Devotions By Jan


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Identity Theft

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:15 “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'”

I have heard some real horrors stories of people who have had their identities stolen.  Stealing identities has been around for a long time.  But now with so much sensitive information being on-line, there is the added risk of theft through our passwords.  A whole industry has been born to protect the consumer.  But nothing can offer 100% protection from those intent on stealing identities for gain.  And many victims are unaware of how their information was stolen!

Today’s verse tells me that as a believer in Christ, I have the indwelling of His Spirit.  Because of His residence in me, I am His child.  I belong to Him.  That is my identity and I can call my Heavenly Father, “Abba,” or “Daddy.”  Before this spiritual adoption I was a slave to the flesh.  Obeying those impulses and desires kept me under its power and I lived with fear.  I was afraid of never being good enough.  I lived with fears and insecurities about eternity and punishment.  But with sonship, my identity changed!

I have been born into His family and nothing and no one can make me “un-born” out of it!  But sometimes I forget who I am.  Old habits and ways of thinking can cause me to live according to the desires of my flesh.  But I am never obliged to live that way again (verse 12).  His Spirit reminds and assures me that I am His child and I have choice.  I can choose to live like who I am!

Lord, thank you that my identity as Your child will never be stolen!

 


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Bewitched

Scripture for Today: Galatians 3:1 “You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.”

With just eight seasons, the Bewitched show has become an icon of television history!  We have the privilege of knowing the Murphy twins, Diane and Erin, who played the role of Tabitha.  This show, running from 1964 to 1972 made the top 20 in its first five seasons.  Its declining popularity toward the end of its run is sometimes blamed on the unexplained and sudden switch of the character, Darrin.  There is even a term used to reference an unpopular switch; “the Darrin Syndrome.”

Today’s verse uses the term,” bewitched” to describe the switch the Galatians had made.  They were bewitched or fooled into switching from the Gospel of grace to a system of works.  A group of legalistic Judaizers convinced this group of converted Gentiles that the death of Christ was not sufficient.  They believed that certain ceremonial laws of the Old Testament were still binding.  They were adding works to the Gospel of grace.  Paul reminds the Galatians that observing the Law did not earn them the Holy Spirit or right standing with God.  Faith in Christ’s sacrifice did that.

It is so easy to be “bewitched” today.  How many religions fool their adherents to believe that it is through our own efforts that we are saved or can please God?  Why switch to a never-ending treadmill of works that does not erase my sense of guilt?  I am never good enough.  There is always more I should be doing.  I am so thankful for His grace.  God’s standard of righteousness was fully met in my Savior and the debt of my sin has been fully paid!

Thank you Lord, that You paid it all and there is nothing more to add!


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The White Ibis

Scripture for Today: Job 38:36 “Who gives the ibis wisdom or gives the rooster understanding?”

Perhaps the rooster is given understanding to know when to crow.  I often wish he was not so understanding!  But how is the ibis wise?  It could be because he knows to fly in the energy-conserving V formation.  Maybe he is wise because he uses his long beak to feel for and capture his prey without even seeing it.  I like to think he is wise because he is mostly monogamous!  Of course, these behaviors are instinctive but they show more wisdom and understanding than some humans demonstrate!

Today’s verse reminds us that it is the Lord who gives wisdom and understanding.  It is given, not earned.  He is the Source and gives freely to all who ask in faith (James 1:5-6).  He not only gives but gives generously and without reproach.  Without asking Him, we are not wise.  We may think we know the best solution to our predicament.  But with His wisdom there is always the potential for something better.  That is because there are consequences we do not anticipate.  He knows the future.  He can see the outcome.  Every decision made without His wisdom to guide and direct is suspect.

I am not an instinctive creature.  God created me with the ability to ponder, weigh options and reflect on possible outcomes.  But sometimes, these God-given abilities make me an independent thinker.  I think I can make decisions just fine without Him.  And sometimes things work out.  But before long, the Lord will humble me to the point where I see my need to ask Him.  How much better to recognize my limits and ask Him in the beginning of that decision-making process!

Lord, thank you for the gift of Your wisdom every day for every decision.


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Bobbleheads

mixdog3.1_zpssdmivvlsScripture for Today: Proverbs 15:12 and 31 “Mockers resent correction so they avoid the wise. Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.”

I am not sure what the attraction is, but it most be there for the bobblehead collector.  These figurines have springs that connect their heads to their bodies, causing their heads to wobble up and down.  They used to be made of ceramic when manufactured by German toy makers in the 18th century.  Since then they have been made of paper-mache, resin or plastic.  It must be good for the morale to have them always agreeing with you, nodding that head up and down!  How affirming to be surrounded by total agreement to every thought or suggestion!

Today’s two proverbs encourage the reader to be comfortable and welcoming to the idea of correction.  That is not always our first response.  We are much more at ease with continuing our course as planned.  To change it up is often uncomfortable.  Add to that the blow to our pride to be incorrect and the whole experience can be negative.

I do not look at myself as a “mocker” but I do sometimes resent correction.  I know it is because of my pride.  I just do not like being wrong!  But to resent that correction is to turn away from what is “life-giving.”  It is through the painful and repeated process of correction from the wise that I can become wise myself.  And the correction that comes from the Source of wisdom and understanding is the most life-giving of all (Job 12:13).  His correction is always right and good and for my good.  Can I take it or does my pride get in the way?

Lord, help me to be open to Your correction today.


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The Flamingo

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 5:14 “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

The brilliant pink and orange of the flamingos never fail to fascinate me.  This social bird with long legs and long curvy neck looks so stately and graceful.  But it is their color that makes them stand out.  As newborns, they are a bland white and grey.  But because of their shrimp and algae diet high in carotenoids, they turn this beautiful vibrant pinkish orange.  I guess the saying is true then, “You are what you eat!”

Today’s verse refers to a diet of “meat” meaning the more profound truths of Scripture.  The one who has a steady diet of meat is the one who is trained in righteousness (verse 12) and can distinguish good from evil.  It is a process over time and constant use.  Meat is not just knowledge or citing verses by memory.  Meat and spiritual maturity come from a constant use of God’s Word in daily life.  Over time the meat-eater will be able to teach and mentor others (verse 12).

It is not difficult to see who are mature in their walk with the Lord.  A long steady diet of God’s Word slowly changes believers, giving them wisdom to choose the right path.  Our spiritual maturity is not measured in years but in consecrated time in His Word and in intentional application.  Obeying God’s Word and hiding it my heart slowly changes me from the inside out.  If I am what I eat, then what color am I?  Am I still white and grey, pale pink or the most brilliant pinkish orange?

Lord, keep me motivated to read and apply Your Word today!