Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Love


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A Disappointed Dog

Scripture for Today: Psalm 25:3 “No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.”

The day was full of promise and the sunshine beckoned. This dog, full of pent-up energy, bounds outside with his ball, hoping for a game of catch. Barking and jumping he approaches who he thinks is a likely playmate. The video of what happened next shows him repeatedly offering the ball and barking with excitement. But of course, nothing happens except for the dog losing hope and eventually walking away disappointed.

Today’s verse validates the hope the believer places in the God of the Bible. No one who hopes in the Lord Almighty will be put to shame. Our confident expectation in His promises will never be disappointed as He is always true to His Word. To place our hope in anything or anyone else is to set ourselves up for potential disappointment. Shame and disappointment do come to the “treacherous” who mistakenly think they will not be held accountable.

It is God’s love for me that motivates me to keep my hope firmly fixed on Him. (Rom. 5:5) My family, my friends, my government, or my circumstances can all disappoint. I do not want to be like that silly dog, trusting in what will not come through. The Lord God has all the power, all the resources and all the control to come through in any difficulty I face. So why would I turn to anything else? I will trust in His “unfailing love.” (Psalm 13:5)

Lord, keep my hope firmly fixed on You.


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The Morning Dew

Scripture for Today:  Hosea 6:4  “What can I do with you, Ephraim?  What can I do with you, Judah?  Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears.”

Is there anything prettier than dew kissing the fragile petals of a rose? That moisture on the leaves and petals not only looks pretty but is important to counteracting the heat later in the day. I love cutting them and bringing them into the house! But of course, I do not bring them inside if they are still wet with dew. Handling any plant when wet is never a good idea as this is when they are most fragile. Better to leave them undisturbed while they soak up that moisture.

Today’s verse is addressed to two tribes of Israel. They knew to make sacrifices and burnt offerings but they did not show mercy to others nor did they acknowledge God. It was just routine and tradition. Their love for the Lord was as transient as morning dew or morning mist which quickly disappears. This verse describes the Israelite’s unfaithfulness to God, a common theme in Hosea often using the example of a wayward wife.

I can identify with a love that disappears like morning dew. In the morning when I read His Word and talk with Him, I can be satisfied with His unfailing love (Psalm 90:14). But as I go throughout my day, that closeness can seem to evaporate in the distractions of a busy day. And sometimes it is easy to look at my time with the Lord as an obligation to be crossed off a list. But He is not interested in empty ritual but in meaningful relationship. Thankfully, despite how fickle I am, His love does not dissipate. He continues to tap my shoulder with His love and remind me that He is there.

Thank you Lord, that I can count on Your love all day.

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2021)


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The Weathervane

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 103:12-13  “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those that fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

I imagine if these gentlemen continue drinking long enough, they will not care which direction they go!  This weathervane can be seen in Piddlehinton in the United Kingdom. There are lots of different whimsical figurines that can be part of the weathervane including ships, cats, and very often in France, the rooster. The important thing is that it sits up high, catches the wind and indicates its direction.

Today’s verse reminded me of the weathervane. Just how far is the east from the west? They never meet. They cannot meet as there is no junction point. God chose this image to teach us that He has removed our sin an infinite distance from us. And He did that because of His love. It cost Him His life on the cross to do that for us. Satan can try to bring us down with memories and accusations, but it is to no avail. Who can possibly condemn us (including ourselves) when God has chosen us and Christ intercedes for us? No one. (Rom. 8:33-34)

There is lots of confusion about the nature of true love. But one essential component is complete forgiveness. God’s love for me is so great it reaches to the heavens. His love is so pure that He never revisits what He has forgiven. I am so thankful I can live this day and every day without the crushing weight of guilt. There is NO condemnation because I am in Christ. (Rom. 8:1) What more proof of His love do I need? Isn’t this the greatest proof?

Thank you Lord, for Your amazing love and forgiveness.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2018)


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Holding Me Up

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

If you were to board a “vaporetto” or public water bus in Venice, you would be sure to see this startling sculpture. It has a prominent place on the Grand Canal and the gleaming white hands seem to rise up from the water to hold up this hotel. It was sculpted by Lorenzo Quinn, the son of Hollywood’s Anthony Quinn, in 2017. Not surprisingly he named it, “Support.” This artist used his talent to showcase the delicate balance between Venice and the sea.

Today’s verse reassures us that there are hands that hold us up. God speaks this special message to the Israelites in a passage that declares His power over all of their adversaries. There is no reason to fear or be dismayed at the opposition. That is because He promises His strength and help. In the same way, the believer today can be confident. If God is for us who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31) and because of HIs love upholding us we are MORE than conquerors. (Rom. 8:37)

There are so many verses that tell us not to fear. A friend of mine is going through each one of these verses as she helps her husband through cancer treatment. Opposition comes in many forms. But whatever I may face that threatens to bring me down, there are hands holding me up. Anxiety, worry, what if’s or even a mild disquiet is not what the Lord wants me to feel. He offers His strength, His help, His support and His love. In looking forward to an unknown future, there is no room for fear!

Thank you Lord, that You will always hold me up.


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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.