God mocked and Christians ridiculed for their faith, that is the time I need to wait patiently for Him to move.  The more I anticipate Him intervening, the longer the wait seems!  But I have His Word and promises.  He will not be mocked and there will be retribution (Gal. 6:7).  He waits for those that scoff, wanting all to come to repentance (II Peter 3:9).  Whatever it is I am waiting for, I know He uses the wait to stretch my faith.  And I can count on Him being faithful to His promises, in His way and in His timing.

Lord, help me to wait with absolute confidence in You.

 


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Coconut Oil

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 1:9  “You have loved righteousness and You have hated lawlessness.  Therefore God, even Your God has anointed You with the oil of exultant joy and gladness above and beyond Your companions.”

When I smell coconut oil, it transports me back to younger days at the beach!  I associate the smell with a tropical vacation and in fact, one of its claims is that it reduces stress.  Coconut oil is called, “the wonder oil.”  I can understand calling it that if even half its claims are true.  Coconut oil is purported to be good for skin and hair.  It is supposed to improve digestion and increase immunity.  They say it speeds up healing, keeps organs healthy and boosts heart health.  I have no idea how much of this is actually true.  I just know I like the smell and taste!

Today’s verse refers to Jesus Christ.  In fact the name, “Christ” in Greek means, “anointed one.”  God set apart and anointed Jesus in giving Him a position that is above any other.  He not only is worthy of this distinction, but this anointing oil comes with joy and gladness.  Despite awful betrayal and death, Jesus experienced exultant joy and gladness.

I, too, am anointed with oil!  Psalm 23:5 says that the Lord does this for His own.  I am set apart for Him.  The oil also represents His Holy Spirit, who testifies with my spirit that I belong to Him (Romans 8:16).  This oil is surely the “wonder oil!”  His Holy Spirt is the Source of joy in my life as part of His fruit (Gal. 5:22).  And like Christ, I can experience joy and gladness despite my circumstances.  His joy is deep down in my heart where nothing can touch it!

Lord, I want to feel that joy today!