Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Devotions


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What a Drip!

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 27:15-16 “A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand.”

Last night at my desk, I kept hearing a constant drip. I looked up. Nothing. It took me a moment to realize that rain was leaking into the fireplace. After verifying on hands and knees with a strong flashlight, I saw that I was right. I didn’t want to be right! After extensive work on our roof we were confident that this recent rainstorm would pose no problem! There is probably nothing more maddening than continual repair addressing the same issue!

Today’s verse describes a quarrelsome wife like a constant drip. Each complaint from her lips and each nagging session can be as annoying as those continual drips of water. Because the verse is speaking of a wife, the description may very well come from the husband. In contrast to the Proverbs 31 wife who speaks with wisdom (Prov. 31:26), this wife provokes argument with what comes out of her mouth. She speaks her mind without any self-restraint or filters. Any attempt at correcting her is as futile as restraining wind. Those attempts to calm her down are like trying to grasp slippery oil.

It can seem quite reasonable and even expected to be quarrelsome after a hard day. When I am surprised by very negative circumstances beyond my control, a bit of nasty temper seems just the thing to blow off steam. But when pressure builds, it is often on those closest to me that I get ugly. The danger for me is that being contentious can too easily become a habit. I would much rather be characterized by a quiet gentle spirit than being a big drip!

Lord, keep me sweet and peaceable despite my circumstances.


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Orange and Black Predictions!

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 23:18 “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”

When I see orange and black, I think of fall and Halloween decor. But for some, the orange and black of the Woolly Bear Caterpillar predict the future! According to folklore, the wider the orange band, the milder the upcoming winter. But the thicker the black band, the harsher the coming winter. And its placement plays a role. If more black is near the head, as in the photo, the beginning of winter is harsh but ends with mild weather. Who knew? Certainly, knowing the future is supposed to give us an edge.

Today’s verse reassures that there is a future and a hope. This reassurance is given to those that are zealous for the fear of the Lord (verse 17). Fearing the Lord is a lifestyle of awe, respect and obedience to the God of creation. Those that are zealous to follow His commandments and walk that path of righteousness can be sure of their future. There is hope in looking towards an unknown future because that hope is firmly placed in God’s Word and His promises.

“Hope that is seen is no hope at all,” (Romans 8:24). I cannot see into the future but I can see Him with eyes of faith. He is already there and nothing is random. I may not understand the plan He has for today or tomorrow but I can be peaceful about that unseen future because of my hope in Him. He promises that nothing will ever separate me from His love (Romans 8:38-39). And He has promised me eternal life before the beginning of time (Titus 1:2). Regardless of the challenges I may face in the future, this hope will never be disappointed!

Thank you Lord, that my hope is realized in You.


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Repairs and Renovations

Scripture for Today: Psalm 122:1 “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.”

I have heard some real horror stories about the repair and renovation process! Thankfully, so far we do not have one of our own. However, two observations on the process ring true for me; the work always takes longer than expected and the cost is higher than anticipated! In watching the progress, I have had to readjust my expectations. Patience is not my strong point and what I really want is for the work to be finished yesterday!

Today’s verse speaks about being glad to enter the house of the Lord. To be with other believers and worship our Lord together is a glad event. However, we ourselves are in the process of some serious renovation in that house. There may be some rough edges on people that need sanding down to make smooth. There may be a hanging hinge on a door which makes opening up difficult to do. Perhaps, there are “damaged” people in that house that need repair. Can I really be glad to enter a house like that?  Wouldn’t it be better to come in after all the renovations were complete?

I can be glad to enter the Lord’s house knowing that God is working in others just as He is working in me.  He promises to continue working right up to the day of His return (Phil. 1:6). The on-going changes He is producing in others are the same kinds of renovations He is doing in me. As believers, we are all in the process of change and growth into the very image of His Son. It is a renovation that we live with, knowing that the outcome is worth it!

Lord, help me to be patient with Your work in me, and in others!


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Hurricane-Force Winds

Scripture for Today: Job 8:2-3 “How long will you say such things? Your words are a blustering wind. Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right?”

The images of hurricane damage are impressive! Ian, the most recent, wreaked havoc in Florida with maximum wind gusts over land reaching as high as 140 mph! To put that number in perspective, wind gusts are considered severe beginning at 58 mph. So many interviewed described that wind like the noise of an approaching train. Roofs were sheered off and boats lifted in the air. Trees were flattened and power lines were downed in an instant.

Today’s verse describes words spoken like a blustering or mighty wind. And just as hurricane-force winds can do so much damage, so our words can be damaging to others. Job is struggling with what was happening to him. Despite the suggestions of his three friends, Job was not aware of any obvious sin for which God was punishing him. Understandably, it did not seem fair. Job’s questions came from the anguish of his spirit and the bitterness of his soul (7:11). But Job’s words could be damaging if they questioned the justice of God.

So many times I do not have a clue as to what God is doing or why. In my life or in the lives of others it can seem that God is not dealing fairly. If I were to widely and publicly put into question God’s justice and fairness, my words could wreak havoc to the faith of someone else. If I express to others that He is unjust, then my words can cause untold damage around me. My response needs to be absolute trust in His righteousness, justice and control, whether I understand or not.

I may wonder what You are doing, Lord. But may I always cling to the truth of Your justice!


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Two Passions in One!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 90:14 “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

My husband is passionate about cars and I am passionate about chocolate. This creation seems to cover all our bases! Randy always turns his head to see one of these “Deux Cheveaux” go by. But my head turns at any sign of chocolate! This Citroen is made of 2,645 pounds of chocolate so both our heads turn! It was created by eleven students in France as part of a project at their school for restaurant management.  This masterpiece took 4,000 hours of painstaking effort and the result is impressive.

Satisfaction with cars or chocolate is not so easy to find. Today’s verse tells us where true satisfaction can be found. This psalm is a prayer of Moses. After recounting all the times the Lord disciplined the Israelites in the desert, Moses recognizes that God’s love remained faithful and constant. The people had experienced “trouble and sorrow” over many years. Now Moses prays for the satisfaction that comes from God’s unfailing love. That satisfaction will bring them joy and gladness every day, despite the hard times.

Chocolate, cars, or any other earthly passion can fail to consistently bring me satisfaction. But God’s love does not fail. His love and compassion are renewed every morning (Lam. 3:22-23). When I am feeling an emptiness and lack inside, lots of good things can be a temporary distraction. But nothing can reach that deeper longing of my soul like an awareness of His love. That reassurance not only satisfies but replaces the emptiness with a song of joy! And what a wonderful way to begin a day, to be satisfied in the morning!

Lord, thank you for Your love that never ever fails me!

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2017.)