Devotions By Jan


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Transplanted

palmunnamedScripture for Today: Colossians 2:6-7 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

I thought it odd to see this huge palm tree being trucked to a different home.  The new owners must have gone to quite a bit of trouble and cost to transplant such a huge tree.  The driver told us that the price tag to move and transplant it was $1,000!  How awful if this majestic tree were to fail to take root in its new home.

Our verse for today describes how as believers we are rooted in a different soil.  No longer are we in the soil of the world, but we have been transplanted.  Those who have received Christ as Lord and Master live their lives for Him.  Being rooted and built up in Him means that faith is continually strengthened as we learn and grow. Being transplanted from the world into Him is made evident by our thankful spirit.

The Lord has gone to enormous lengths to transplant us.  He has sacrificed Himself and bought us at a great price (I Cor. 6:20).  He has taken us out of the darkness and transplanted us in the light (Eph. 5:8).  He has given us everything that is needed to live a godly life in Him (II Peter 1:3).

Like the Israelites who longed to return to Egypt when the going got tough, so I sometimes feel that life would be easier in the world’s soil.  Instead of being thankful for the amazing new place He has planted me, I sometimes look back over my shoulder to what I have left.

Thank you Lord, for transplanting me in You!  Grow my roots deeper and deeper into Your incredible love.


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Green!

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 11:28 “Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”

Today everyone wants to be Irish!  There are parades and celebrations everywhere this week marking Saint Patrick’s Day.  This patron saint of Ireland is often depicted holding a green shamrock.  It is said that he used it as a visual aid to teach on the Trinity.  But since the holiday has moved away from any religious associations, the green shamrock is now touted to be good luck and the day sees many of us wearing green.

Our verse for today gives us another reflection when thinking of the color green.  Green is the color for growth and health.  Those who thrive with the color green are those who make the Lord the focus of their trust.  It is not the green of money that is the object of our confidence.  We are not green and healthy because we have a healthy bank account balance.  We thrive and grow when we lean and rely on the Lord Himself.

When I look to my own resources, my color turns to a sickly brown.  No other resource in life can sustain me and hold me up as the Lord can out of the riches of His mercy.  Because of the unlimited blessings He gives, I will not fall.  He never disappoints, taking care of all my needs.  He promises that even in old age, I can stay fresh and green when I proclaim to others that the Lord is my upright and righteous Rock! (Psalm 92:14).

I just may wear green today, but with this verse in mind.  Thank you Lord, for keeping me fresh, green and thriving because of Your riches!


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My Father’s House

Scripture for Today: John 14:2 “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”

We had the privilege of living in the Loire Valley of France for three years.  It is an area known for its fabulous châteaux.  The Chambord is probably the most recognizable as it is six times the size of most.  What is so amazing is the number of rooms.  Although only eighty are open to public viewing, there are 440 in what started out as just a hunting lodge!  I cannot even imagine having so many rooms!

In our verse for today, rooms are being readied in preparation for the arrival of God’s children.  Each is being especially prepared by our loving Father.  The number of rooms in His house are too numerous to even be counted!  Yet, I imagine that each one is stamped with the personality of the one who is to live there.  The rooms will be perfect.  The style will suit us.  The comforts will be exactly right.  But the best part is that there will be uninterrupted time with the Owner of the house.

I love that the Lord uses this image of a house.  It will feel more like home than anything we have ever experienced on earth.  The idea of a perfect home is not the size or the number of rooms but the love and warmth that this place can encompass.  Just because it is perfect does not mean that it is cold or impersonal.  It will be filled with love and laughter and eternal joy in His presence!  There will be music and running and skipping on those golden sidewalks!

Thank you Lord, for the room You are preparing for me!

 

 


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Mystery Leak

leaky-pipesScripture for Today:  Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

We have had our share of leaks recently.  But this last one was a mystery.  The water was continually beading up through the slats of our newly-laid floor and quickly deforming it.  There was no way to find the problem except to remove the sink and toilet.  Unfortunately, the floor had to be replaced, all because of a small, hidden and persistent leak.

Our verse for today talks about being filled with joy and peace.  Our God is a God of hope.  Because of His love and plan for His children, we can wait with confidence for all that is ahead.  Because of hope, He fills us with joy and peace.  We can experience that sense of joy and peace when we are in a place of trust.  In being filled with these sometimes elusive qualities, we overflow with hope!

Unfortunately, there are leaks when levels of joy and peace slowly diminish.  It can be a slow leak that can go unnoticed for a time.  But eventually, we no longer overflow with hope.  The pressures of life work on us and we struggle through, but without that joy and peace we had.  Before long, we find ourselves questioning God’s goodness and becoming cynical.

Those leaks happen when I do not trust Him.  When I try living life by my own strength and resources, without depending on Him, my joy and peace slowly leak away.  It is no mystery that I am not living by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you Lord, for being trustworthy and filling me with hope!  Keep me leak free!

 


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Patio Furniture

Scripture for Today: James 1:27 “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this; to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

We have been shopping for patio furniture and it is amazing the array of choices out there.  Many of the pieces look as good or better than what I have inside the house.  Between the cushions and the outdoor heaters, one can be as comfortable outdoors as indoors.  In the right setting and with all these creature comforts, I don’t even realize I am outside.

Our verse for today helps us distinguish between worthless religion (verse 26) and what God will accept.  They can seem so similar.  One can be sitting comfortably on the outside, not even realizing that it is not the inside.  The vocabulary can be the same.  The form of worship can be quite similar.  The trappings and tradition of religion might be studiously followed.  But there is one thing that can let us know we are on the outside; it is too comfortable.

Religion that God accepts will not be comfortable.  The book of James makes very clear that true faith in Christ will express itself in self-sacrificing acts of kindness and love.  The giving and support we give to those who cannot reciprocate is a hallmark of true Christianity.

Religion that God accepts will not be comfortable as it takes effort to avoid being polluted.  Following the standards of the world is easy.  Obeying God takes so much more effort and can only be accomplished with the help of His Spirit.  No, it is not comfortable, but how worth it to be inside, in an intimate meaningful relationship with Jesus.

Thank you Lord, that it is Your grace and forgiveness that brings me inside!