Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Grace and Forgiveness


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Below the Surface

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 4:13 “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

I am holding what looks to be a branch. But in fact it is a ficus root from our neighbor’s tree! For years and years the roots have spread, seeking out any cool damp earth. Unfortunately, they found some beneath the foundation of our bathroom! These ficus roots are notorious for breaking up patios, roads and building foundations! With moisture, the roots will expand in girth, creating havoc where no one sees!

Today’s verse tells us that there is nothing hidden from God, not even those nasty ficus roots! What is covered and secret to the human eye is uncovered and open to His scrutiny. He sees what no one else does: the motive, the intent, the circumstances and the rationale behind everything. The Lord is the only One who can see it all and judge with perfect justice.

When I first read this verse it made me squirm. There are regrets in my life that I prefer stay out of sight. Fortunately, when God sees those failures, He also sees the perfect righteousness of Christ. The right standing I have with God is His gift to me through faith in Jesus! (Romans 3:22) On that coming day of reckoning I can be assured that there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1) as His blood has washed away every nasty dirty sin. For the believer, this verse is a comfort and reassurance that His justice will triumph over all wickedness! What is sown will one day be reaped, whether good or evil. What a relief it will be to see the right prevail!

Thank you Lord that You see it all!


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Independence Day

Scripture for Today: Psalm 25:17-18 “Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sin.”

How wonderful to put aside differences and nationally celebrate our independence as a country! Parades, picnics and fireworks mark this special day. Flags make their appearance on lawns and often neighborhoods will celebrate collectively. It looks as if this little girl is celebrating her independence from parental control! Those toddler years are full of struggle for independence, as any parent in the trenches knows.

Today’s verse shows us the results of independence from our Creator. This is man’s natural inclination, to be autonomous and govern his own life his own way. The problem comes from the anguish, affliction and distress that sinful choices can produce. David so acutely feels the troubles of his heart that he pleads with the Lord to free him. When in our independence we choose our own way rather than His, we risk following a path of destruction, even when it looks oh so right (Prov. 14:12). The Lord never intended man to be independent from Him.

My desire to live without any constraints is normal. No one likes anyone telling them what to do or what behaviors to avoid. But every one of His commandments are meant to give me freedom! (Psalm 119:45) They free me from the heart trouble and the anguish of being separated from the Lover of my soul! Being dependent on Him gives me true freedom to live in the light of His love and favor! But like the stubborn toddler who thinks they know better than the parent, I pull away. How good He is to bring me back to Himself with powerful loving arms!

Thank you Lord, for the freedom that comes with dependence on You!


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Humble Pie

Scripture for Today: James 4:6 “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”

This pie actually looks good! But the word “humble” in the expression “humble pie” actually came from a different word. In the early 1400’s “numble” was the word for chopped organ meat from venison, often baked in a pastry. The “n” was eventually dropped and the “h” added. Numbles were for the huntsmen, his family and his companions whereas the choice deer meat was sold to the upper class. Today, eating “humble pie” means to act apologetically and admit one’s error.

Today’s verse talks about more grace that is given to the humble. As undeserving as we are, those who can come clean with the Lord about their failures experience His favor. But there is something in all of us that bristles at the thought of admitting our errors. Sometimes, the only way it can happen is if we can point to extenuating circumstances! Or we can maybe admit we were wrong if someone can share our chagrin. Eating humble pie is never a very comfortable experience.

As difficult as it is to humble myself, His grace makes it worth it! I would much rather live in His undeserved favor than have Him be opposed to me. But each time I allow pride, stubbornness and determined independence from Him to creep into my day, I am foregoing His desire to bless me. Half the time I do not even realize it is happening as I am so full of myself! How good of Him to bring me to my knees in humility!

Forgive me my pride, Lord. Oh how I need your grace today!


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Pinyon Sap

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 8:22 “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wounds of my people?”

It’s just sap running down a rock. Or is it? This is liquid gold for some. The sap of the Single Leaf Pinyon Pine works as a natural antiseptic. It is very sticky, needing processing before it can be used. But as a balm or salve, it does wonders. Rub it on a burn or on a skinned knee and there is immediate relief! It can soothe the sting of wind burn on a face or sore feet after a day of hiking.

Today’s verse mentions a balm. Gilead was known in biblical times for the balm they produced from the sap of the balsam tree. It was also used for its healing properties and making use of it were the physicians living there. The questions in this verse are rhetorical with a “yes, there is” answer expected. But what the people needed was spiritual healing rather than physical. They refused to return to the Lord, clinging to deceit (verse 5). They rejected the words of the Lord (verse 9) and no help from man could heal their wounded souls.

All of us have wounded souls. The ravages of sin and the separation from our Creator make us soul sick. But there is a balm for my soul found in Gilead and everywhere else. That balm is repentance and forgiveness. Because of the cross, I can have immediate and complete healing. It is because of His wounds that I am healed (Isaiah 53:5). He took the punishment on Himself that I so richly deserved. That balm for my soul takes away the sting of guilt or shame.

Thank you Lord, for being that balm for my soul.


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Hot House Orchid

Scripture for Today: II Peter 3:18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

This gorgeous flower needs pampering! When transplanting the orchid out of its tropical habitat, it will need special conditions to grow and flourish. The artificially heated greenhouse will provide an environment that will make this delicate plant happy and stable. In that hot house will be other vulnerable plants not hardy enough to grow under natural conditions. The phrase, “hot house flower” also describes a person who is fragile and vulnerable.

Today’s verse talks about what is needed for the believer to grow in his faith: grace and knowledge. There is not a Christ-follower alive that does not need these special conditions to grow. Being exposed to the harsh world-environment can choke out what God wants to produce in us. His grace or unmerited favor and the knowledge of Himself is His hot house. His grace is sufficient when we are weak (II Cor. 12:9). And the power to thrive comes through our knowledge of him (II Peter 1:3).

I forget so often. My independent and prideful spirit makes me feel that I am doing just fine on my own. That takes all the glory for myself when it rightfully belongs to Him. And before long, my attitude starts to show in shriveled leaves and droopy flowers. It is clear to me that my faith is stunted when I totally lose it at the first sign of difficulty. But when I can respond with dependence on His grace and a recognition of His goodness and love, then I can not only survive, but thrive. It is the Lord that keeps me from being fragile and vulnerable.

Thank you Lord, for the growth that comes from You!