Devotions By Jan

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No Footsteps!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 77:19  “Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footsteps were not seen.”

We live in an age of amazing technology! Underwater robots plunge the depths of the oceans and bring up all kinds of new information. Their unmanned exploration has been used in a variety of ways. Some are able to do repairs on oil rigs. Some can predict the magnitude of an approaching hurricane. Others can locate, map and sometimes raise the wreckage of a downed airplane! Their discoveries have increased our appreciation of God’s creation! But there is one thing these underwater robots will never find on the ocean floor; God’s footprints!

We do not see His footsteps but we do see the evidence of His creative work and His mighty deeds. Today’s verse uses the images of the sea and the mighty waters to represent the unseen reasons for the hard times in life. The author begins this psalm feeling rejected and forgotten by God. He decides to meditate on all God’s miracles of the past. He reaffirms God’s mighty power and ends with trust. Even though he does not see God’s “footprints” he responds with faith.

I sometimes feel that I am “out of my depth” with why God allows hard things to happen. But in doing so He is leading me into deep waters. It can sometimes feel so deep that I cannot find my footing. I do not see His footsteps or any evidence at all of His being there in that moment of distress. But I know He is.  I am not navigating those deep waters by sight, but by faith (II Cor. 5:7).

Help me Lord to trust You, even when I don’t understand.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2014.)


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The Forget-Me-Not

Scripture for Today: Psalm 103:2 “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”

This sweet blue flower was described by Henry Thoreau as “unpretending” and “modest.” Their name is said to come from an old German legend where God named all the plants. But this tiny one cried out, “Forget me not, O Lord!” So God replied, “That shall be your name.” They are small being only one centimeter or less in diameter. King Henry IV used this flower as a symbol during his exile in 1398. And ladies in medieval times wore this flower as a sign of faithful love.

Today’s verse tells us to “forget not” all His benefits. This passage goes on to list just a few including forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, compassion and satisfaction. David is reminding his soul to praise the Lord for what He has done for him and to remember. David knew of God’s ways with Moses and His miraculous deeds with the people of Israel. But he also experienced God’s grace in his own life.  And like so many of us, his soul was forgetful and needed reminding.

How could I forget these incredible benefits in my own life? It is really very easy. I forget His forgiveness when I am plagued with guilt. I forget His healing when doubt clouds my prayers. When I feel worthless I forget that He thought enough of me to redeem my soul. I forget His love when I beat myself up. When I wonder if He cares what I am going through I am forgetting His compassion. I forget that only He satisfies the deepest longings of my soul when I look for that satisfaction elsewhere.

Lord, do not let me forget today!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2019)


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My Favorite Flavor

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 4:26-27 “Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil.”

It was 1929 and the country was in the midst of the Great Depression when this ice cream was invented. This innovative flavor was thought to have originated with William Dryer. One day he used his wife’s sewing scissors to cut up walnuts and marshmallows to add to his chocolate ice cream. He gave it the name , “Rocky Road,” as the financial landscape was so bleak.

Today’s verse tells us to be thoughtful about what path we choose. We do this by being steadfast and resolute to follow a path of righteousness. We are warned not to turn off this path to the right or to the left. It may be tempting to turn off our narrow path on to a wider one. We may feel that another path has fewer rocks or obstacles. It would be tempting to change paths to one that goes downhill rather than uphill. But the way of the wicked leads only to destruction. (Psalm 1:6)

It is more effort to follow a rocky road. Living a life following God’s commandments will not always be smooth. It is challenging and requires steadfast commitment to Him as the other path choices can seem easier. But His way leads to life. He knows when to lead me to still waters and green pastures. He knows when to restore my soul so I can keep going. His presence and help keep me from falling into a trap of compromise. I would rather have a rocky road with Him than a smooth easy road without Him!

Lord, keep me steadfast and determined to obey.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2020)


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Making Hay!

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 3:12-13a “If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light…”

In our area of France, these large rolls of hay are a common sight. The cylinder shape is the most common as it is thought to be the most economical and a favorite for those raising cattle. The large ones are quite heavy at 2300 pounds. I was surprised to learn that some bales of hay, if too moist when baling takes place, can actually catch fire!  Micro organisms begin breaking down the moist plant fibers and produce heat in the process.  If there is oxygen present and the temperatures rise enough, that bale of hay can spontaneously combust!

Today’s verse is also about burning up hay! There will be a day when the works of all believers will be evaluated for the purpose of reward. Believers have a common foundation in Jesus Christ. But the materials we use to build our lives can vary. What is done for God’s glory is considered gold, silver, and costly stones. The works that are rewarded are those done to further His Kingdom. The wood, hay and stubble are works done with selfish motives or for our own glory. This passage teaches that the quality of our work is revealed by fire. Whatever survives that fire is rewarded.

The old saying, “making hay while the sun still shines” means to take advantage of every opportunity and not waste time. But I do not want to be building with hay at all or anything else that does not bring glory to Jesus! The goal of any good deed is not that others would see me but would see my Father. (Matt. 5:16)  

Lord, keep me focused on living my life for You.

(Look familiar?  This is a re-post from 2016).


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A “Snackcident”

Scripture for Today: Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.“

Do you sometimes eat too much junk food, “by accident?” Mindless snacking can lead to the newly coined term, “snackcident.” This term presupposes regret after the fact. When the tummy starts to protest is not the time to be checking the ingredient list or fat content! Armed with information beforehand, a snackcident is much less likely to happen. However, there are always those social gatherings where it is just much easier to indulge and brave the possibility of the dreaded snackcident!

There is hunger and thirst in today’s verse for something much more satisfying than snacks, regardless of their ingredients. Those that hunger and thirst for righteousness will be full and satisfied.  With His righteousness we do not pine for something more. There is no feeling of missing out on something better. A righteous life is the best kind of life. Doing the right thing, following His way, and experiencing right standing with our Creator gives a sense of well-being that is complete. No other kind of life can be quite as full or satisfying!

My problem is that I hunger and thirst for other things, good things, that give only temporary satisfaction. And of course, I hunger and thirst again. But I do not want my life to be characterized by always wanting. I desperately want to experience that contentment and satisfaction He offers. If I make the Lord the object of my longing, He will satisfy me. He has promised life to the full (John 10:10). This “blessedness” means that I can overflow with hope (Rom. 15:13) and with joy (II Cor. 8:2). I want to be able to say with the Psalmist, “my cup overflows!” (Psalm 23:5)

Lord, satisfy me with Yourself.

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2021)