Devotions By Jan

Author Archives: devotionsbyjan


by Leave a comment

Great Slave Lake

Scripture for Today: II Peter 2:19 “They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity – for people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”

What an odd name for a lake! This immense body of freshwater is Canada’s second largest and is located in the Northwest Territory. This lake and many other bodies of water in that region are named after the Slave Indians. I was expecting to learn of a past full of slavery. However, the Slavey Indian Tribe were never actually slaves. Their name for themselves is “Dene.” The Slave name was given them by their more aggressive neighbors, the Chee.

I have never been a slave either. At least I used to think that way, but today’s verse tells me something different. We are slaves to whatever masters us. One can think one is free when at the same time being a slave to depravity. The “lustful desires of the flesh” (verse 18) can unknowingly be our master. We are told we are slaves either to sin or to obedience and righteousness. (Rom. 6:16) We serve one or the other of these two masters!

It is disconcerting to see that there is no middle ground! But if I have to be a slave, controlled by something outside of myself, I would rather it be something good and positive! When Christ took my place by dying on the cross, He broke the power of sin to master me! Now, I am truly free to serve Him. And what a loving and gentle Master He is! His will for me is always pleasing, good and perfect. (Rom. 12:2) His burden for me is light (Matt. 11:30) and He promises that in following Him my life will be a full one! (John 10:10)

Lord, You are my Master. Help me live this truth today.


by 2 Comments

Hill of Crosses

Scripture for Today: Colossians 2:15 “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”

This Hill of Crosses is found in Lithuania and makes quite a statement! It is made up of acres and acres of huge crosses and then a multitude of smaller ones, crammed together to take up every inch of space! Notes and signs are intermixed with wishes and prayers everywhere. What is so incredible is that this hill of crosses has been repeatedly plowed over by the Russians, the Germans, and several times by the Soviets! And yet it keeps coming back as a form of protest and perhaps something more!

In today’s verse there is a cross that triumphs over every enemy and every foe. No regime can ever diminish the power of the cross of Jesus! What looked like failure to men was actually victory over the power of sin and death! Whether that power is earthly or in the heavenly places, the cross of Christ has sealed the fate of every spiritual force of evil. (Eph. 6:12) The cross of Christ polarizes the world into two groups; those that see the cross as foolishness or those that see it as the power of God. (I Cor. 1:18)

His cross is not just a pretty symbol to wear around my neck. It is to His cross that I cling for salvation and hope! If it were not for His cross I would still be lost in my sin and weighed down with guilt. What Christ did there to pay my debt takes my breath away! How could victory over death and sin be seen as foolish by anyone? And yet, Satan continues his lies and deceit, trying and succeeding in making the believer look foolish.

Lord, may I never be ashamed of Your cross.


by Leave a comment

Devils Marbles

Scripture for Today: Matthew 7:25 “The rain came down, the streams rose and the winds blew and beat against that house – yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

Can’t lose these marbles! They are hard to miss, rising up from the desert floor of Northern Australia. The Devils Marbles have come to symbolize the Australian outback but in fact, for the Aboriginal people it is sacred ground being the site for “dream stories.” Hundreds of these rounded granite rocks, some as big as twenty feet, have survived centuries of erosion. However, some have split completely in half!

Today’s verse uses the image of a rock as a firm foundation for building our lives. The one using rock is the one who not only hears the words of Jesus but puts them into practice. (vs.24) Hearing the words of Jesus without obedience is like building a house on sand. In either scenario the winds and rain will come to beat on the house. But only one house will survive those relentless storms of life. The crowds were amazed at what they heard from Jesus. (vs. 28) But the point Jesus was making was not about just hearing!

Like never before we have multiple opportunities to hear the words of Jesus: sermons, books, articles, songs, live streaming, podcasts and personal Bible reading. I can choose to hear His words twenty-four/seven if I were so inclined. But were I to stop there, I would be building on sand. The point is not how familiar I am with His words, how many verses I can quote or how much I study. The point is how much I put in practice!

Thank you Lord, for being my Rock!


by Leave a comment

Shoeing Horses

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 4:11-12 “I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.”

It looks like it hurts. But when done correctly, the shoe can be nailed in place without pain. The hooves of a horse are similar to our human nails but much thicker. And the horseshoe protects the feet of the horse much like shoes protect our feet. Before nailing the shoe there is a whole procedure to follow: carving, trimming and leveling surfaces. Good shoeing will result in a symmetrical hoof, which is so important to unhampered steps!

Today’s verse is part of instruction from a father to his son. His encouragement is to get wisdom and to hold on to understanding. In doing so, paths will become straight, steps will not be hampered and stumbling can be avoided. It is God’s wisdom that keeps us balanced and walking the way we should. When we do not allow God’s Word and wisdom to trim and carve away what does not belong, our walk becomes painful. We need constant “maintenance” or unchecked pride grows and we become wise in our own eyes! (Prov. 3:7)

I love to read God’s Word. I even appreciate His commandments and warnings as they are spoken in love. But the independence in me is strong. When I start doing life without Him, my steps begin to look a bit foolish and off. My footing is not as sure and there is potential for falling. It is His wisdom in His Word that makes my steps firm and purposeful. I can trust His hands to cut away my pride and any wrong thoughts I may harbor.

Thank you Lord, that your wisdom makes my steps sure!


by 2 Comments

“Tilting at Windmills”

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:31 “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

These windmills do not look much like the enemy, but try explaining that to Don Quixote! The English idiom, “tilting at windmills,” means to attack imaginary enemies. It comes from the story of this deluded but chivalrous knight in Cervantes’ classic story. Don Quixote sees a field of windmills and thinking they are giants, he rides out to fight them. Unfortunately, he charges full speed at the closest one just as the sail descends, catching his lance and throwing him to the ground!

Today’s verse reassures the believer that whoever we think might be our enemy, we can be confident that God is for us. The question in this verse can be answered in one word; “nothing!” The list of “these things,” includes: death, life, angels, demons, the present, the future, powers, height, depth, nor ANYTHING ELSE in all creation will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus! (verse 37-39) Whether our enemies are real or perceived, we are more than conquerors.

I do not know what my future holds and I can imagine lots of unhappy scenarios. I can easily make a giant out of what is just an innocuous windmill. The future sometimes looms large in my thinking, taking on a power that it does not really have. But even in imagining the worst case scenario I can find comfort in the fact that God’s love would carry me through. Because of His love and power there is no obstacle in my future that is insurmountable. Nothing is too hard for Him. (Jer. 32:17) I belong to the Creator of giants and windmills!

Thank you Lord, that You will always be there to fight my battles!