Devotions By Jan

Monthly Archives: June 2021


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Humble Pie

Scripture for Today: James 4:6 “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”

This pie actually looks good! But the word “humble” in the expression “humble pie” actually came from a different word. In the early 1400’s “numble” was the word for chopped organ meat from venison, often baked in a pastry. The “n” was eventually dropped and the “h” added. Numbles were for the huntsmen, his family and his companions whereas the choice deer meat was sold to the upper class. Today, eating “humble pie” means to act apologetically and admit one’s error.

Today’s verse talks about more grace that is given to the humble. As undeserving as we are, those who can come clean with the Lord about their failures experience His favor. But there is something in all of us that bristles at the thought of admitting our errors. Sometimes, the only way it can happen is if we can point to extenuating circumstances! Or we can maybe admit we were wrong if someone can share our chagrin. Eating humble pie is never a very comfortable experience.

As difficult as it is to humble myself, His grace makes it worth it! I would much rather live in His undeserved favor than have Him be opposed to me. But each time I allow pride, stubbornness and determined independence from Him to creep into my day, I am foregoing His desire to bless me. Half the time I do not even realize it is happening as I am so full of myself! How good of Him to bring me to my knees in humility!

Forgive me my pride, Lord. Oh how I need your grace today!


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Contagious Yawning

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 40:28 “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.”

Photo by Jen at https://www.flickr.com/photos/jenrab/2308543513

It’s true! According to scientific studies, yawning IS contagious! In fact, I stopped trying to count how many times I yawned picking out a yawning image! Some studies suggest that one is showing empathy or bonding. But this behavior does not appear in early childhood. That tells me who started the yawning in this picture! It has been found that contagious yawning is more likely with acquaintances rather than strangers, tired or not!

Today’s verse tells us that our everlasting God and Creator will not grow tired or weary. God is spirit, but to speak of Him in human terms, God would never yawn! His understanding is certainly beyond ours and His power is limitless! Not only is He never without strength, He promises to give strength to the weary and power to the weak (verse 29). And it is the believer’s hope in the Lord that gives renewed strength (verse 31).

The Lord’s knowledge of me is so intimate that He knows what I am going to say before I say it (Psalm 139:4). That means He sees every yawn as well. He knows when I feel physically tired, but more than that, He knows when I am weary and emotionally drained. I may put on a brave face, but He sees the hidden yawns of discouragement inside. How wonderful of Him to strengthen my resolve! How gracious He is to offer His power when I acknowledge to Him my weakness! His supply is limitless and He never tires of me asking Him!

Lord, I need Your strength today!


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Daddy’s Home!

Scripture for Today:  Romans 8:15 “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'”

The artist, Norman Rockwell, has certainly captured the joy of homecoming between daughter and father in this image. Our children may be brunettes rather than blonds. And Randy did not wear the suit and hat. But the feeling tones remind me of when our children were small and there was joyful reunion when Daddy walked through that door! I remember when my own Father would come through the door after a long business trip. My Mother would be relieved as things settled back to normal. The homecoming often included little gifts from his travels.

Today’s verse describes God as our Father. He chooses that image of Father to communicate love, care and belonging. Jesus addressed God as His personal Father in prayer and invites us to do the same. God, being named our Father, makes Him approachable and endearing. This relationship is intended to be intimate and tender. He is our perfect and loving Daddy. It is by grace that we are adopted as His very own. He wanted us and He chose us.

I did not fear the homecoming of my Father as our relationship was a positive one. I understand that not everyone can say that and I know I am blessed. But there is no fear in approaching my loving Heavenly Father. Because I am His child, I can approach Him boldly and often. What a privilege! But so often I am too proud, too independent or too busy to come and crawl up into His lap.

Lord, thank you for being my perfect Father.

(Look familiar?  This is a re-post from 2013 in honor of Father’s Day.)


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Swaddled Babies

Scripture for Today: Psalm 94:18a-19 “Your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”

What an unusual orchid! At a certain stage of opening, this flower looks a lot like a baby wrapped in swaddling cloth! The Swaddled Babies orchid is found in the Andes region around Ecuador, Columbia and Venezuela. It is also referred to as Tulip Orchid and Baby in the Cradle. Perhaps growing this orchid would have a calming effect. I know swaddling did with our second grandson. From flailing arms and distress to instant calm, swaddling brought immediate relief to his anxiety.

Today’s verse speaks of God’s consolation in the face of great anxiety. The psalmist felt that his foot was slipping and he was about to fall (verse 18). His anxiety was a direct result of wicked men and he acknowledged God’s help (verse 17). He felt supported and held up by God’s unfailing love. It was this consolation that turned his anxiety into joy. Like the swaddling, the psalmist was wrapped up and supported in God’s faithful love.

I may not have the same kind of enemies, but I often feel anxiety as the pace of life is so rapid I can feel unstable. I need to feel the arms of the Lord wrapped tightly around me, loving and supporting me. When I feel His love to that extent, then I can calm down and even feel joy! Whatever changes I am experiencing or am likely to experience, I can have joyful confidence in God’s swaddling comfort. His love and presence is the consolation I so desperately need. Like a swaddled baby, I can stop fussing!

Thank you Lord, for consoling me.


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Hot Lips

Scripture for Today: Ecclesiastes 10:12 “Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips.”

When I hear the term, “Hot Lips’ I think of the character, Margaret, on the television show MASH. But in fact, Hot Lips is the name of this two-lipped tubular flower. It can be bright red, white, or a combination of the two. This perennial loves the sun and is drought resistant, needing little water. It can grow quickly and give the yard a cottage garden look. Their nectar is irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies and the flowers are edible to humans.

Today’s verse is one of many in Scripture that teach regarding our lips and what they reveal about us. This verse was written by King Solomon, known for his God-given wisdom. A wise person and a fool are distinguishable from one another by what comes out of their mouths. The words from a wise person are gracious and win him favor. But what comes from the lips of a fool destroys him. He starts out speaking foolishness but as he keeps babbling, his words become wicked madness.

In our image-conscious culture I am often surprised by classy well-dressed people who destroy that perfect picture by what comes out of their mouths. But I know I can sound the same way. My words are not always gracious, especially when responding to hurt or injustice. I can look the fool when I jump to a wrong conclusion and I react instead of thoughtfully responding. Speaking like a fool comes easy. It is a much more difficult challenge to speak wise gracious words. Thankfully, God offers His wisdom when I ask Him (James 1:5). And the control of my tongue can come through His Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).

Lord, make my words gracious today!