Devotions By Jan


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Renovation

3563583617_df2bbee613Scripture for Today: Psalm 122:1 “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.”

Our small condo is slowly being renovated.  Each time we visit to see how the work is progressing, I try to be realistic.  It all takes longer than I had anticipated.  Thankfully, we do not need to live there during the work.  With each visit, new things are seen that should be changed or upgraded.  I will be very glad when all the work is finally finished.

Our verse for today speaks about being glad to enter the house of the Lord.  To be with other believers and worship our Lord together is a glad event.  However, we are all in the process of some serious renovation in that house.  There may be some rough edges on people that need sanding down to make smooth.  There may be a hanging hinge on a door which makes opening up difficult to do.  Perhaps, there are “damaged” people in that house that need repair.  Can I really be glad to enter a house like that?  Wouldn’t it be better to come in after all the renovations were complete?

I can be glad to enter the Lord’s house knowing that God is working in others just as He is working in me.  He promises to continue working right up to the day of His return (Phil. 1:6).  The on-going changes He is producing in others are the same kinds of renovations He is doing in me.  As believers, we are all in the process of change and growth into the very image of His Son.  It is a renovation that we live with, knowing that the outcome is worth it!

Lord, help me to be patient with Your work in me, and in others!

 

 


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Blurry Vision

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

I recently had my eyes checked by an optometrist.  I knew there would be issues as this was a visit that was long overdue.  It is never a comfortable experience as different lenses are tried and vision is blurry for some of them.  The doctor was very kind and gentle always repeating, “Is this comfortable?”  The question was not if I could read a particular line of letters but if I was comfortable doing so.  We were finally able to reach that level of vision and comfort and I left with a new prescription.

Our verse for today speaks of a vision that is never very comfortable.  It is a vision using “eyes of faith” and goes against our natural inclination.  It is a vision that sees what the human eye cannot, but it requires faith.  Faith is assurance about what we do not see naturally (Hebrews 11:1).  And it is not always a comfortable experience.

The popular expression, “seeing is believing,” is an idiom that first appeared in 1639.  But the idea behind it was certainly expressed by the apostle, Thomas, when hearing of the resurrection of Jesus!  He was not willing to believe until he had seen concrete evidence with his own eyes.  Jesus lovingly and graciously gave him that visual evidence but explained that there was special blessing for those who believed without seeing.

Walking by faith will never be as comfortable as walking by sight.  But it is the only way to “see” the blessings of His love, His faithfulness and His care.  I cannot see what is ahead, but my “spiritual eyes” see Him holding my hand!  His blessings are well worth whatever discomfort there may be!

Lord, help me to see You more clearly today!

 

 


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Cliff Notes

CliffScripture for Today: John 5:39-40 “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life.  These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”

At one point, Cliff notes were indispensable!  It was the preferred method for understanding the plot of a book without actually reading it.  It was widely considered cheating, except for the busy student who had no time to study!  The summary given in the Cliff notes gives others the impression that one knows everything there is to know about a book.  Of course, today there are on-line search engines that can give that same impression.

Our verse for today was addressed to the Jewish leaders persecuting Jesus.  Jesus affirmed that they took no shortcuts but diligently searched the Scriptures.  But they refused to believe the testimony of those Scriptures.  Rather than believe that Jesus is the Source of Life, they preferred to believe they could obtain eternal life through study.

Somehow, these religious leaders missed the whole theme of the Bible.  It was as if they had only read the Cliff notes.  In spite of all their study, they came to the wrong conclusions and refused Jesus Christ who Himself is the theme of the Bible.  In coming to Him, we not only receive eternal life, but we have our spiritual eyes opened to understand His Word.

The Scriptures are like no other book as they allow me to draw closer and closer to its Author.  He reveals Himself and communicates His love through those pages.  To study the Bible for the sake of study does not interest me.  To study the Bible to deepen my relationship with Him motivates me!

Thank you Lord, that Your Word leads me to You!


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Tangled

IMG_20121228_121938Scripture for Today:  Hebrews 12:1  “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”

Tearing down the Christmas tree can pose some problems.  No matter how hard I try or how careful I am, I always manage to get those strings of lights tangled up.  Once I get them separated I put them in separate plastic bags.  That way I am good to go for next year.  There will be no tangling while stored in the dark attic!

Our verse tells us sin tangles.  Its consequences complicate our lives.  What looked innocent in the beginning makes a mess in the end.  What seemed easy at first turns out to make everything hard later.  When I try to sort out my own mess, things can become increasingly tangled.  One bad decision affects another and then another.

Some consequences of our own sin can last a lifetime.  But with the Lord there is complete forgiveness and there is hope.  He teaches me and humbles me through my failures.  I do not have to live life tangled up.  By His grace I can continue the race.  I can move forward, putting aside not only the practice of sinful habits but also the guilty memories.

As I look forward to this New Year, I am grateful for all the good things He has done for me.  He has made it possible for me to move through life unencumbered.  He has given me a cheering section in those men and women of faith in chapter 11.  He has put me in a race, giving me a worthy goal in life; that of serving Him.

Happy running in 2015!


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Daddy

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

I love watching my son-in-law learning to be a father to our newest grandson.  Every day he picks up that sweet eight-pound bundle with more confidence.  He is learning to distinguish the different cries right alongside of my daughter.  It is so sweet to see all the cuddling and to watch the nurturing side of this macho man emerge.  I wonder what their future relationship will be like.  One thing is certain; once a Father, always a Father.  My grandson cannot be “unborn” out of the family.  The father-child relationship is forever.

Our verse today prophesies the birth of Jesus, giving us several names for Him.  Normally, when thinking of Jesus, the Son of God, we do not think of the title, “Everlasting Father.”  However, Jesus being God Himself, shares all His attributes even though His role is different.  Jesus is everlasting with no beginning and no end.  He is also loving and nurturing like a Father to His children.

I love the image of an attentive caring father.  A loving father understands the vulnerability and weaknesses of his child.  Jesus is the best kind of Father because He has lived the life He asks us to live.  Because He Himself entered our world as a baby, He is in a position of a special understanding.  And unlike earthly well-meaning fathers, the love of our Everlasting Father is a love that is unconditional and unending.

Thank you Lord, for being my understanding, perfect, and loving Everlasting Father.