Devotions By Jan


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Our Fig Tree

Scripture for Today: James 3:12 “My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

Growing up, the fig tree in our back year was my Dad’s pride and joy! The whole family enjoyed those green figs and the abundant shade the large leaves provided. In fact, my Dad built a round bench encircling the large trunk.  Every year, he would lay out those figs for drying and we could enjoy the dried fruit all year long. In all those years, that tree faithfully bore its figs. Never once did it surprise us with olives!

Today’s verse describes a ludicrous scenario. How ever could a fig tree produce olives, a grapevine produce figs or a salt spring produce fresh water? It is impossible, of course. These images teach us that what comes out of the mouth reveals what is in the heart. What comes out of the mouth is consistent with what is thought and felt inside.  Eventually, our hidden nature is revealed by the words we speak.

No one can tame the tongue nor can anyone make themselves new inside. It is only by the work of the Holy Spirit that we can hope to change. When cursing and praise both come out of my mouth, it is a clear signal that I need to do business with the Lord. “…This should not be.” (verse 10) but unfortunately, it is. I can blame my words on stress or fatigue but what I really need to do is just confess it. I do not want to disappoint or grieve the Holy Spirit. And He graciously offers His self-control so that my life consistently bears fruit that honors Him.

Lord, control my tongue today to consistently honor You.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2015)


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Resetting the Anchor

Scripture for Today: II Peter 3:17 “Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.” 

Anchored
Photo by Matthew Matheson at https://www.flickr.com/photos/blueprincearchitectural/17323371366

This rusty relic of an anchor sits above the rocky shore of Cape Breton. If anchors could talk I am sure there would be interesting stories to tell. There is quite a procedure to follow when setting an anchor. The first consideration among others is the depth of the water. But even when all steps are meticulously followed, there are times when an anchor will need to be reset. If wind, currents or tide changes cause the boat to swing over the anchor, then the anchor may have to be reset.

Today’s verse warns the believer that there is a possibility of being carried from our secure position by the wrong thinking of the lawless. These scoffers will argue that they do not see the promise of the Lord’s coming as everything continues as it always has (verse 3-4). We are to be on our guard against such arguments as God will always be true to His Word. Reminding ourselves of the veracity of His promises keeps us anchored securely in place.

If I ever feel I am drifting away, then I need to “reset my anchor” by returning to His promises. This hope in His Word is an anchor for the soul, keeping me firm and secure (Heb. 6:19). It is reminders of His faithfulness found there that keep me faithful to Him! Those fickle winds of change and popular thinking will then not move me. The constant currents of the next new thing will not budge me from the secure position He provides.

Thank you Lord, for being my anchor.


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Independence Day

Scripture for Today: Psalm 25:17-18 “Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sin.”

How wonderful to put aside differences and nationally celebrate our independence as a country! Parades, picnics and fireworks mark this special day. Flags make their appearance on lawns and often neighborhoods will celebrate collectively. It looks as if this little girl is celebrating her independence from parental control! Those toddler years are full of struggle for independence, as any parent in the trenches knows.

Today’s verse shows us the results of independence from our Creator. This is man’s natural inclination, to be autonomous and govern his own life his own way. The problem comes from the anguish, affliction and distress that sinful choices can produce. David so acutely feels the troubles of his heart that he pleads with the Lord to free him. When in our independence we choose our own way rather than His, we risk following a path of destruction, even when it looks oh so right (Prov. 14:12). The Lord never intended man to be independent from Him.

My desire to live without any constraints is normal. No one likes anyone telling them what to do or what behaviors to avoid. But every one of His commandments are meant to give me freedom! (Psalm 119:45) They free me from the heart trouble and the anguish of being separated from the Lover of my soul! Being dependent on Him gives me true freedom to live in the light of His love and favor! But like the stubborn toddler who thinks they know better than the parent, I pull away. How good He is to bring me back to Himself with powerful loving arms!

Thank you Lord, for the freedom that comes with dependence on You!


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Buckled Up!

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 6:12-13a “Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist….”

Part of air travel means listening to the list of safety procedures. I know it is important but I cannot help but smile inside every time a seat belt buckle is explained! It just seems a bit too obvious! At the last cabin check before take-off, the flight attendant with whom my husband had been teasing came by saying, “Your seat belt is buckled, Mam?  You Sir, can undo yours!” Thankfully, this particular flight had very little turbulence but as advised, we kept it buckled.

Today’s verse describes the very first item of the armor of God. The context tells us that the believer is in a spiritual warfare needing spiritual armor. Without it, we cannot stand firm in the face of evil. We stand our ground first with the Truth. Like a seat belt well buckled, the truth keeps us stable in the event of turbulence. The day of evil turbulence will certainly come and usually without any warning. That belt needs to be in place and buckled at all times!

The enemy plants doubt in my thinking and as with Eve, asks if God really did say what He did. The only way to combat destabilizing doubt is to know, love and meditate on God’s Truth in His Word. Being convinced of the Truth allows me to stand my ground and not be moved, no matter how violent the turbulence. Knowing and resting on the truth will allow me to stay secure regardless of the turbulence that evil can produce!  

Lord, keep me firmly buckled in with the Truth!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2014)


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The Pledge

Scripture for Today: Psalm 33:4 “For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.”

by clotho 98 at https://www.flickr.com/photos/clotho98/4948369338

The gesture pictured on this magazine cover is a common one in North America among scouts. Before a girl or boy can become a scout a pledge must be voiced. “On my honor I promise to do my best….” Following are three praiseworthy statements regarding duty, helpfulness and obedience. The principles written in the scout’s honor pledge are lofty and difficult to consistently follow. It is interesting to have the disclaimer as part of the pledge…”to do my best.” There is resolve and commitment but a recognition as well that one cannot perfectly fulfill this pledge.

Today’s verse is a wonderful assurance that everything God says is right and true. He is faithful to His Word and there is no need for any disclaimer! He never says, “I will try to do my best,” or “I will do the best I can.” He is powerful enough to make all His words become a reality. If He says something will happen, then it will. We never have to wonder whether He will go back on His Word. We never have to wonder if what He says is right. His purpose statements are not just good intentions but unshakeable truth.

I can and do build my life on His Word, being that it is rock solid truth. He will always perfectly fulfill His pledge to me. His Word is not only faithful and true but powerful beyond comprehension! After all, it was by His Word that the heavens were made! (verse 6) In a world where words are cheap and promises are broken, how amazing it is to be able to count on everything He says! And what He says is so good and loving.

Thank you Lord for the certainty that everything You say is right and true!