Devotions By Jan

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Fishy Hierarchy

Scripture for Today: Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

The Clownfish has a very different hierarchy and a unique way of preserving it. A group of clownfish will have just one breeding female among its males. She is the most important and mates with just one male, who then becomes second in importance. Following him is the biggest male and on down the line. But when she disappears, everything changes. The male biologically changes into a female! He takes her place and everyone moves up in the hierarchy!

Today’s verse changes every hierarchy whether based on race, status or gender. In Christ Jesus, there is a oneness that is found no where else in the world. The divisiveness of a hierarchy is gone. The power play over others is gone. Jesus Christ is the Head of every believer. And we all have the same position being members of His body and being submitted to Him. Being “in Christ” means we are all His children through faith, clothed with Him and belonging to Him. (verses 26-29)

These distinctions lose their importance when “in” Christ Jesus who is so far superior. And being in Him is not something future but is a reality today. Living out this truth is done imperfectly, though. It seems easier to be divided. It is natural for me to want the upper hand. But I can have the correct view of myself in relationship to others when I see my position in Him. The ground at the cross is level. Regardless of earth-made hierarchies we are united in needing continual forgiveness, grace and help.

Lord, help me to live this “oneness” with other believers today.


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Mission Impossible

Scripture for Today: Psalm 25:12 “Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.”

The eighth and perhaps final film of the Mission Impossible franchise was shot on location in the arctic. This posed some challenges and the film’s director admitted there were a few, “polar-bear-related shutdowns!” But even with those delays the mission was not impossible. The choice to accommodate the wildlife was a good one. Although it was an expensive choice, the possible cost in physical harm was avoided. Tom Cruise was not wrong when he had earlier said, “our lives are the sum of our choices.”

Today’s verse talks about choices made by the one who fears and reveres the Lord. The choices faced by this individual can be guided by God. He instructs which choice is the good one but even more, which choice is the best one! The Lord sees ahead, around corners where the believer cannot. His guidance is invaluable as He sees the end from the beginning. The one who fears the Lord is the one who wants to serve Him and do His will. When that is our heart, He will respond with clear instruction.

Our choices do impact the trajectory of our lives. The choices I have made have not all been guided by the Lord. But when I confess my pride, doubt or lack of trust in seeking His counsel, He is so gracious to forgive. His way to do things is always the best way. And His guidance will always agree with what He has clearly instructed In His Word. My choices do define my life and my most important choice has been to make HIM the Lord of my life!

Thank you Lord that Your help is available in every choice!


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Butterflies or Hummingbirds?

Scripture for Today: Romans 3:29-30 “Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.”

When our landscaper planted our Buddleia flowering plants, I referred to them as “butterfly bushes.” He however referred to them as “hummingbird bushes.” Regardless of the name, I was happy that both were true. Both butterflies and hummingbirds swarm those flowers so rich in nectar and honey scented! Flying through the yard flashing their beautiful colors, they land on those bushes, taking turns and being nourished at the same source.

Today’s verse affirms that there is only one God. He is not God of only one group of people and not another. Both the Jew and the Gentile (or non-Jew) are justified through their faith in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. As different as the circumcised and the uncircumcised may be, there is only one Source of forgiveness and redemption for both groups. And it is not found in following Law or in our own good works, but only by faith in Christ’s perfect sacrifice for sin.

The truth that there is only One Source of salvation brings a unique unity among believers that is found nowhere else. We are called together to one hope (Eph. 4:4). My differences with a people group on the other side of the world will be of no consequence as we kneel together at the feet of Christ. One day when He rules this world, sin and pride will no longer divide us. In the meantime, I am to strive to keep the unity that He makes possible through His Spirit.

Lord, help me to see others as You do.


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A Disappointed Dog

Scripture for Today: Psalm 25:3 “No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.”

The day was full of promise and the sunshine beckoned. This dog, full of pent-up energy, bounds outside with his ball, hoping for a game of catch. Barking and jumping he approaches who he thinks is a likely playmate. The video of what happened next shows him repeatedly offering the ball and barking with excitement. But of course, nothing happens except for the dog losing hope and eventually walking away disappointed.

Today’s verse validates the hope the believer places in the God of the Bible. No one who hopes in the Lord Almighty will be put to shame. Our confident expectation in His promises will never be disappointed as He is always true to His Word. To place our hope in anything or anyone else is to set ourselves up for potential disappointment. Shame and disappointment do come to the “treacherous” who mistakenly think they will not be held accountable.

It is God’s love for me that motivates me to keep my hope firmly fixed on Him. (Rom. 5:5) My family, my friends, my government, or my circumstances can all disappoint. I do not want to be like that silly dog, trusting in what will not come through. The Lord God has all the power, all the resources and all the control to come through in any difficulty I face. So why would I turn to anything else? I will trust in His “unfailing love.” (Psalm 13:5)

Lord, keep my hope firmly fixed on You.


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Mud Rain

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 2:22 “Although you wash yourself with soap and use an abundance of cleansing powder, the stain of your guilt is still before me.”

My husband’s recent ministry road trip meant that extra effort was needed to keep the car looking presentable. After an especially long car-cleaning session, it felt good to have all that road dust removed. However, that night there was a blustery rain storm. In the morning, he expected to simply have an added rinse. Instead, the car was covered with “mud rain!” During the night those winds had blown in dust particles that had combined with the raindrops, negating all his cleaning!

Today’s verse is God’s reprimand to the Israelites for turning away from Him to false gods. They even knew they were were guilty but said, “It’s no use! I love foreign gods and I must go after them.” (verse 25) Their poor attempts at washing themselves did nothing to remove the guilt as they continued in their disobedience. God in His grace and mercy would have forgiven their sin and guilt had they been sincerely repentant.

Turning away from what I know to be wrong requires His power. There are times I too am thinking, “It’s no use” when desiring change. Yet, He has promised a “way out” when feeling overwhelmed with temptation. (I Cor. 10:13) He understands everything I am thinking and feeling and He is there, ready to give the grace that says “no” to temptation. (Titus 2:11-12) And when I blow it, His cleansing not only removes the sin but also the guilt!

Lord, thank you for your patient and complete forgiveness!