Devotions By Jan

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Daybreak or “Daybrake?”

Scripture for Today: Psalm 118:24 (KJV) “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

What puts the brake on your day? A recent survey concluded that the average American knows by 8:36 am whether it will be a good day or a bad day! Apparently, the mishaps of the morning cause half of those surveyed to cancel plans or call in sick! On average this happens four times a month due to: waking up sick or with a headache, a poor night’s sleep, misplacing keys, forgetting a wallet or phone, running out of TP or oversleeping!

Today’s verse can begin a day much differently, despite our circumstances! To acknowledge that the Lord has out of His goodness and love granted us one more day is a reason to be thankful. (verse 29) To recognize that the Lord is our strength, our song and our salvation completely changes our outlook! (verse 14) His mercy and compassion are new again as we awake. They are renewed specifically in the morning at the start of a new day. (Lamentations 3:22-23) These thoughts on waking stir in us joy and gladness!

Realistically, these thoughts do not always characterize me on waking. Especially when the night’s sleep was less than refreshing! But there can always be a meaningful pause before rolling out of bed. A pause to thank Him for life, for His love, for the faithfulness He shows me. These thoughts of gratitude can even be turned in God’s direction BEFORE coffee! Things may still go wrong with my morning but this way the beginning is always positive!

Thank you Lord, that I can wake up with joy!


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Fridgescaping

Scripture for Today: I Samuel 16:7b “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart.”

There is landscaping or hardscaping or even tablescaping. But fridgescaping? Apparently this is the newest trend; to decorate the inside of your refrigerator! The refrigerator pictured here was put together with thoughtful care to achieve this look. Some people add to their shelves fresh flowers, fairy lights and picture frames. Of course, to admire your handiwork would require standing there with the door open, losing energy! What does your refrigerator say about you?

Today’s verse reminds us that God sees differently than man. We are concerned about image, whether it be clothes that make the man or decor that makes the refrigerator. But God sees beyond these distractions to the heart. David, the youngest of eight, was God’s choice to be anointed as King of Israel. Even though his brothers were older and taller, David, coming in from caring for the sheep and probably not smelling so good, was God’s choice as his heart was right.

It is so much easier to work on my image and a good impression than the real work of cleaning up the inside. But it does not matter so much what people think of me. The most important opinion is what God thinks, what He sees and what He knows about my heart. It is not a scary thought that He sees so much, only because I belong to Him and know His wonderful forgiveness. He goes right past those fresh flowers to the rotting vegetables in the drawer and lovingly and thoroughly cleans and forgives.

Thank you Lord, for making my heart clean.


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Napoleon’s Banner on Display

Scripture for Today: Psalm 60:4 “But for those who fear You, You have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow.”

This elaborate banner was a flag proudly carried by Napoleon Bonaparte’s Imperial Guard foot soldiers in 1813. It is either an original or a very early reproduction. Banners like these were normally carried on staffs capped with a  gilt bronze eagle to symbolize divine authority. Unfortunately, the eagle finial for this one was stolen in 1990 from the museum housing it. So much for divine authority! The foot soldier appointed to carry this banner had to be someone recognized for their bravery as he was an obvious target for the enemy.

Today’s verse has a banner that has been raised by our God and does indeed denote divine authority! It is raised for those that fear and obey Him. Unlike those who were experiencing discipline in this psalm, God’s faithful ones could depend on Him to save and help with His powerful right hand (verse 5). Those who fear, respect and obey the Lord are in a battle for His cause; the cause of truth, justice and righteousness.

God has raised this banner for me. How amazing for this puny foot soldier to be part of His plan!  Because He has raised it for me, I know I will be victorious over enemies! But I do need to unfurl it. It is my identifying mark. I want to unfurl His banner with confidence, standing for the truth of who Jesus is and the veracity and authority of His Word. Regardless of possible negative attention, I never want to be ashamed of my Lord (II Tim. 1:8). After all, He is not ashamed of me as His banner over me is love (Song of Songs 2:4).

Thank you Lord, for the privilege of standing up for You!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2018)


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Trying to Eat Light

Scripture for Today:  Hebrews 5:13-14  “For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.  But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.”

The other day we went out to dinner with another couple. Ignoring the inviting aromas of pizza and pasta, I decided I would eat “light.” The holidays were coming and there would be too many occasions to overindulge. I honestly thought I was being “good” to order a salad. My mistake was not to have asked more questions of our waitress! Between the toasts, the cheese and the lardons fumés, there was nothing light about my salad. And yes, I thoroughly enjoyed it anyway!

There are times in approaching God’s Word that I just want something “light.” Maybe I feel rushed. Or maybe I am feeling pretty good about myself. No conviction today, please. Perhaps I just want a message for someone else but not for myself. A promise would make me feel good. I am sometimes not sure I want to look up any cross references or dig at all. A little light reading of something I am already familiar with would be just the thing.

Today’s verse is in no way discounting “milk.” It is necessary and foundational for the new christian.  There are times when even a mature believer will go “light” and only have what is basic or a reminder in Scripture reading. The problem comes when one has ONLY milk and does not progress at all to “solid food.” Always eating “light” does not allow for good spiritual growth. Too much light eating will result in a failure to distinguish between good and evil.

Lord, help me not to go “light” on Your Word today.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2012)


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Proud as a Peacock

Scripture for Today: Psalm 10:4 “In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.”

The plumage of the peacock is breathtaking! That gorgeous tail  exhibited for the benefit of the peahen measures over five feet! Because of the wing size, the peacock cannot stay airborne for long. Instead he will run, hop and flutter a bit. But the peacock has every reason to be proud with his magnificent tail on display. In this image the sign says, “no entry.” The very reason for his pride is what will keep him out. With his large awkward tail there would just be no room.

Today’s verse is part of a passage describing the wicked. In the thinking and in the pride of the wicked there is no room for any thought of God. He does not seek the Lord as he feels he has no need of Him.  His life is easy and prosperous (verse 5). He lives his life his own way, scorning God’s laws. He feels he can get away with it believing God never sees (verse 11). What this man does not realize is that his pride tops the list of sins that are detestable to the Lord (Prov. 6:16-17).

It is only because of the grace and salvation of Christ that I am not counted among the “wicked.”  However, that does not mean that I do not struggle with pride. Every time I disobey what God has clearly commanded, my pride is showing in thinking I know better! Pride has crept in when I neglect to seek Him with my whole heart. When there is room for every thought except thoughts of Him, then pride has kept me from realizing His presence.

Lord, fill my mind and heart today with thoughts of You.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2019)