Devotions By Jan

Author Archives: devotionsbyjan


by Leave a comment

The German Baths

Scripture for Today:  I Corinthians 9:27 “But I buffet my body and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit.”

The German baths are “wunderbar!” These aquatic centers are in France as well but the closest to our area and the nicest is just over the border into Germany. The indoor pool has strategically placed jets along the walls. Each one is at a different height to pummel a different part of the body. One special jet of water targeted the neck from above and felt like being under a waterfall! Their force is so strong it took the polish right off my toe nails! I felt a bit beat up but in a good way!

As the water buffeted my body, it reminded me of today’s verse. Paul was using an image of something much less pleasant. He likened the self discipline he wanted to beating his body into submission. The context is one of strict training for a race. Without self discipline one can easily disqualify oneself. Paul does not want to run aimlessly but with purpose. He runs in such a way as to win the prize; a crown that will last forever. To do that he must make his body his slave, rather that be enslaved by his body. Paul understood his own weaknesses and the potential to become unfit.

If I am honest with myself, I see that I too could become unfit. So many times I do the very thing I do not want to do! (Rom. 7:15) The struggle never stops to be obedient and submissive to God’s will. The flesh is so strong. Buffeting my body is simply to tell it, “no!”  So much easier said than done!

Lord, help me say “no” to what does not please You.


by Leave a comment

The Perseid Meteor Shower

Scripture for Today: Psalm 103:11 “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him.”

Have you ever seen the Perseid meteor shower? This incredible light show happens annually between mid July and mid August. But it peaks August 10-13th. It is composed of fragments from the comet, Swift Tuttle. These create what is called a “Perseid cloud” as a stream of debris is formed. The unofficial name is, “the tears of Saint Lawrence” as the peak of activity coincides with the date of his martyrdom.  Rather than think of a man when looking up, I cannot help but think of the amazing creativity of our God.

Today’s verse compares the height of the heavens with the size and grandeur of God’s love for those who fear Him. The meteors burn up just fifty miles above our heads, but the distances when talking about the heavens are mind boggling! How amazing that the vastness of the heavens is a picture of the size of God’s love for us!

I find it difficult to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love Christ has for me (Eph. 3:18).  It goes beyond my limited knowledge. It eludes my finite comprehension. Just as distances boggle my mind when gazing at the heavens, so His love for me boggles the mind! How could He love me so much? Does He not see my failings, my weaknesses and my black heart? I am too small and insignificant to deserve this unconditional love. But believing it changes everything. His love and forgiveness makes me the “apple of His eye” (Psalm 17:8) and makes my life worth living.

Thank you Lord, for Your incredible surprising love. Remind me today as I look up at the sky.


by Leave a comment

Plastic Wrap Fiasco

Scripture for Today: Psalm 63:7-8 “Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings.  I cling to You. Your right hand upholds me.”

I finally gave in. After years of fighting with plastic wrap, I finally spent the extra for a dispenser that allows me to roll it out and cut it easily. If there had been a hidden camera in my kitchen, it would have caught me tearing at that plastic and throwing away countless yards of the stuff as it would cling to the wrong thing.  Seriously, plastic wrap seems to have a mind of its own!  It clings to itself, my hand, or the counter, but rarely where I am putting it.

Today’s verse is about a different kind of clinging. When we realize just how needy we are, we can give ourselves permission to cling. The problem is that sometimes we cling to the wrong thing. When we cling to our own resources or to others, we continue to be needy. However, when we cling to the Lord and His strength, we find ourselves upheld by His powerful right hand. He is our help when all else fails.  Clinging to Him and His protection changes our attitude to one of joy and song. He is never bothered by our clinging. He does not shake us off. He holds us up when we feel we are falling. He is faithful to give the help we need.

I cannot cling to Him if my hands are full. I need to let go of all my supposed resources and depend completely on Him. He is big enough and strong enough to be all the help I need. I can never cling to Him too much! There is no such thing as “too clingy.” And He invites me to hold Him tightly in faith that He will not let go. He will not let me down.

Thank you Lord, that You are faithful to hold me.


by Leave a comment

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 repost from 2022)


by 2 Comments

Murphy’s Law!

Scripture for Today: Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

I am not sure who Murphy is but I would like to have a word with him! The old adage says, “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” There are many versions of how this saying came to be. But in any case, the identity of Murphy, if ever real, has been lost. His law was definitely at work on me as my computer crashed the same day as I dropped and broke my cell phone. It was not a good day. I hesitated to get into my car!

Today’s verse describes the Christ-like qualities that the Holy Spirit produces in a believer. There will never be a law against these beautiful characteristics in any culture or in any century. The previous verses describe behaviors for which all kinds of laws are needed. But laws will never be needed to control or stifle these admirable qualities. Even with Murphy’s Law, a Spirit-controlled person will respond to that horrible awful day in a different manner.

I guess I was not so Spirit-controlled as all those negatives happening at once caused me to lose it!  Where did the patience go? What happened to forbearance and self-control? Responding with the flesh is so much easier. But some days I can laugh it off or at least take things in stride. The toast landing wrong side down is the perfect litmus test of where my heart is with the Lord. Regardless of what problems arise, I cannot respond like Him without His help. It is only by His Spirit that I can keep it together!

Lord, keep me filled and controlled by Your Spirit today.

(Look familiar? This is a post from 2016)