Devotions By Jan

Monthly Archives: October 2023


by Leave a comment

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Scripture for Today: I Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

I never quite understood the common name of this flower, “Jack-in-the Pulpit.” That is, until seeing these pulpits in the beautiful cathedrals of France. A pouch-shaped spathe is similar to a pulpit and the overhanging hood surrounds, “Jack,” the fingerlike central spadix. The acoustics in these cavernous buildings with their high ceilings would not be conducive to hearing the message preached. That covering overhead actually helped the sound travel without too much echoing.

Today’s verse explains how a message of hope can be lost. When the believer reveres Christ as his Lord, he will want to share the hope that Christ gives. When others see that hope in our lives, it can stimulate questions for the one watching. But when we answer those questions, we need to be careful to do so with a gentle and not condemning spirit. Sharing the hope of Christ is done with respect for the individual.

The challenge for me is to live in such a way that people will see and ask about the hope that makes my life different. Those early Christians were suffering for their faith in Christ and it was in this context that their hope shone brightly. And today, although my suffering may take a different form, it is also in suffering that people see my hope holding me up and making me strong. Hope in Christ and my future in Him is the anchor of my soul! (Heb. 6:19)

Thank you Lord, that You are my reason to hope.


by Leave a comment

Full of Sap

Scripture for Today: Psalm 92:13-14 “Planted in the house of the Lord, They will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and very green,”

This tree, if healthy and tapped correctly, can produce sap for decades, some as long as 100 years! I don’t often think about the long involved process to get that pure maple syrup on to my pancakes. But someone went to a lot of trouble. Tapping the tree starts with drilling the hole at the proper season, inserting the spile and allowing the sap to flow into a bucket. Then there is the process of boiling the sap to remove excess water and create the syrup. Reading about the process makes my breakfast that much more tasty!

Today’s verse paints an encouraging picture of those in right standing with God. They are described as trees planted in just the right spot of God’s presence. Regardless of their age, they continue to flourish there being green, full of sap and bearing fruit. That wonderful sap can be seen as the fruit of the indwelling Spirit. But that fruit is most often expressed in relationship to others. Many times, it is in the trials (drilling) that the fruit is seen and used. That love, joy and peace is absolutely something supernatural in the face of provoking people!

Wouldn’t it be easy to live the Christian life without having to deal with provoking people? But it is in those drilling confrontations that what is in me is revealed. And sometimes what is revealed is not so sweet and fruitful! But if I am having some trouble showing that fruit, I need to re-examine where I am planted. It is in His presence and in His power that I can be fruitful. It is His Spirit that sweetens every interaction.

Lord, keep me fruitful, green and full of sap!


by Leave a comment

The French Baguette

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 31:27 “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”

This picture says it all about the important place of the baguette in France! It will often make its appearance at the breakfast table slathered with butter and jam. It reappears at lunch time without butter to sop up that lovely sauce. Don’t forget its place at goûter or snack time holding up a piece of chocolate! And to finish the day, there it is again, ready to be dipped into the soup. Everyday this bread works hard!

Today’s verse is part of a long description of what a hard working wife and mother looks like. There is no time or place for the “bread of idleness.” For her, watching over the affairs of her household involves long hours as she provides food (vs.15), sews her family’s clothes (vs. 13, 24), and plants vineyards (vs. 16). She works hard at buying (vs. 16), selling (vs.24) and trading (vs. 18). This is no slouch! Because of her work ethic, her husband is respected and he, along with the children, praise her!

It is hard work to continually watch over a household, as I have found over these last 45 years. I haven’t done it perfectly and I certainly do not measure up to this ideal in Proverbs 31. And it can be demotivating to work hard in the home when the American culture ascribes to it so little value. But God does and says whatever is done, even the mundane things, can be done for His glory! (I Cor. 10:31) My unseen and unsung work has His approval and the praise of my family. And that is enough.

Lord, may this day’s work, whatever it is, honor You!


by Leave a comment

In Hedgehog Heaven

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 6:13 “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.”

I was sad to see this hedgehog thrown to the side of the road outside our house in France. I suppose he saw the car coming but in his little brain he must have misjudged his chance to reach safety. With a top speed of only 4mph, he does not run as quickly as other animals his size. The hedgehog perhaps thought his roughly 5 thousand brown and white spines might protect him if he rolled up into a ball. But of course they are no match for a heavy car. Someone thoughtfully laid that flowering branch over him.

Today’s verse teaches that there is a day of evil coming, barreling towards us like that car. And we are to be prepared, wearing the various pieces of armor God has provided (vs 10-18). We need this spiritual armor for our struggle against what we cannot see (vs. 12). It helps us to stand against the devil’s schemes (vs.11). With God’s armor in place we are strong, not in ourselves but in His mighty power (vs 10). We as believers never need to fear any evil day coming as He has given us the ultimate victory in Christ Jesus (I Cor. 15:57).

What an encouragement to know that I am not without defense! Against the Father of lies I am on the side of Truth. I can stand firm in His righteousness against the accusations of the enemy and not be crushed. My faith protects my heart from wavering and doubt. My salvation is secure because of Him. God’s Word will defeat the enemy every time! And He has even given me the privilege of brokering peace through the Gospel!

Thank you Lord, that sin will not win and evil will not prevail!!


by 4 Comments

Smiling Horse?

I Samuel 2:1 “My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.” (NKJV)

This horse completely ignored me as I passed by him. It’s not as if I wasn’t friendly. I made my voice gentle and clicked my tongue at him. But he would have none of it. How did he know that I did not have a carrot after all? (I didn’t!) But as I passed by the same path on my return, he became interested and flashed what looked to be a smile! Don’t tell me it did not mean anything! It made me feel better about my morning!

Today’s verse has Hannah smiling. For years she had suffered under the constant goading of Peninnah, her husband’s other wife. She was constantly reminded of her barrenness while Peninnah bore many children. The Lord listened to her cries and gave her Samuel. In gratitude and to fulfill her vow, she gave Samuel back to the Lord, to live in the temple and serve Him. Hannah could rejoice and be delighted, even at the moment of separation. She could smile at her enemies as she was vindicated. And God’s blessing continued with the birth of many other children.

One day I know I can smile at my enemies! One day I will be completely vindicated for anything I have suffered at their hands. God has the last word and His justice will prevail. He will even prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies! (Ps. 23:5) I don’t fret about the wicked as God promises to vindicate the righteous (Ps. 37:6). I don’t want to waste mental energy or indignant emotions on the wicked. The Lord will take care of it.

Thank you Lord, for the peace I have with You.