Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Devotions


by 2 Comments

The Carabiner

Scripture for Today: Psalm 37:23-24 “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”

The carabiner may look like a relatively small piece of rock climbing equipment. But in fact, its role is essential as safety absolutely depends on it! This strong metal snap-link made of aluminum or steel is used to connect all the different parts of the climbing safety system together. It attaches the climber to the rope, the rope to a harness, and the climber to an anchor. That connection allows the climber to firmly plant his feet with confidence!

There is another safety system in today’s verse. And to walk with confidence, we need a sure connection! This psalm talks about the Lord upholding the righteous (verse 17) in contrast to the many troubles the wicked will suffer. God does not forsake His faithful ones (verse 28). And for those who have His law in their hearts, their feet do not slip (verse 31). When we delight in knowing and following God’s way, then we can be sure that our connection to Him is sure and He will hold us up!

There is always the possibility of stumbling. I love Him and His law but that does not mean I follow it perfectly. Especially when the way is rocky, uphill and difficult, I can easily compromise. Some part of me thinks that loving Him means the way should be smooth and easy. But if it were, would I need to trust Him? Does my obedience mean anything if it is never tested? Stumbling is part of every believer’s walk of faith but thankfully, so is His grace and forgiveness which keeps me from hitting the ground!

Thank you Lord, for holding me up today!


by Leave a comment

Sniffing Dogs

Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:23 “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”

(Photo by C. C. Chapman, https://www.flickr.com/photos/cc_chapman/31305542651)

Our furry friends, it turns out, are more than faithful companions. The fact that their presence gives emotional support for those suffering PTSD, anxiety and panic attacks is well known. But recently a study was done that shows that certain breeds can detect stress in humans through their nose! That is because our breath and sweat have a particular odor when producing the stress hormone, cortisol. And the dogs in this study detected that stress 93.75% of the time!

Today’s verse is part of a beautiful psalm that reveals just how intimately the Lord knows us. Not only does He know when we are up or down, in or out, He also knows our heart’s emotions and our thoughts. He knows when we are anxious even when we do not recognize it ourselves. He not only knows but He provides us the solution. It is through our prayers and petitions that we can release that stress and anxiety before it wreaks havoc in our lives. He offers us peace in its stead. (Phil. 4:6-7)

That stress hormone can show up quite often in my life and usually it is a result of thoughts that are negative and anxious. Included are those annoying thoughts of, “what if?” Anxious thoughts can rob me of sleep and do nothing to improve my circumstances. A dog can comfort and cuddle but it’s my Creator that has the power to calm me down, change the direction of my thoughts and feelings and give me peace. He waits for me to turn to Him in prayer, over and over, as long as it takes.

Thank you Lord, for handling my stress today.


by Leave a comment

April Fool!

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 28:26 “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.”

Photo Credit: Mike Finn https://www.flickr.com/photos/mwf2005/52786855612

Today has the dubious distinction of being a day dedicated to fooling people! And in fact, we enjoy watching someone play the fool! Whether it is Rowan Atkinson (aka Mr. Bean) or Penn and Teller inviting magicians to, “Fool Us,” we laugh at others or at our own naivety. However, in regards to being deceived in a nefarious way, we draw the line! As the quote says, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.”

Today’s verse gives a description of a fool that is a bit shocking. When one trusts in himself rather than in God, he is a fool. Scripture is full of verses contrasting those that are fools with those that are wise. The fool says in his heart that there is no God. (Ps. 14:1) He reviles the Lord’s name. (Ps. 74:18) And some become fools because of their rebellion against God. (Ps. 107:17) Bottom line is that fools despise wisdom because wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Prov. 1:7) and they are unwilling to trust their lives to Him.

I know I belong to the Lord. He reassures my heart. But that does not mean I do not have moments when I am foolish. Anytime I trust in myself, my own resources, mental acuity or talents, I am foolish. Everything I am and have comes from Him. He doesn’t bless me so that I can pull away from Him and rely on myself. To walk in wisdom is to recognize my own weakness and failings and depend on Christ for safety, security and guidance. Christ is my Wisdom! (I Cor. 1:24)

Thank you Lord, for making this simple one wise!


by Leave a comment

Fill Our Staplers Day

Scripture for Today: II Timothy 2:21 “Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”

Who would have thought there would be a day set apart to fill our staplers! This day’s observance began in 2013 as part of the Chase Calendar of Events. We are supposed to kindly go around the office and fill everyone’s staplers so that the day will go smoother for all. If we are not involved in office work the idea is to go around the house and do the same for the family. It is true that no one likes to interrupt a project with this mundane task, especially when in a hurry! Any extra step in preparedness usually pays off.

Today’s verse talks about being prepared so as to be useful to the Master. As believers we are called to do good works for the Lord. These good works have been prepared by God in advance (Eph. 2:10). But we are to be prepared as well to do them! And we do that by making sure we are cleansed, confessing our sins (I John 1:9). We are likened to vessels made of either gold and silver for special purposes, or made of wood and clay for common use (vs. 20). That we are used by Him for any purpose is a privilege. But we can be set apart for special purposes when we keep our lives free from sin.

There are days when I feel that I am made of clay or wood. And I wonder if I am of any use to Him at all. Thankfully, He uses all kinds of vessels for all kinds of purposes, using the gifts of the Spirit. But if I long to be more fruitful for Him, if I long to make a difference to His Kingdom work, than I need to be sensitive to His conviction of sin in my vessel! I need to examine my heart daily and do the uncomfortable work of confession.

Thank you Lord, that You want to use me. Help me stay prepared.


by 2 Comments

A Fountain

Scripture for Today: Psalm 87:7 “As they make music they will sing, ‘All my fountains are in you.’”

Photo credit: MagicOlf https://www.flickr.com/photos/magicolf/4555139652

The Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas puts on quite the show! The water dances to the music, taking on different configurations. The differently colored lights keep time to the music and it all comes together to impress and entertain. But for me, I have always enjoyed even the most basic and simple fountain as I love the musical sound of moving water.

Today’s verse has people singing and making music. They are those blessed to be born in Zion or Jerusalem. But these believers in the one and only true God come from other regions as well (verse 4). Together, regardless of their origin, they proclaim that the fountain of all their blessings has but one Source! God calls Himself the “fountain of living waters” (Jer. 2:3). And Jesus calls Himself “living water” that in the believer would become a spring or fountain of water welling up to eternal life! (John 4:10 & 14)

When I see a fountain I am reminded that ALL my blessings flow from my relationship with the Giver of life, here and eternally! And I don’t deserve even one of them. Without His goodness life would be a dried up unsatisfying affair. But because of His incredible grace, life is rich with meaning and significance. I live to love Him more and I can sing with this same refrain, “all my fountains are in You.”

Lord, today, I praise You from whom all blessings flow!