Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Faithfulness


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New Scale

krups-vintage-bathroom-scales-cover-300x300Scripture for Today: I John 1:10 “If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His Word is not in us.”

This scale reminds me of the one from my youth.  One can now buy them with the label, “Vintage” or “Retro!”  Today, ours is not so ancient as it is digital.  It is probably accurate enough, but I do not like what it says!  No matter what I do with my eating habits it always says exactly the same thing.  Perhaps it is stuck.  Perhaps I am stuck.  In any case, I would rather think that it is incorrect.  Ideally, there should exist a scale that says exactly what I want it to say!

Today’s verse is about someone who is in denial about their sin.  The one who claims that there is no problem with sin is not dealing with reality.  Rather than continue to feel the discomfort of conviction, this individual would close their eyes to truth.  But in doing so, God is made out to be a liar.  His Word and truth do not reside in those who claim to be just fine.

The first step in dealing with my sin is to recognize its ugly existence.  There is no sugar-coating it to be small and of no consequence.  Like the scale that tells the truth, so is God’s Word that makes me uncomfortable.  And just as I do not throw away the scale because of what it says, so I do not exchange His truth for something I like better.  He promises and is faithful to forgive and cleanse me from every sin (verse 9).  I just need to find the courage to admit to it!

Lord, help me to be honest with myself and admit when I am wrong.


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Updated

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 13:8-9a “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teaching.”

My phone and computer both love to suggest updates in the middle of my busiest times!  I never like being interrupted as it takes time to prepare and complete the update.  But I do understand the importance of adding new features and protecting against viruses and spam.  Some of the updates alter a site so much that I need to re-learn how to navigate it.  However, the extra effort is usually worth it.

In a world where technology is in a constant state of change, it is comforting to know that my Savior does not need an “update.”  Our verse for today teaches that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.  He is perfect and needs no alterations!  He is always up to date with what is happening.  There is never a need for a new and improved version.  There is never a connection issue or a lack of response.

Everything that we need to know about the Lord is revealed in His Word.  He does not change nor does His revelation.  His message transcends time and is always current.  The God of the Old testament is the same God as of the New.  His faithfulness and power shown then is the same faithfulness and power He shows today.

I need Him to be constant and not capricious.  I need Him to be faithful to His Word and unchangeable.  What was proven true in times past continues to be true today.  He is perfect and perfection has no need of change.

Thank you Lord, that You do not change and I can always count on You.


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Table Settings

table settingScripture for Today: Psalm 78:19 “They spoke against God; they said, ‘Can God really spread a table in the wilderness?'”

I had no idea that the Orange County Fair included table settings in their competitions!  Each one was elaborate, detailed and creative.  This ribbon-winning setting had an inviting Western theme.  I could just imagine the barbecued ribs, beans and coleslaw that surely would be the preferred menu!  Attention to table decoration always makes the food tastes better.  When I have company they will often ask to set the table.  But that is a job I like to reserve for myself!

Today’s verse talks about the Lord Himself spreading a table.  It was no picnic being in the wilderness year after year.  The Israelites complained and repeatedly put God to the test.  How gracious He was to rain down manna, called the “grain of heaven” and the “bread of angels” (verse 24-25).  They gorged themselves on meat that He provided.  Yet, their hearts were not loyal.  Though He provided for their needs again and again, they continually forgot His power (verse 42).  How exasperating it must have been for the Lord to hear the question posed in our verse when He had proven Himself over and over.

I imagine that though the Lord loves me, He must sometimes be exasperated with me!  Can He really meet this need?  Will He come through for me this time?  Can I completely count on Him for that?  To even have such thoughts reveals that I have forgotten His power.  He has already shown Himself faithful time after time.  Yes, He can and does spread a table in the wilderness!  When all seems dry and desolate, He provides above and beyond all we can ask or think! (Eph. 3:20)

Thank you Lord, for spreading a table for me and meeting my every need!


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Abandoned

Barney165730_816338958191_650073_nScripture for Today: Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you.  He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

It was hard for my daughter and her husband to leave Barney with friends for a week in order to take a vacation.   Because they had adopted this little Jack Russel Terrier from an animal shelter, they were worried he would feel abandoned once again.  Thankfully, he fit right in with their friend’s household and loved playing with new doggie friends!

It would break my heart to enter an animal shelter.  I would probably ignore logic and come home with at least one abandoned pet.  Many people who buy puppies later decide it is an inconvenience and get rid of them.  Others do the same with their litters as they have neglected to neuter their animals.  Some breeders use the shelters to dump unsold puppies.

In our verse for today is a very comforting truth; the Lord our God will go with us.  He will never leave us or forsake us!  There is never a question of being abandoned by God.  These words were spoken by Moses to the Israelites in verse 6 and then repeated in verse 8 to Joshua and the Israelites.  His leadership was coming to an end and Moses did not want them to feel abandoned.

There are times when I am overcome with fear.  I am not facing battle with enemies, but I do face other fears.  The Lord wants to reassure me of His presence.  Having the promise that He will never leave me or forsake me helps calm those fears.  He will never look the other way and leave me on my own.

Thank you, Lord, that You will never abandon me.

(Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule)


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Steeple

steeple unnamedScripture for Today: Psalm 36:5 “Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies.

I have had the privilege of living for decades with fabulous French cathedrals practically in my back yard.  I have seen so much ornate architecture in my years in Europe that the wonder and grandeur of their cathedrals almost seem commonplace.  But there is something about the simplicity of a white steeple on a New England chapel that touches my heart!  The steeple draws the eye up toward heaven as if it were a pointing finger.  Can anything rival the sky above?

Our verse for today draws our gaze upward, just like that simple steeple.  The heavens not only “declare the glory of God” but they also declare the love and faithfulness of the Lord.  Its vast expanse reminds me of how tiny and insignificant I am compared to how majestic He is!  His love and faithfulness are as big as that vast expanse of sky.

The phrase, “the sky’s the limit,” does not apply here!  God IS love and there is no limit.  He is faithful and true to His character.  His yes is always yes and His promises sure.  His eternal nature makes His attributes eternal as well.  One cannot exhaust His love or faithfulness.  Our infidelities and failures will never change who He is.  He is faithful to who He is and His love will never fail.

Looking up to the heavens reminds me.  Too often I am distracted by looking down.  All I can see sometimes is my own little world of problems and I miss the bigger picture.  The eternal perspective escapes me.  The steeple lifts my gaze to where it belongs!

Lord, may the skies be a reminder today of Your love and faithfulness to me!