Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Faithfulness


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Plastic Wrap Fiasco

Scripture for Today: Psalm 63:7-8 “Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings.  I cling to You. Your right hand upholds me.”

I finally gave in. After years of fighting with plastic wrap, I finally spent the extra for a dispenser that allows me to roll it out and cut it easily. If there had been a hidden camera in my kitchen, it would have caught me tearing at that plastic and throwing away countless yards of the stuff as it would cling to the wrong thing.  Seriously, plastic wrap seems to have a mind of its own!  It clings to itself, my hand, or the counter, but rarely where I am putting it.

Today’s verse is about a different kind of clinging. When we realize just how needy we are, we can give ourselves permission to cling. The problem is that sometimes we cling to the wrong thing. When we cling to our own resources or to others, we continue to be needy. However, when we cling to the Lord and His strength, we find ourselves upheld by His powerful right hand. He is our help when all else fails.  Clinging to Him and His protection changes our attitude to one of joy and song. He is never bothered by our clinging. He does not shake us off. He holds us up when we feel we are falling. He is faithful to give the help we need.

I cannot cling to Him if my hands are full. I need to let go of all my supposed resources and depend completely on Him. He is big enough and strong enough to be all the help I need. I can never cling to Him too much! There is no such thing as “too clingy.” And He invites me to hold Him tightly in faith that He will not let go. He will not let me down.

Thank you Lord, that You are faithful to hold 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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Where’s the Proof?

Scripture for Today: Psalm 34:8-9 “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.”

I am normally a fan of anything chocolate, cold and smooth! Whether it be ice cream, mousse or pudding. This chocolate pudding however is from a vegan recipe and made me wonder. Would it really deliver? Perhaps the taste of tofu, avocado, banana or some other unexpected ingredient would spoil it for me. But the ingredient list looked pretty amazing. I suppose the “proof is in the pudding.” Or as the original saying goes, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.”

There is an invitation in today’s verse to taste and see how good the Lord is. There are no strange unexpected ingredients to His love and promises. He does not disappoint! His words are true and sweet, sweeter even than honey (Psalm 19:10). He is so good to His own, providing refuge and meeting every need! Making the Lord our hiding place gives us shelter from whatever storm surrounds us. When His children fear and obey Him, He pours out blessing. Those who seek the Lord will lack no good thing! (Ps. 34:10)

I do not need to “taste test” what the world has to offer. Nothing is as sweet and satisfying as His Words, especially the promises and declarations of His love. The empty philosophies of this world promise to be sweet but leave one with a very bitter aftertaste. His Words are faithful and true, never changing and the source of life! He satisfies so completely that I am never in want of anything that is truly good for me. I have tasted and He is good! The lyrics of an old hymn state, “t’is so sweet to trust in Jesus.” And I too have “proved Him ‘ore and ‘ore.”

Thank you Lord, for Your faithful goodness being to me!


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A Wave of Change

Scripture For Today: Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

As we begin this new year I cannot help but think of the song written by Bob Dylan, “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” Certainly, the world has swiftly changed these past few years, proving true what Plato said, “All is flux, nothing stays still.” What is considered “normal” has changed. Social expectations have changed. We have changed. And as we look to the new year it can be with some trepidation about what may change next! How will the next changes impact our lives? What if I don’t want to change?

Today’s verse is an enormous comfort. Yes, change can be adventurous and an opportunity for growth. But it almost always comes with some discomfort. However, Jesus Christ does not change. Being perfect, there is no need for any improvements. The power He had is still His. The control over nature He demonstrated is still viable. He continues to be what He always has been; faithful and true, compassionate, good and loving. And because He does not change, His Word remains. He is the solid Rock, a foundation that can weather any wave of change.

In a world that seems to shift almost daily its norms, priorities and focus, I can stand firm. He has never failed me despite major changes in my life; career changes, losing family members, gaining family members, 17 moves and more! My world changes but He does not and continues to be everything I need to face an unknown future. I can look forward to this new year as I have all the rest, with confidence that the Lord is already there, warm, loving and familiar!

Thank you Lord, that You never will change and I can always count on You.

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2022)


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A New Beginning

Scripture for Today: Lamentations 3:22-23 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are NEW every morning: great is Your faithfulness.”

Life is full of new beginnings and this week marks another one. We celebrate the new year with hopes that there will be some positive changes in our lives and in our world. For some it is with a sigh of relief that the last year is left behind. Even though there may be some trepidation facing the unknown, there is also potential for something new and we look forward with expectation! But as the year progresses, that sense of newness can somehow wear off.

Today’s verses gives us reason to face not only the start of each new year with hope but also the start of each new day. The Lord reassures His own of His love and compassions. And just like the sunrise, His compassions are new every morning. They are not warmed up leftovers from the day before! Every day He is faithful to reveal something new about Himself. Every morning He shows His compassion by allowing our eyes to fly open and begin a new day.

There is only one reason I can face this new year with confidence and optimism: His love and compassion. They will not fail me regardless of what may come. His love is so great that it reaches higher than the heavens. And His faithfulness is so great that it reaches to the skies. (Psalm 108:4) The sun will rise every morning of this new year and so will His love and compassion for me. He has promised and He is faithful.

Lord, help me to trust Your faithful love and compassion.