Devotions By Jan


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A Voluntary Test

Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:23 “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”

I wish there were some other way to check one’s cholesterol levels than a blood test. They are never fun and neither is the fasting beforehand. The waiting room experience usually increases my anxiety. The nurse asks me which arm I prefer. Neither, really. I make the required fist and try to remember those relaxing techniques. Surely it was something about breathing. I know not to look. Is this really necessary? Can’t I just promise to lay off the ice cream? 

Today’s verse is about another test which is also a voluntary one. This test involves one’s heart, motivation and thoughts. The One who does the testing is infinitely more patient, tender and loving than any health professional. He goes deeper than any needle can reach and reveals what cannot be seen. He not only reveals potential problems but He is there to lovingly deal with them.

Just as blood testing is not a comfortable experience, so this heart examination can be uncomfortable for me. Seeing my failings and imperfections can burst my self-satisfied bubble and leave me vulnerable. When He searches my heart He may find remnants of bitterness and lack of forgiveness, thought to be already resolved. He sees those anxious thoughts that may signal my lack of faith. But when He brings these things to light, He offers full and complete pardon. The heart no longer feels heavy but light with forgiveness and reassurance!

Search me today Lord, and make my heart healthy with Your loving care.


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Lamp Wick Plant

Scripture for Today: II Timothy 1:6 “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

Photo Credit to Jean-Luc Zaepfel

Yellow flowers always make me happy! But I was especially drawn to this flower because of its name. It makes sense that the Jerusalem Sage gets its name from growing in the areas around Jerusalem. But this plant is also known as the “Lamp Wick Plant.” In former times the fuzzy soft leaves were rolled and dipped in olive oil, then burned as candles or wicks! The botanical genus name is “Phlomis” from the Greek word for “flame.”

Today’s verse is an encouragement from Paul to Timothy. Paul took special interest in Timothy, considering him as a son. As his mentor, Paul urged him to fan into flame the gift he had received from God through the Holy Spirit. Each believer is given a spiritual gift (I Cor. 12:7) to be used in service to Him. In using our gift for His service, He breathes power, love and self-discipline on those coals, making us bold in our testimony and service (verse 7).

How good He is to give me what is needed to serve Him! But that flame of ability and desire can wane. That gift can be reduced to smoldering coals through neglect. Life can seem so full and busy that the flame sometimes needs fanning. The Holy Spirit wants to breathe on me through His Word, and through intimate communion with Him. It is God’s Spirit that works in me to give me that desire and ability to please Him (Phil. 2:13). And with His breath comes renewed purpose and motivation!

Lord, breathe on me. Keep me burning brightly today


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Are You Blue?

Scripture for Today: Psalm 25:5 “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long.”

Of course this bird is blue. After all, he is called a BLUE Jay! But did you know that his feathers are actually brown? There is no blue pigmentation. His feather structure works like a prism, refracting or bending the light to appear blue. If you back light a single feather, you see only brown! Perhaps this is the idea behind the phrase, “bending the truth.” This expression showed up in a play in the seventeenth century and today refers to distorting or reshaping the truth by intentionally leaving out facts, without actually lying.

Today’s verse talks about God’s truth. It is not “my” truth or anyone else’s! It is His which means it is not up for a majority vote nor does it become obsolete. His truth is not only perfect, complete and all-knowing but it is truth that guides and teaches. It will not bend or distort facts to be more agreeable. Walking in His truth I will see the world unfiltered as it really is. His Word is truth (John 17:17) and it is my litmus test for all that aspires to be truth.

The truth of this verse seems so straightforward. Yet, in a world of artificial intelligence and media manipulation, the landscape can appear perfectly blue when it is not at all! To avoid deception I want to continually bathe myself in the truth of His Word! He uses His truth to guide and direct, avoiding potential potholes. But the wisdom that comes from Him requires that I have the humility to ask for it! (James 1:5)

Lord, guide and teach me in Your truth today!


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Wall Street’s “Fear Gauge”

Scripture for Today: :Hebrews 13:6 “So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'”

I did not realize that the investor’s feelings, anxieties and complacency were actually measured! The VIX or Volatility Index is also called a “Fear Gauge” and can measure just how much the market may fluctuate in the next thirty days. A high VIX indicates elevated fear and uncertainty, potentially signaling large market swings. A low VIX pictures the investor as being complacent, stable and having low-risk expectations.

Today’s verse tells believers that we can have confidence! There is stability that keeps us from being “volatile.” Because the Lord is our helper, we can live without fear of market crashes, shortages or any other financial hardship. God had said in verse 5, “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.” God’s presence and His help give us a security that is not found in “securities.” The market may go up or down and the value of the dollar may plunge. The believer stays confident in God’s presence and help.

I have a front row seat to watching this truth play out in the lives of my friends who were scammed out of half their retirement savings! I am amazed to see how the Lord has supplied ALL their needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19) How amazing is His grace! My feelings of security do not depend on any investment other than my eternal investment in God’s undeserved favor! Regardless of life’s “Volatility” I can be stable and confident in Him!

Thank you Lord for being my help and my security!


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Nesting Too Near!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 84:3-4 “Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young – a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, My King and My God.”

I never would have seen this nest if I had not been weeding! The mother duck had carefully pulled over these flowering bushes to cover her baker’s dozen. I had previously seen this duck dive into our flower bed along the walkway leading up to our front door. But it never occurred to me that she was nesting there! And she was sitting on her eggs when I disturbed her. I hope she returns but at the same time I can’t imagine thirteen little ducklings waddling around our entrance!

Today’s verse speaks of a perfect place for a nest. The swallow builds her nest near God’s altar. When one thinks of a nest, there is the thought of comfort, care and protection. A nest represents home and hearth. And the altar of God represents His presence. It is a place of adoration and worship. The psalmist cannot even mention the word “altar” without praising His name! The context of this verse goes on to say that there is happiness when dwelling in His presence.

A nest may be built of all sorts of bits and pieces. It could include mud, feathers, twigs and leaves. But the most important factor is its proximity to God’s altar. My “nest” could be feathered well with all kinds of creature comforts, but does it include God’s presence? If I am dwelling in His presence, He makes my home beautiful. His presence there means there is blessing for me and praise for Him (verse 4).

Lord, keep me dwelling in Your presence today!