Devotions By Jan


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The Right to Complain

Scripture for Today: Psalm 142:2 “I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.“

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I cannot remember the last time I saw a sign for a “Complaint Department.” This sign is from a restaurant in Ireland and obviously they are not really interested in hearing your complaint! Making this department as inaccessible as possible seems smart! Who wants to hear a bunch of complainers? Inviting a disgruntled customer to express his frustration seems like inviting trouble. And to be the person handling the complaints would require enormous patience. More often than not, the complaint department has moved to social media in the form of poor reviews expressed there.

Today’s verse was written by David while hiding out from Saul in a cave. He had plenty of reason to complain. Saul was intent on killing David without cause. His complaints were voiced out loud and he cried out for God to deliver him. David did not try to sugar coat his emotions. He complained of his troubles. But like so many of David’s psalms, he ends it on a positive note with confidence that God will work in his favor.

I take heart when I read this psalm. The Lord knows exactly what I am thinking and feeling. I might as well voice it and get it all out in front of Him. Nothing shocks the Lord and He can take it. Unlike the person handling customer complaints, His patience with me is infinite! Pouring out my complaint to others does not give me the same relief that the Lord does. Not only does He patiently listen, He has all the power to do something about it. And like David, voicing my complaints and troubles to Him puts me back on my knees in prayer. Before long, He reassures me that He is on it. 

Thank you Lord, for patiently listening.


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Dogecoin

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 11:26 “He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead for his reward.”

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What started out as a joke in 2013 has now become the fourth largest crypto by market value! With that logo of Shiba Inu from the “Doge” meme it is hard to take seriously at first glance. But in the world of cryptocurrency it is gaining momentum. At this writing its value has climbed to 55 cents. But many are skeptical and cautious. One of the main differences between this and the bitcoin is that the total supply is uncapped. It is unlimited!

What we value determines how we live. For Moses in today’s verse, he did not value what most would. He was able to turn his back on the riches of Egypt and leave his privileged position. He did this in obedience to God’s call even though it would mean disgrace and loss of recognition by the royal family. He could do this because he was looking in faith toward his eternal reward. Like Paul, Moses could count every advantage as “garbage” compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (Phil. 3:8)!

Do I value knowing Christ just as much? Like the fluctuating market where values rise and fall, the value I assign to Him can change. His worth far exceeds anything on earth but my priorities sometimes veer towards what is “garbage” in comparison. I am so easily distracted by what the world values. But when I arrive at my eternal home where streets are made of gold and gates of precious stones, I will laugh at what I thought was so important here!!

Lord, keep me valuing what has true worth!


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National Decency Day

Scripture for Today: Luke 6:31 “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

https://www.flickr.com/photos/yourdon/3386629036

How unfortunate to have to remind people to be decent! The National Decency Day was established to encourage a basic standard of civility. It is meant to be non partisan, a grassroots movement to inspire decency in everyday life. Decency was certainly the theme in this scene as an elderly gentlemen had trouble getting to his bus stop. He was kindly helped by this couple while a passerby smiles. He was then helped up the steps to that bus and I am sure the decency of strangers made his day!

Today’s verse would be the perfect verse for showing decency. Many who are not familiar with the Bible are aware of this verse, calling it, “The Golden Rule.” Its logical simplicity can lull one into thinking it is an easy principle to practice. But in fact, this verse is especially difficult when one realizes that this behavior is to be shown to enemies! We are to do good not just to strangers but to those who hate us (verse 27)! We are to bless those who curse us and pray for those that mistreat us (verse 28)! Common decency and basic civility seem like a slam dunk compared to this standard!

As with all commandments, precepts and statutes of God, my obedience is not what I would like. I feel as if I fail Him often. Thankfully, His forgiveness is consistent and faithful (I John 1:9). When with the help of His Spirit I can treat enemies the way He wants, He is glorified! Loving my enemies is not natural for me and when I can do it, I know it is another evidence of His work in me.

Thank you Lord, for Your Spirit who enables me to treat others well!


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Moxie

Scripture for Today: Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeepersmedia/14807711190

Do you live you life with Moxie? Well, someone thinks you should as he points his finger at you! Moxie is the brand name of a bitter syrup created in 1876 called, “Moxie Nerve Food.” It was purported to prevent paralysis, softening of the brain (?) nervousness and insomnia! Later, soda water was added to make one of the earliest carbonated drinks in America. The term “moxie” has come to mean the ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage.

Today’s verse comes at a time of transition and change. Joshua was given the daunting task of leading the Israelites. He was charged with taking the territory that God had promised Moses and the people. There would be many times of fear and discouragement but God reassures Joshua of His presence. He promises to never leave or forsake Joshua (verse 5). “Be strong and courageous,” is repeated three times in four verses! Because of God’s promises, Joshua could face the future with spirit and courage!

I have this same promise and reassurance! Especially in times of transition and change, I need to be reminded that God is there. I can face my future with that moxie of spirit and courage because God has told me that He will never leave me or forsake me (Heb. 13:5). He is with me wherever I go and there is no place where He is not (Psalm 139:7-10)! His presence is my strength. His presence is my courage. His presence is my encouragement. Without Him, I would be a bowl of quivering “what if’s.”

Thank you Lord, for the courage and strength You give me!


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Hot House Orchid

Scripture for Today: II Peter 3:18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

This gorgeous flower needs pampering! When transplanting the orchid out of its tropical habitat, it will need special conditions to grow and flourish. The artificially heated greenhouse will provide an environment that will make this delicate plant happy and stable. In that hot house will be other vulnerable plants not hardy enough to grow under natural conditions. The phrase, “hot house flower” also describes a person who is fragile and vulnerable.

Today’s verse talks about what is needed for the believer to grow in his faith: grace and knowledge. There is not a Christ-follower alive that does not need these special conditions to grow. Being exposed to the harsh world-environment can choke out what God wants to produce in us. His grace or unmerited favor and the knowledge of Himself is His hot house. His grace is sufficient when we are weak (II Cor. 12:9). And the power to thrive comes through our knowledge of him (II Peter 1:3).

I forget so often. My independent and prideful spirit makes me feel that I am doing just fine on my own. That takes all the glory for myself when it rightfully belongs to Him. And before long, my attitude starts to show in shriveled leaves and droopy flowers. It is clear to me that my faith is stunted when I totally lose it at the first sign of difficulty. But when I can respond with dependence on His grace and a recognition of His goodness and love, then I can not only survive, but thrive. It is the Lord that keeps me from being fragile and vulnerable.

Thank you Lord, for the growth that comes from You!