Devotions By Jan


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Just a Kernel

Scripture for Today: John 12;24 “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

I am a city girl so I am proud of myself if I can even identify what is growing in that passing field as wheat!  And the whole process of turning that wheat into something edible seems involved to me, from the threshing and winnowing to the milling.  But none of this happens until a seed gives up its life and is buried in the soil.

Today’s verse uses the kernel of wheat as an image of what an unselfish giving life can produce.  Jesus is predicting His own death and challenging the disciples to be willing to lose their lives (verse 24).  The one who loves his own life and lives only for himself will not experience the honor promised to those who serve Him (verse 26).  Even though His soul was troubled (verse 27) Jesus was resolute to sacrifice His life as payment for sin.

My soul is troubled too with this thought.  Unlike Jesus, I am selfish to the core and grasp tightly my rights, dreams and desires.  Living for Him is fine in theory as long as it does not interfere with what I want!  Surrendering to Him my goals, my time and everything I own is what dying to self may mean.  I am to be a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1-2) and I struggle with this every day.  However, it is the only way to make my life really count.  There is so much truth in what C.T. Studd wrote, “Only one life will soon be past.  Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Lord, help me to live for You and not myself.

 

 


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License Renewal

Scripture for Today: Acts 11:23 “When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.”

I recently had the frustrating experience of renewing my driver’s license.  After 10 years of automatic extensions, it was time.  I was unhappy to give up my old picture.  It was always fun to get that extra scrutiny, as I had changed so much.  I scheduled an appointment for early in the morning to avoid waiting in long lines.  My husband, however, just showed up when it opened without an appointment.  You can guess who got out of there first!  But we both had a nice surprise at the window.  We did not have to take the written test!  We were given grace!

Today’s verse describes another instance of grace.  Barnabus was sent to Antioch where Greeks were hearing the Gospel and turning to the Lord in large numbers.  Up until this point, salvation was seen mainly among the Jews.  Barnabus saw first hand what was to become the first largely Gentile church and he was glad to see that, “the Lord’s hand was with them.”  He discovered what the grace of God had done.

Grace is my favorite subject in God’s Word.  There is evidence of grace in every individual who turns their heart to Christ.  Grace is His hand of favor on my life and it is totally unmerited.  God shows grace only because He decides to and because His love moves Him.  He continuously pours out His grace on my life in every promise, in every answered prayer, in every gift from His Spirit.  His grace covers my stupid mistakes.  I don’t deserve it, but isn’t that the point?

Lord, where would I be without Your grace?

 


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Zip Lining

IMG_7374Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:9-10 “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.”

I had never tried zip lining until just recently and I was plenty nervous!  The staff there was very reassuring but still, that first lunge off the platform made my heart drop all the way to my feet!  I had seen others ride the line with no hands, turning and laughing and calling to friends below.  I was strangely silent and still, holding on for dear life!  Just as I was starting to relax and enjoy it, the ride was over.  I wished I could have come to that confident place sooner!

Today’s verse is reassurance from Someone who is in control of the whole life-long ride.  He holds fast those who belong to Him.  Whether we are zip lining, mountain climbing, or living overseas in a strange culture, He promises to guide, direct, and never let go.  His love hold us in the palm of His hand and nothing can touch us without His permission (John 10:28).  No one can snatch us out of His hand!

When I really grasp this truth, like I did that line, I can more quickly reach that place of confidence and enjoy the ride!  I have experienced His faithful care living overseas these last twenty-six years.  He has carried me through some unbelievable challenges in most every area of life.  I do not have to fear what tomorrow may bring because He has proved Himself faithful and true to His Word.  If life seems to be going too fast or I cannot see what is ahead, I can still be confident and relax.

Lord, help me feel Your reassuring hold on me!


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Art or French Fries?

friesIMG_20160510_101032Scripture for Today: Scripture for Today: Psalm 63:3-4 “Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live and in Your name I will lift up my hands.”

I recently attended a painting workshop where the goal was to express praise to God through art.  There were no rules or grand expectations.  There was just some Christian music playing and some Psalms read.  The facilitator gave a title to our work; “Adoration.”  I tried not to look over at my neighbor’s work.  I tried to focus on what I was feeling towards the One who created me.  But my praise came out looking like french fries!  I guess I should not quit my day job just yet!!

Today’s verse expresses praise to God in a different way.  David used his lips in word and in song to glorify God’s name.  He lifted up his hands in praise to God’s incredible love that he calls, “better than life.”  This psalm was written when he was in the desert of Judah, on the run from his enemies.  His praise to God is that much sweeter being in the midst of a “dry and weary land” (verse 1).

My praise to Him may not be of a professional quality.  My painting is maybe good enough for the back closet wall!  I love singing but my song may even be a little off key.  I lift my hands now, but someday my arms may be too weak.  But  He sees to the heart’s expression.  Praise to Him is always welcomed.  Whatever I do or say can be done in His name and to His glory (Col. 3:17).  Praising Him for His love and power is about the most important thing I can accomplish today!

Keep me praising You today, Lord!


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My Roses

rosesIMG_20160327_161331Scripture for Today: James 1:3-4 “…because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

I am thinking that my roses need some fertilizer.  They bloomed for this spectacular show and then decided to quit.  Probably, the soil needs to be replenished with nutrients.  In my area the soil is especially dry and full of clay and in need of some help.  But we all know how fertilizer is made from animal matter, human excreta or vegetable matter, at least the organic variety.  Rotting vegetables from a compost pile is not too appetizing.  And the bat and bird guano is just a discreet way of saying something else!

The Bible is full of references to plant growth and fruit to picture our spiritual journey.  Today’s verse explains that we become mature in our faith by developing perseverance.  It all sounds wonderful until we realize that the only way we develop that lovely flowering perseverance is through some stinky trials.  The hard times drive us to our knees and cause us to cry out to Him for help.  When we see God work, our faith grows.  The next time we find ourselves in the middle of hard times and heartache, we are more likely to stay strong and healthy.

I wish there was a less painful way to grow and bloom.  But the beauty and color is more vibrant when born of hardship.  It is a comfort to me to know that a horrible circumstance that has nothing to recommend it can be used by Him.  He does not waste that stinky situation.  In His hands it serves to develop something beautiful in me!

Thank you Lord, for using it all to grow my faith!