Devotions By Jan


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Bigger and Better!

fruitnut1Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 1:10  “I appeal to you brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

Have you ever wondered why some pieces of the exact same variety of fruit vary in size?  My first thought is sun exposure or better access to water.  But size difference can also be attributed to cross pollinating.  Whether a tree is self-pollinating or not, its fruit can be bigger and better and its yield more impressive when there is cross pollination.  But one needs two different cultivars of the same fruit tree; for example Red Delicious with Fuji apple.  Two exact same trees in close proximity do not improve the fruit.

Our verse for today admonishes believers to get along with one another.  There were reports of quarrels in the church in Corinth damaging their reputation or “fruit.”  The local church brings together such a diversity of people that there are bound to be differences of opinion.  Even though different varieties are thrown together there is to be fruit from our unity and cooperation.  Of course there are differences in our politics, education, preferences and backgrounds but they are not to divide us.

When believers can actually work together, we enjoy a wonderful yield.  The world sits up and takes notice when we can show respect and love to one another (John 17:23).  We live up to being associated with the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!  Standing close and united, our differences make our fruit  bigger and better!

Lord, regardless of our differences, keep me one with other believers for Your name’s sake!

 


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Steeple

steeple unnamedScripture for Today: Psalm 36:5 “Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies.

I have had the privilege of living for decades with fabulous French cathedrals practically in my back yard.  I have seen so much ornate architecture in my years in Europe that the wonder and grandeur of their cathedrals almost seem commonplace.  But there is something about the simplicity of a white steeple on a New England chapel that touches my heart!  The steeple draws the eye up toward heaven as if it were a pointing finger.  Can anything rival the sky above?

Our verse for today draws our gaze upward, just like that simple steeple.  The heavens not only “declare the glory of God” but they also declare the love and faithfulness of the Lord.  Its vast expanse reminds me of how tiny and insignificant I am compared to how majestic He is!  His love and faithfulness are as big as that vast expanse of sky.

The phrase, “the sky’s the limit,” does not apply here!  God IS love and there is no limit.  He is faithful and true to His character.  His yes is always yes and His promises sure.  His eternal nature makes His attributes eternal as well.  One cannot exhaust His love or faithfulness.  Our infidelities and failures will never change who He is.  He is faithful to who He is and His love will never fail.

Looking up to the heavens reminds me.  Too often I am distracted by looking down.  All I can see sometimes is my own little world of problems and I miss the bigger picture.  The eternal perspective escapes me.  The steeple lifts my gaze to where it belongs!

Lord, may the skies be a reminder today of Your love and faithfulness to me!


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Without Dad

Dad10388582_10153076168424311_3766749023210753367_nScripture for Today: Romans 8:15 “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!'”

This is my first Father’s Day without my Dad.  He lived a full rich and lovely life, but even at age 92 it was too soon for him to go.  Knowing that he is with his beloved Savior makes the separation easier.  It is for just a short time, but I am used to having him here.  I still say, “Mom and Dad,” as if he were still with us.  It has been a bit difficult to forego the Father’s Day card for him this year.

Our verse for today describes the special relationship a believer enjoys with his Heavenly Father.  We can refer to Him as, “Dad.”  The relationship is meant to be that close and intimate.  It is not a relationship filled with mindless obligation and rules.  We do not fear Him as a slave fears a master.  There is awe, respect and obedience but because of Christ, the fear of wrath and condemnation is no longer there!  Because of Christ, we are part of the family!

How amazing that He chose me to be part of this family.  I certainly was not born into it!  None of us were.  We had to be adopted to be in this heavenly family.  Why on earth He chose me is beyond understanding.  I was an undeserving rebel.  Yet, my Father in His grace initiated the entire process.  Having a Father who is God is the best kind of Father.  His care is perfect and everlasting!  His love is unconditional and complete.  His presence and comfort never fail!

Thank you Lord, that I can celebrate You as my Father every day!

 


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Turned Around!

track unnamedScripture for Today: Acts 3:19 “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,”

The sun was shining and there was a slight cool breeze.  The track was empty and everything was perfect for my first morning walk here.  I was walking at a good pace when I noticed the arrows pointing the other way.  I was walking well but in the wrong direction!  How annoying.  As I was monitoring laps and time for future walks, I did not want to turn around.  Although I was alone, I felt pretty silly going the wrong way.

Our verse for today includes the idea of going the wrong way.  To repent is to change one’s mind and turn around, going a different direction, in this case toward the Lord.  Peter is challenging his listeners through the words of their own prophets.  They were going the wrong way by rejecting Jesus.  And it was only by changing direction and accepting their Messiah that they could return to God.

To admit that our direction in life may be the wrong one is difficult to do.  On that track, I was not about to start all over.  I had covered a good amount of ground.  Not only that, it is excruciating to acknowledge error.  However, the arrows on that track were clear and I did not have any valid excuse.

God’s Word is like those arrows marking the right direction.  If I am not following them I am moving farther and farther away from the Lord and His refreshing presence.  I just need to change my mind and open my heart to Him.  I just need to turn around.

Thank you Lord that You are there, waiting to forgive and love on me!


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Ticks

Scripture for Today: Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

It is such a small insect.  The nymphs are as tiny as poppy seeds.  Their bite is so inconsequential as to not even be noticed.  With warmer weather comes the increased risk of being bitten by a tick.  But how risky can such a little thing be?  There is Lyme disease but now the experts are warning of a similar virus called “Powassan.”  However, unlike Lyme infection this tick-bearing disease can infect a person in a fraction of the time and in 10% of the cases it is fatal.

Our verse for today talks about serious consequences for our sin.  It is not fatal only 10% of the time but all the time.  Thankfully, the remedy is given to us as a gift in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  But an individual sin can look as harmless as that tiny tick.  If brushed off immediately, it has no chance to attach to the skin and do damage.  But sin, regardless of how inconsequential it seems, will always do damage.  It attaches itself to our soul and transmits disease for which there is no human cure.

It is easy to excuse myself for what was done with a good ulterior motive.  I can rationalize that lie as being little and white.  The French call that slip-up a “péché mignon,” meaning just a little weakness.  But my sins are fatal and I need His grace and forgiveness.  Left in my sins I only deserve what is coming to me.  But the gift of God wipes out my debt of sin and gives me true life!

Thank you Lord, for ridding me of what separates my heart from Yours.