Devotions By Jan


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Magpie in a Mirror

Scripture for Today: James 1:23-24 “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”

I cannot help but notice that chattering flash of black and white through the trees! The magpie’s calls and coloring easily draw attention. For centuries he has been surrounded by legends and superstition. Tipping your hat to the magpie for good luck used to be an English tradition. The magpie today is considered very intelligent as he passes the “mirror test.” It is rare for an animal to recognize that the image in a mirror is his own!

Today’s verse describes someone recognizing himself in a mirror but then forgetting his image. Forgetting allows him to avoid any effort at making a needed change. The mirror is God’s Word and it shows us the truth of who we really are in God’s eyes. This revelation is meant to motivate change rather than forgetful complacency.

I’m much more comfortable with leaving my faults and weaknesses as they are rather than admitting them. Comparing myself to selected others can put me in a much better light! But God’s view of me is what matters. He is gentle and patient with me. And not only does He show me truth but He makes His help and power available to make changes!

Thank you Lord for showing me who You want me to be through the mirror of Your Word.


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Tulip Mania

Scripture for Today: Psalm 128:1-2 “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”

Landing in Amsterdam was unforgettable as fields and fields of colorful tulips delighted the eye! In the 1600’s a speculative frenzy called, Tulip Mania made many rich as their popularity exceeded supply. Before the crash in 1637 some rare bulbs could serve as a dowry or the price of a home! It’s no wonder the tulip has come to symbolize (among other things) PROSPERITY.

Today’s verses talk about both blessing and prosperity being for the one who fears and obeys the Lord. The labor for this individual will produce fruit. The Hebrew word for prosperity is “good” with the ideas being what is best, pleasant, agreeable and for one’s welfare. How different that meaning is from the association with financial gain that we make today!

My bank account balance is not a measure of my prosperity. What is a measure is all the goodness and grace the Lord has poured into my life! So many of His blessings are intangible as I follow and obey Him: His peace, His love and His comfort. I can trust Him to give me what He considers good for me because He is good!

Thank you Lord for Your undeserved blessing and prosperity.


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Powered Up!

Scripture for Today: Romans 5:13 “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.”

The electric vehicle charging station is making its appearance more and more frequently in daily life. Not only are they provided in public places but are also installed in home garages. This change to an alternate source of power has its share of controversy. But it seems that this change is here to stay in one form or another. And as the situation evolves with new and improved versions, there is one truth that everyone can agree on. No one wants to read the word “Empty” on their dashboard!

Today’s verse teaches us that there is a Source of power available in the person of the Holy Spirit living inside of the believer. God fills us up with joy and peace as we place our confidence in Him. It is trusting in Him that is the prerequisite for His joy and peace. And its result is an over-abundance of hope, possible because of the power of God’s Spirit.

My alone time with the Lord is my charging station, renewing my strength and even lifting my spirits. But I do not need to wait until I am dangerously low on power to come to Him! I know I am low on power when I am not experiencing joy, peace and hope. I do not want that needle anywhere near empty before turning to His Word for the encouragement I need. Being “charged up” not only strengthens me but puts me in a state of readiness for whatever challenge is around the corner.

Lord, I need Your power today!


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Gotta Have the Last Word!

Scripture for Today:Proverbs 16:1 “To humans belong the plans of the heart but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.”

The Siamese cat is known for his distinctive coloring. I grew up with Chin-Chin, a seal point. She was very dark and her blue eyes were startling. The Siamese are one of the oldest breeds, thought to originate in Thailand in the 14th century. Our Chin-Chin lived to about eighteen years old. But what I remember most about her was how talkative she was! A Siamese is known to be vocal, commenting on everything throughout their day. Chin-Chin took it one step further. She had to have the last word!

Today’s verse, a proverb, makes the observation that man naturally makes plans in his heart. But the Lord has the last word on those plans. From Him comes what is proper to do and to say. With His word or decision, He establishes plans. (verse 3) It is the Lord who establishes man’s steps. (verse 9) Whatever the plans of our hearts, James tells us to do our planning with the recognition that the Lord has the last word on whether today or tomorrow, “we do this or that.” (James 4:13-15)

I need to lay every plan or project before the Lord. My motives can be dubious and I can be unaware of them. (Jer, 17:9-10) But He can search my heart and examine my mind, pointing out wrong motives. I may be convinced that my plan is good. And it might very well be. But His plan is always better. He sees what I cannot. And when I humbly lay my plans before the Lord, I can at the same time ask for His will, His way and His blessing.

I am grateful, Lord, that You have the last word and that Your word is good!

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2022)


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That Tunnel

Scripture for Today: Colossians 3:1-2  “Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

There is not much to enjoy about tunnels. They are normally dark, smelly, and claustrophobic. When traversing a mountain in Europe, the tunnel usually has the length posted on a sign at the entrance. I find that helpful when the tunnel is especially long and the exit cannot readily be seen. This walking tunnel is the exception, brightly lit and with colorful murals painted on the walls. But whether agreeable or not, the most important view is the light at the end of it!

Today’s verse talks about setting our minds and hearts on things above in Heaven. It is because the believer has been raised with Christ that he can see his world differently. Rather than focusing on the tunnel, he sees the light at the end of it. Christ is that Light (John 8:12).  And He promises that the believer will never walk in darkness. It is never completely dark as He is there and He is the light of life.

When life is good, my mind and heart are set firmly on earthly things. I am less likely to think on Heaven when the tunnel is light, bright and agreeable. But when I forget about eternity, somehow the tunnel can become full of shadows and uncomfortable. Life becomes a bit dim when I focus entirely on what I can see and touch.  But it is when life is difficult that my gaze turns to that Light at the end of the tunnel. He is my future. He is my Hope. Life, whether easy or difficult, is a “tunnel experience” and will not last forever. But life with Him will!

Lord, keep me focused on what is ahead!