Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: For Foodies


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Teflon

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 19:11 “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”

It has been years since we have cooked with teflon-coated pans in our home.  With the controversy over the PFOA used in its production, and the release of toxins at high heat, we thought it better to stick with the cast iron.  And stick we do!  I have to say I miss the ease of clean-up with non-stick coatings.  But as long as there is a question about risk to health, I would rather be safe than sorry.  A few extra minutes at the sink seems a small price to pay.

Today’s verse talks about overlooking an offense.  Those insults and innuendos do not have to stick.  The one who lets that verbal jibe slide is the one who is taking the high road.  The intended insult and humiliation does not stick when there is no response or biting reply.  That offense may have been unintended.  Sometimes, the offense is only a perceived one.  In any case, what was nasty or negative can actually work in one’s favor when responded to with wisdom and patience.

I wish I were coated with teflon!  I wish those hurts would slide right off my back.  Too often, I remember every word of a past insult.  How unlike the Lord!  Jesus did not take offense and quit when He was insulted, spit upon and mocked.  He went all the way to the cross and was glorified by the Father.  Any offense I face from others is so very small in comparison.  He wants me to overlook it with grace and forgiveness.  In doing so I am well viewed by others, but more importantly, He is glorified!

Lord, make me wise and patient enough to let it go.


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Oil Tasting

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 1:9 “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”

There are so many varieties of flavored-infused olive oils to choose from that stores will sometimes offer a “tasting bar.”  The salesman was adept at explaining the different pairings and recipes possible, so much so that I walked away with an expensive bottle of rosemary flavored oil.  I am supposed to feel good about olive oil as it is better for good health than some others.  But oil is still fat and I hesitate to feel too enthusiastic about it!

Today’s verse mentions an oil of joy and is speaking of Christ which means, “the anointed One.”  Jesus is set apart as holy and righteous, superior to the angels or any other created being.  There is joy in this righteous relationship Christ shares with the Father.  There is joy despite the fact that Jesus was called a “Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” (Is. 53:3)  It was for the joy set before Him that He endured the cross (Heb. 12:2).  It is this same joy that we can experience even when going through trial and difficulty (James 1:2).

Just as oil was used in biblical times to consecrate and set apart a person, so this “oil of joy” does for me today.  Living with joy when nothing is going according to plan sets me apart and makes me different!  Joy in spite of grave health problems, uncertain finances or dashed dreams is not the norm.  But His Spirit’s fruit includes a joy that I can set before me as I endure whatever life may throw at me!

Lord, may the oil of joy overflow my heart regardless of what today may bring.


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Bûche de Noël

Scripture for Today: John 6:35 “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty.'”

The Bûche de Noël was always a fitting end to our Christmas meals in France.  This rolled sponge cake filled with buttercream was made to look like the traditional log burnt on Christmas Eve in times past.  They are often decorated with little figures made of marzipan and meringue  We always enjoyed the ones with ice cream fillings.  Having such a rich dessert after a heavy meal can sometimes be too much of a good thing!

In today’s verse, Jesus declared Himself the bread of life.  Bread is the perfect symbol of what is needed for daily sustenance.  He did not use the symbol of a rich gooey dessert as He provides just what is needed.  Often after too much dessert there is regret, but one can never have too much of Him!  He satisfies our hunger perfectly.  We are full without discomfort.  But there is a condition according to this verse.  We are simply to come to Him.

I often do not recognize my hunger.  There are days when I am soul sick because I am feeding on what does not satisfy.  That fancy pastry the world offers can be a big distraction.  But instead of feeling full and satisfied, I am left feeling a little queasy.  But when I go to Jesus, He more than satisfies what my soul really craves.  He offers Himself: His love, His peace, His joy.  Everything else is a poor substitute.

“Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more.”  Thank you Lord, for being everything I need today.


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Grits

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 10:36 “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.”

My impression of grits is that it is bland and heavy.  But in fact, this ground-corn dish, popular in the Southern States, has many mouth-watering variations.  I have enjoyed them with shrimp and with cheese as a main dish.  But grits are often thought of as a breakfast side dish.  In any case, the word “grit” has another meaning, associated with the idea of courage, resolve and strength of will.

Today’s verse also alludes to “strength of will” but curiously, not our own.  Believers are encouraged to continue living out God’s will.  These early Christians endured “great conflict full of suffering” (verse 32).  When they were not being persecuted themselves, they were standing side by side with those who were.  They were publicly humiliated and insulted, even suffering the indignities of prison and confiscation of property.

It takes perseverance to follow God’s desires ahead of our own.  We mistakenly believe that the goal of life is the pursuit of happiness.  But God’s will is much grander than our own little lives.  He is about building His Kingdom and believers are privileged to participate in something that is eternal.  My confidence and obedience will one day be richly rewarded.  Knowing that helps me persevere in doing His will.  I enjoy His blessings now but they pale in comparison to all He has prepared for me!

I frankly do not always understand His will.  It is often at odds with my own selfish desires or what I believe are “my rights.”  But I do know that whatever it takes, He is worth following!

Thank you Lord, for giving me what it takes to persevere.


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Misnomer

pumpkins 12037982_10153624964792744_7343678008214868110_nScripture for Today: I Corinthians 13:4-5 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

In Southern California we are a bit mixed up.  The seasons are not so readily identifiable.  Our weather is so warm and summer-like that we continue to enjoy the summer fruits, including watermelon, even in the early days of autumn.  But the display of pumpkins is a reminder of what the calendar says.  However, calling pumpkins, “watermelons,” is a good example of a misnomer.  They may both be round and heavy but there the resemblance ends.  It is obviously the wrong label.

There are a million misnomers in our world but one that stands out is the use of the word, “love.”  We name many different emotions as love when they are not.  The description in today’s verse makes that obvious.  It might look like love.  It might feel like love, but many times it falls short of what true love is all about.  Of course, there are different kinds of love, whether they be brotherly or romantic.  But whatever we name “love” needs to resemble the qualities listed in I Corinthians 13.  This passage goes on to list many others, including the very important aspect of love never failing.

It is easy to be swayed into thinking that love means good feelings.  It is such a lovely experience when it does.  But the essence of love involves a committed decision to faithfully seek the best for the other person.  For me, that decision takes work and determination.  Oh, but the benefits are worth it!

Thank you Lord, for showing me how to love and giving me the power to do it!