Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Devotions


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Tiger’s Eye

Scripture for Today: Acts 4:13 “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

The Tiger’s Eye gemstone is said by some to have properties that encourage one to live boldly and with courage! I only know it to be a beautiful stone that my Father and brother often worked with as part of their lapidary hobby. This golden stone has fibers of other minerals trapped inside giving it that lined appearance. Roman soldier used to wear engraved tiger’s eye to protect them in battle! I have not felt particularly courageous when wearing my tiger’s eye earrings!

Today’s verse describes two unschooled and ordinary men; Peter and John. These men were ordered to give an account of themselves before rulers. With boldness and clarity they declared the name of Jesus as being the only Source of their power and the only Source of salvation (verse 12). They lived their lives with courage, no matter what the cost. The time they had spent with Jesus showed in their lives.  There was not much to recommend them in the eyes of the world. They were just ordinary men without even a higher education. Yet, their time with Jesus was evident to all.

I wonder how much my time with Jesus marks me. Do people see colored traces of the Divine in my life? There are ample opportunities to wonder and fear, especially regarding the future. Can I face the unknown with courage? Yes. But I only have that confidence after spending time with Jesus, reading His Word and being reminded of His promises. I can only experience this same courage when listening to His voice reassuring me of His love and His control. And experiencing this courage gives me confidence to share with others its Source!

Lord, may my time spent with You be evident today!


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Our Reward

Scripture for Today:  Colossians 3:23-24  “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.“

We all love to be rewarded and recognized for what we do! Over the years my husband has collected a number of trophies for winning basketball tournaments. They had their place sitting proudly on the top shelf of a bookcase in our study. On the rare occasions when I dusted them, I thought about those happy proud moments when he was honored along with his team.

Today’s verse is quite clear about linking reward to our motivation to work hard. It is for Him that we  work and not for the approval and recognition of men. The Lord understands our need for recognition and reward and how they help to motivate us. But there is a reluctance to talk about rewards. Possibly we are embarrassed that we need them! There is the idea that somehow working for reward is a motive that is suspect. And yet, the teaching of rewards is found throughout Scripture.

It is always nice to have that pat on the back from others. But it does not always come. There are many times that others do not see what I do, or in seeing, say nothing in the way of thanks or appreciation.  Those words of approval are important to keep me going. We are just made that way. That is why I need to be reminded of God’s rewards. He sees. He knows. He is pleased with my service to Him. His approval, His approbation, and His future reward keep me going. 

Please Lord, may I one day hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2012)


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Strawberries Grow on Trees?

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:103 “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.”

Who would have thought it, that strawberries could grow on trees! Of course, this berry growing on the Arbutus Marina (or Strawberry Tree) is not quite the same. Its taste is bland and not so sweet except when cooked and mixed with sweeteners or other fruit. But it is nutritional being a source of vitamin C, about three times the amount in an orange. It is also good for fiber and rich in antioxidants and tannins. It is just not very sweet.

Today’s verse likens God’s words to sweetness. His words are like honey for the soul. Whether we hear them from a Bible teacher, a song or a devotional, it is always sweet. But there is a different more intense flavor when we discover a nugget of truth for ourselves in His Word. The taste is better and sweeter when He speaks to us directly from His Word without any other intermediary. It is just picked. It is fresh and there is a special sweetness.

I am encouraged by others’ teaching. God uses the study and clear exhortation of Bible scholars in my life. There is a myriad of wonderful study guides. They are all sweet and have their place. But there is a more satisfying and intense flavor to His Word when I take the time to open it on my own. It is especially sweet when the Lord meets me and speaks to me directly. His Spirit is so personal, guiding me into a truth for that moment and for my exact need.

Lord, I need Your sweet words.  Make them fresh for me today.


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Fire Hydrant Runs Dry

Scripture for Today: John 7:38 “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” (ESV)

In a perfect world, a fire hydrant would never run dry. It is inconceivable that a fire hydrant would not deliver the water so desperately needed. However, during the recent wildfires in California that is exactly what happened in some areas. The water storage tanks supplying those hydrants went dry. Planes were grounded due to the strong winds. And without the water and chemical airdrops the municipal water systems could not keep up with the high demand. How awful it must have been to realize the hydrants were of no help!

Today’s verse describes another source of water. Jesus, who calls Himself the Giver of living water, promised this to the woman at the well. (John 4:10) For those who have placed their faith in Christ, it is also promised as we are the “whosoever” that believe. This flow of living water is identified in the next verse as His Spirit residing in the believer. There is a constant flow of His power producing fruit. There is never any lack and we never run dry. Everyday we can be filled, And everyday we can overflow to others.

The “Living Water” within not only quenches my thirst for meaning and significance. He also quenches the fires of Satan’s temptations to doubt His goodness when things go terrible wrong. His Spirit reminds me of His faithfulness and care so that those pesky fires that keep popping up are extinguished. The Living Water is found again in our eternal home where there will no longer be thirst, scorching heat or tears. (Rev. 7:16-17) But I don’t have to wait. My “living water” is His presence even today and I never have to run dry.

Fill me up today, Lord.


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Message of Peace

Scripture for Today: Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

They came down from the sky above and were obviously not from the neighborhood. Their appearance was other worldly. But their mission was clear. They left a message that said, “We came in peace for all mankind.” The year was 1969 and that message was left by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin when they walked the surface of the moon.

Today’s verse is also a message of peace. But this was the message of the angels to the shepherds in the fields at the occasion of Christ’s birth. This peace is nothing like what the world can produce. It is a peace between estranged mankind and their Creator. In our rebellion we were enemies against the God of the universe (Romans 5:10). But God initiated a reconciliation through the substitutionary death of His Son. Jesus Himself is our peace. For those who accept His forgiveness through the cross, there is now a relationship possible with Him where before there was none.

The huge obstacle to having peace with God was my sin. But because He has paid the punishment I so richly deserved, there is now a closeness and communion. I can enjoy His presence in my life as I am no longer under any condemnation (Romans 8:1). Not only is there peace with Him but He enables me to live in peace with others! And what is really amazing is that sense of peace and well-being He puts in my heart. What an incredible gift to live with this inner peace in a world that is so troubled!

Thank you Lord, for Your amazing gift of peace.