Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Word


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The Ferret

Scripture for Today: John 17:17 “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

Did you know that a group of ferrets is called a “business of ferrets?” Apparently, the business of the ferrets we knew was to infiltrate our 100 year home in Guebwiller, France and throw dance parties in the attic at night! The “business” of ferrets used to be helping hunters by flushing out rabbits and rodents from their burrows. Later, chasing down a rabbit evolved into the expression of chasing down or “ferreting out” the truth.

Today’s verse is part of the prayer of Jesus to His Father concerning those who follow Him. There is no need to “ferret out” truth as Jesus plainly says that God’s Word is truth. And this truth of God’s eternal and infallible word does something for the believer. It sanctifies or sets him apart as different and distinct from others. The believer is set apart for His purposes and for His service. Living in the light of God’s truth makes the believer atypical as it changes our desires, values and worldview.

Being convinced of the truth of His Word motivates me to stay the course, regardless of the fluctuating ideas of “truth” around me. Because there is absolute truth in the spiritual realm, my faith remains firm. Not only does God’s Word instruct, correct and reassure, but I am upheld by the Person who is Truth. (John 14:6) It is on the solid ground of His truth that I can stand and what a difference this makes in my life!

Lord, thank you for the stability and purpose Your word gives me!


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Strawberries Grow on Trees?

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:103 “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.”

Who would have thought it, that strawberries could grow on trees! Of course, this berry growing on the Arbutus Marina (or Strawberry Tree) is not quite the same. Its taste is bland and not so sweet except when cooked and mixed with sweeteners or other fruit. But it is nutritional being a source of vitamin C, about three times the amount in an orange. It is also good for fiber and rich in antioxidants and tannins. It is just not very sweet.

Today’s verse likens God’s words to sweetness. His words are like honey for the soul. Whether we hear them from a Bible teacher, a song or a devotional, it is always sweet. But there is a different more intense flavor when we discover a nugget of truth for ourselves in His Word. The taste is better and sweeter when He speaks to us directly from His Word without any other intermediary. It is just picked. It is fresh and there is a special sweetness.

I am encouraged by others’ teaching. God uses the study and clear exhortation of Bible scholars in my life. There is a myriad of wonderful study guides. They are all sweet and have their place. But there is a more satisfying and intense flavor to His Word when I take the time to open it on my own. It is especially sweet when the Lord meets me and speaks to me directly. His Spirit is so personal, guiding me into a truth for that moment and for my exact need.

Lord, I need Your sweet words.  Make them fresh for me today.


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Disinformation

Scripture For Today: John 17:17 “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”

Disinformation is not a new word but I am sure hearing it used a lot more frequently lately! Different than “misinformation” which is also false but spread unwittingly, disinformation is a conscious attempt to present lies as truth. Disinformation presents what is novel and surprising in hopes of swaying opinion and can come from governments, organizations or individuals. To steer clear we are advised to use several credible sources and do fact checking.

Today’s verse is part of a beautiful prayer Jesus prays for His disciples and for all of us (vs 20). His desire is for His followers to use God’s Word as the standard measure for truth. Because of God’s Word we can know the answer to Pilate’s question, “What is truth?” (John 18:38) Jesus calls Himself “truth.” (John 14:6) and promises that His Spirit will guide us into all truth. (John 16:13) In contrast, Satan is called the “Father of lies.” (Eph. 6:14)

The truth that I personally cling to in this election season where misinformation and disinformation are so prevalent is that God is Sovereign and has an ultimate plan for this world. No one individual can thwart what He purposes. That reassures me that despite any lack of judgement on my part or any deception out there, the God of the Universe is slowly bringing about all His promises and prophecies behind the scenes!

Thank you Lord, that Your Word is always the most credible source!


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A Margin of Error

Scripture for Today: Ecclesiastes 7:20 “Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.”

It is complicated to calculate margin of error, at least to those who do not have strong math skills! This concept in statistics expresses the amount of random variation underlying a survey’s results. In principle, the larger the sample is, the smaller the margin of error is. The other important factor is the confidence level, whether 90, 95 or 99%. There are also other sources of error that come into play; bias in the questions, excluding groups that could not be contacted, people refusing to respond, people lying or miscounting.

In today’s verse there is absolutely no margin of error! The sample is the largest it can be: earth’s entire population. Added to this fact is the veracity of God’s Word. Paul affirms this statement when quoting Psalm 14:1-3, “There is no one righteous, not even one.” (Rom. 3:11) God’s standards of righteousness are well above man’s. God looks down from Heaven on all mankind. (Ps. 53:1-3) And if it were not for the grace He showed when taking on Himself the punishment of our sins on the cross, there would be no hope of forgiveness or of eternal life with Him.

No. There is no error at all in what God declares is true. I have a confidence level of 100% because God said it. There is not a person on this planet (myself included) that can merit eternal life. No one can slide in as part of some forgotten percentage. God does not grade on a curve. His standard is holiness and I am woefully short. Thankfully, He has given me not only abundant grace but also the righteousness of His Son! (Rom. 5:17)

Thank you Lord, that there are no margins of error needed in what You say!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2020)


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Trying to Eat Light

Scripture for Today:  Hebrews 5:13-14  “For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.  But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.”

The other day we went out to dinner with another couple. Ignoring the inviting aromas of pizza and pasta, I decided I would eat “light.” The holidays were coming and there would be too many occasions to overindulge. I honestly thought I was being “good” to order a salad. My mistake was not to have asked more questions of our waitress! Between the toasts, the cheese and the lardons fumés, there was nothing light about my salad. And yes, I thoroughly enjoyed it anyway!

There are times in approaching God’s Word that I just want something “light.” Maybe I feel rushed. Or maybe I am feeling pretty good about myself. No conviction today, please. Perhaps I just want a message for someone else but not for myself. A promise would make me feel good. I am sometimes not sure I want to look up any cross references or dig at all. A little light reading of something I am already familiar with would be just the thing.

Today’s verse is in no way discounting “milk.” It is necessary and foundational for the new christian.  There are times when even a mature believer will go “light” and only have what is basic or a reminder in Scripture reading. The problem comes when one has ONLY milk and does not progress at all to “solid food.” Always eating “light” does not allow for good spiritual growth. Too much light eating will result in a failure to distinguish between good and evil.

Lord, help me not to go “light” on Your Word today.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2012)