Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Devotions


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Not So Perfect!

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 20:8-10 “Who can say, ‘I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin.'”?

I was told that Amish quilts had an interesting peculiarity. A “mistake” sometimes called a “humble block” will intentionally be included in the handwork. The idea is that no one is perfect except God. In looking for the origin of this practice, I learned that the Amish quilters themselves strongly deny this custom. Yet, the folklore continues. This myth is embraced however by those producing Persian rugs and Native Americans blankets with the same idea; no one is perfect!

Today’s verse is a rhetorical question and the obvious answer is, “no one!” We need not look to flawed individuals in Scripture for examples. We need only to look in the mirror! We all fall short of the glory of God. (Rom. 3:23) Jesus tells us to be “perfect” or “complete” even as the Father is. And He asks this of His followers in the context of loving our enemies. If there is ever a litmus test of imperfection or incompleteness, it is this! Do I love my enemies? Can I?

Loving those who love me makes me feel fairly satisfied with myself. But I know how closed my heart can be against a perceived enemy. It is a great coping skill to excuse myself and rationalize my behavior with the same thought….”well, no one is perfect except God.” But with His Spirit residing in me and making His “I Corinthians 13 love” available, I am without excuse. I do not have to have warm fuzzy feelings towards that person, but He wants me to forgive and show the same love that I have received from Him!

Lord, complete what is lacking in me today.


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Jockeying for Position

Scripture for Today: Matthew 20:26-27 “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.”

These jockeys are neck and neck with each other, each looking for an opening to better their position and win the race. The term, “jockeying for position” obviously comes to us from the horse racing world. So much of the winning strategy involves maneuvering the horse into that narrow space for the win. The phrase now has a larger meaning and usually with a negative implication. It often refers to gaining an advantage at the expense of others less cunning, less aware, or more moralistic than you!

Today’s verse concludes a conversation where a well-meaning mother is jockeying for position for her two sons. She asks Jesus to place her two sons on His right and left in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus tells her that she has no idea what she is asking. First, it would involve a “cup” of suffering that they may not be able to endure and second, this honor was something only the Father could give. And because so many Kingdom values are opposite the world’s, the last will be first and the first will be last (verse 16). It is those who serve in a lowly position that become great!

Whether on the road with questionable maneuvers or jockeying for position in a crowd to get the best view, I forget this truth. My gaining of an advantage over someone else is not serving them or their interests. I need God’s Spirit to change my heart as this is so against my selfish nature. I have the most amazing example in Jesus, serving others and washing feet. And yet, He is exalted and His name is above every name!

Lord, give me a servant’s heart today.


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The Ferret

Scripture for Today: John 17:17 “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

Did you know that a group of ferrets is called a “business of ferrets?” Apparently, the business of the ferrets we knew was to infiltrate our 100 year home in Guebwiller, France and throw dance parties in the attic at night! The “business” of ferrets used to be helping hunters by flushing out rabbits and rodents from their burrows. Later, chasing down a rabbit evolved into the expression of chasing down or “ferreting out” the truth.

Today’s verse is part of the prayer of Jesus to His Father concerning those who follow Him. There is no need to “ferret out” truth as Jesus plainly says that God’s Word is truth. And this truth of God’s eternal and infallible word does something for the believer. It sanctifies or sets him apart as different and distinct from others. The believer is set apart for His purposes and for His service. Living in the light of God’s truth makes the believer atypical as it changes our desires, values and worldview.

Being convinced of the truth of His Word motivates me to stay the course, regardless of the fluctuating ideas of “truth” around me. Because there is absolute truth in the spiritual realm, my faith remains firm. Not only does God’s Word instruct, correct and reassure, but I am upheld by the Person who is Truth. (John 14:6) It is on the solid ground of His truth that I can stand and what a difference this makes in my life!

Lord, thank you for the stability and purpose Your word gives me!


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The Easter Egg Hunt

Scripture for Today: Psalm 9:10 “Those who know Your name trust in You, for You Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.”

The Easter Egg Hunt is what most young children associate with this coming Sunday. Those wonderful plastic eggs that are so determinedly sought after yield up colorful jelly beans, usually the only kind of bean that gets children excited! The search for those eggs is almost as sweet as eating their yummy contents. The younger the child the more obvious their hiding places and even so, some of those in plain sight get passed over.

Today’s verse talks about seeking for the Lord. It is not that He is hiding. It is just that it takes eyes of faith to see Him. And He wants to be discovered. He rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Heb. 11:6). But it is a search that requires faith and trust. Knowing His name, who He is and His incredible character helps us trust Him. His faithfulness and that empty tomb help us to continue seeking Him. We have a Risen Savior and He promises never to leave or forsake us (Heb. 13:5).

He is ready to be sought and found. He waits for me to turn to Him when I am in trouble. He promises to be my refuge and stronghold (verse 9). And just like those eggs scattered for the youngest searchers, He is there is plain sight. When I seek Him He is ready to reveal Himself and deepen our relationship.  But so often I am too busy, distracted or full of doubts to do the seeking. I need to slow down and listen to my heart say, “Seek His face!” (Psalm 27:8) just as David’s heart told him.

Thank you Lord, for allowing me to find You!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2019)


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Headwinds!

Scripture for Today: John 3:8 “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where its going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Photo credit: Phillip Capper https://www.flickr.com/photos/flissphil/3554882983

I am sure this pilot did his best to keep the plane level on landing at Wellington Airport in New Zealand. But the wind funneling through between the North and South Islands can be tricky. That channeling effect makes it strong and gusty. In this case it was blowing at 75 miles per hour! Aligning those runways with the wind allows planes to take off and land into the wind. This orientation is better for efficiency and safety, increasing lift and reducing ground roll.

Todays verse likens the Holy Spirit to wind. The relationship is even closer in the original Greek, using the same word, “pneuma.” And just as we cannot explain a sudden shift in the wind’s direction, so we cannot fully understand the intricacies of the Spirit’s work. Like the wind, He is invisible. But unlike the wind, the Holy Spirit is not an “it” or just a power, but the third person of the triune God. We do not control or direct Him. But as believers, we can be assured that He is not random or capricious but is working out God’s plan.

Like the airplanes that head into the wind for stability, I want to align myself with the movement and work of God’s Spirit. I want to listen carefully to His direction and cooperate! Sometimes the wind of His conviction over sin can be strong and uncomfortable. But a gentle breeze follows confession. Yes, He is invisible. But evidence of His presence is there in my life with the fruit He produces and the clarity He gives when reading God’s Word.

Thank you Lord, for Your beautiful Spirit.