Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Holiness


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Reflections

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 27:19 “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”

This fox looks a little confused! The light and angle of the water is just right for him to see his reflection. Perhaps he is enthralled with himself or maybe he is startled to think he is not alone! I wonder how long he stood there looking at himself. Perhaps he stood rooted to the ground just until the image was distorted by a ripple in the water or a falling leaf.

Today’s verse likens the reflection of water to the way the heart of man is reflected in how he lives. It seems a very obvious statement. But there are so many things that muddy the waters and distort that reflection. A polished image on the outside can even be a distraction as to the state of our hearts. Add a suit and tie, a classy car, and a smooth tongue and assumptions are made as to the character of a man. A practiced smile and impeccable manners can go a long way to misrepresent who we really are. But eventually, like still waters reflect an image, so our hearts are revealed in the way we live our lives.

My heart is just as desperately wicked as described in Jeremiah 17:9. I am often deceived into thinking that I am really a pretty good person. But that is deception. I continually need His grace and forgiveness for all the hidden sins. The image I project to the world is lost on the Lord! He sees every ugly thought in my heart. The amazing thing is that He loves me anyway. He waits for me to turn my heart to Him for cleansing. He is always faithful to do it! And  when He does, His image in me is beautiful!

Lord, make my heart beautiful today.


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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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Hot Lips

Scripture for Today: Ecclesiastes 10:12 “Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips.”

When I hear the term, “Hot Lips’ I think of the character, Margaret, on the television show MASH. But in fact, Hot Lips is the name of this two-lipped tubular flower. It can be bright red, white, or a combination of the two. This perennial loves the sun and is drought resistant, needing little water. It can grow quickly and give the yard a cottage garden look. Their nectar is irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies and the flowers are edible to humans.

Today’s verse is one of many in Scripture that teach regarding our lips and what they reveal about us. This verse was written by King Solomon, known for his God-given wisdom. A wise person and a fool are distinguishable from one another by what comes out of their mouths. The words from a wise person are gracious and win him favor. But what comes from the lips of a fool destroys him. He starts out speaking foolishness but as he keeps babbling, his words become wicked madness.

In our image-conscious culture I am often surprised by classy well-dressed people who destroy that perfect picture by what comes out of their mouths. But I know I can sound the same way. My words are not always gracious, especially when responding to hurt or injustice. I can look the fool when I jump to a wrong conclusion and I react instead of thoughtfully responding. Speaking like a fool comes easy. It is a much more difficult challenge to speak wise gracious words. Thankfully, God offers His wisdom when I ask Him (James 1:5). And the control of my tongue can come through His Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).

Lord, make my words gracious today!


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Walking Sideways

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 5:15 “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise.”

I am not a fan of crabs.  Their pincers make me a bit nervous and their appearance is a bit off-putting. But one of their behaviors always brings a smile; their ability to walk sideways. In trying to avoid them, this unusual behavior makes me unsure of which way to go to get out of their way! Perhaps they are confused too, not knowing whether they are coming or going! The fact that their joints bend outward rather than forward makes for this bizarre gait.  They can shuffle forward but sideways allows for more speed and efficiency. They can quickly dip into a hole or crevice and escape a predator.

Today’s verse reminds us to walk with care. As believers we are to walk with wisdom. Perhaps walking wisely can look like a sideways gait to some. Our walk is to be different than those around us who are walking foolishly, outside of God’s will. The context tells us to wake up and make the most of every opportunity. This passage goes on to cite the particulars of this different walk: being filled with His Spirit, speaking differently, singing, making music and being thankful. Walking in this way is walking in a direction that is different and distinctive!

The subtle influence of those walking around me can affect my walk. Who wants to be seen as walking sideways? It looks like I am going nowhere. I am not walking towards worldly values or recognition. Instead, I am walking towards the commendation of the Master, hoping to hear one day, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”

Lord, make me wise by walking Your way today.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2015)


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The Flea Market

Scripture for Today: I John 2:7 “Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old commandment is the message you have heard.”

I love a good flea market where someone’s castoffs become someone else’s treasure. The biggest flea market in Europe takes place in Lille, France every September. And it dates back to the 12th century! It is comprised of 10,000 sellers who man 62 miles of roadside stalls. It runs continuously for thirty six hours and welcomes two and a half million visitors! Everyone is sure to find something old that pleases!

Today’s verse is a reminder that what is old can very well hold its value. John is repeating an old commandment that continues to be valid: to love one another. From the beginning we are commanded to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength (Deut.6:5) and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Lev. 19:18). Jesus teaches that all the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments (Matt.22:40). But what was old became new when Jesus added, “as I have loved you” (John 13:34).

What was impossible to obey is now possible through Christ’s Spirit and His fruit in me. And anytime I am confused about what that love looks like, I can examine the life of Jesus, as “its truth is seen in Him” (I John 2:8). My problem is that I do not always choose to obey it. Loving others has a way of disrupting my day! I know I am incredibly selfish, and unlike the Lord, prefer to be served rather than serve. But loving one another is a concrete and measurable way I can love my Lord. More than anything, this thought spurs me to action!

Lord, help me love like You do.