Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Contentment


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The Partridge

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 17:11 “Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay are those that gain riches by unjust means. When their lives are half gone, their riches will desert them, and in the end they will prove to be fools.”

The only partridge I am familiar with is the one “in a pear tree” as part of the Christmas song!  In reading about her, I have learned that up in a pear tree is the last place one would find a partridge.  These birds build their nest close to the ground in the fields and hedges of farmland.  The partridge hen produces some of the largest “clutches” of any bird species; up to 22 eggs!

Our verse for today refers to a partridge hatching eggs.  Not only is she hatching her own, but those of others.  This is not a behavior common to this bird but it makes the point.  The partridge produces more eggs than any other bird.  Wanting more is a good description of insatiable greed.  How many eggs are enough?  For some, gaining more and more riches is the goal of life.  As acquiring more does not satisfy, one is driven to continue amassing wealth by any means.

How sad to see a life impoverished by ill-gotten riches!  Reputations are ruined.  Relationships are irreparably broken and life ends up becoming meaningless.  The person described here proves himself a fool.  What a contrast with the one who puts their trust in the Lord! (vs. 7)  He will be blessed and rewarded for his honesty and integrity.  Riches “will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” (Prov. 23:5)  I want to be content with the number of eggs in my own nest.

Lord, thank you for the blessing and reward that comes from trusting You.


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Sourdough Bread

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 30:8 “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.”

There must have been five million different kinds of bread in France! There were different grain combinations, different densities, and different shapes.  Each region had their own specialties with recipes going back generations.  There were differences between baguettes in our own town depending on the bakery.  But one bread I could never find was sourdough bread.  For whatever reason, the French did not sell this variety.  Perhaps they felt the flavor would fight with the cheese.  And of course, because I could not get it I craved it more than all the others!

Our verse for today is about contentment.  The author of this proverb realized that too many riches did not make for a happy life.  And having nothing at all can create all kinds of discontent.  Somewhere in the middle there is a contentment possible with only the basic needs provided.  Having our daily bread is a luxury for some and yet in our affluent society, it is so easy to take it for granted.  Having so many choices of bread in France turned out not to be enough for me.  What a picture of discontentment!

Having too much or too little can lead to lies and falsehood to get what we want.  Having much somehow leads to craving more.  Staying in this frame of mind can make it easy to bend the rules, cheat a bit or defraud others.  Having too little can lead to lies and falsehoods in a desperate attempt to get ahead.

Where is my middle ground?  Could I honestly repeat this prayer?  Lord, “give us this day our daily bread” and with it may I find contentment in You.


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Transplanted

palmunnamedScripture for Today: Colossians 2:6-7 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

I thought it odd to see this huge palm tree being trucked to a different home.  The new owners must have gone to quite a bit of trouble and cost to transplant such a huge tree.  The driver told us that the price tag to move and transplant it was $1,000!  How awful if this majestic tree were to fail to take root in its new home.

Our verse for today describes how as believers we are rooted in a different soil.  No longer are we in the soil of the world, but we have been transplanted.  Those who have received Christ as Lord and Master live their lives for Him.  Being rooted and built up in Him means that faith is continually strengthened as we learn and grow. Being transplanted from the world into Him is made evident by our thankful spirit.

The Lord has gone to enormous lengths to transplant us.  He has sacrificed Himself and bought us at a great price (I Cor. 6:20).  He has taken us out of the darkness and transplanted us in the light (Eph. 5:8).  He has given us everything that is needed to live a godly life in Him (II Peter 1:3).

Like the Israelites who longed to return to Egypt when the going got tough, so I sometimes feel that life would be easier in the world’s soil.  Instead of being thankful for the amazing new place He has planted me, I sometimes look back over my shoulder to what I have left.

Thank you Lord, for transplanting me in You!  Grow my roots deeper and deeper into Your incredible love.


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No Room!

Cat-Asleep-in-DollhouseScripture for Today: Ephesians 3:16-17 “I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”

We have just moved into a very small house and I feel much like the cat pictured here.  There just doesn’t seem to be enough room.  Trying to fit as much furniture as possible into a tight space makes the house seem even smaller.  The question keeps resurfacing, “Where am I going to put this?”  The answer is too often “in the garage” and I am wondering if there will be enough space for the cars.  There is just no room!

In our verse for today Paul prays that the believers in Ephesus will be strengthened by God’s power so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith.  It is in having Christ dwell in them that they can realize personally the amazing love He has for them.  His love is so wide, long, high and deep that they are completely filled (verses 18-20).

When I fill my heart with something other than Christ and His love, I find I have lots of room leftover.  There seem to be many nooks and crannies that look empty and bare.  And no matter how much I try to fill it with all the world feels is important, the more empty it can seem.  But what a difference with Christ dwelling in me!  There is no room for anything else when His love is so wide, long, high and deep.

My prayer is that the presence and love of Christ will be felt not only in this small house but in my heart as well.  May I be so filled with His love, that it spills out the windows and doors and touches others!


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Mockingbird

Scripture for Today: Psalm 40:3 “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.”

Growing up we had many mockingbirds in our suburban yard, much to the chagrin of our cat!  He would slink across the yard, hoping to avoid the swoop and attack of these territorial birds!  I always loved their singing although my parents were not too thrilled to be awakened early by their loud song.  Their mimicking of other species means that they are not too original with their own music.  In a recording of one mockingbird in Massachusetts, thirty six songs of other species were recognized!

Our verse for today describes a song that is an original.  It is a new song of praise to the Lord.  It resembles no other but is a tribute to what the Lord has done in an individual life.  There is no need to mimic other songs as personal experience makes up the lyrics.  The Lord Himself has put this song into the mouth of the psalmist.

As believers we too have a new song!  Our song stands out from the others.  It sounds different and distinctive, unlike all the other music around us.  This new song is full of praise for what God has done for us.  Each of our songs tells a story of His love and faithfulness.  Included are some of the discordant notes or minor chords that depict the hard times.  But it always ends on a high note as we look forward to an eternity with Him.  If I sing it loud enough and often enough, others hear and are challenged to trust Him!

Lord, keep me singing Your song today!