Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Hope


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Who’s Coming to Town??

Scripture for Today: Luke 2:10-11 …“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Amid all the cutsie decorations, the glitz and the glamor of the boutique stood this unassuming sign. It made me smile. Of course, as a believer, Jesus is already here, living by His Spirit in the lives of His own. And it is His advent as a baby that we celebrate at Christmas. But it was the allusion to the song, “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” that made me smile. As fun as some of the secular Christmas songs are, they can distract us from the deeper and more significant truths of Christmas!

Today’s verse comes from the angel’s message to the shepherds. It was a message that brought astonished joy to those men, who along with countless others had waited for the coming of the Messiah. The coming of Jesus was not only to the town of Bethlehem, the city of David, but it was a coming that would bring hope to all mankind, Jewish and Gentile alike. As Simeon said, His coming brought, “a light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel.” (Luke 2:32)

How does the birth of a baby all those centuries ago have anything to do with me? The coming of Jesus, the eternal Son of God, not only changed history but changed my eternal destination at the close of history! He came to die. (Mark 10:45) His death on the cross was to pay the awful penalty of my own sin. And because He lives, I can face tomorrow, the next day and an eternity in His loving presence! What an amazing thought!

Thank you Lord, that You came and that You came for me!


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Christmas Nutcracker

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 4:8 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair.”

For years I have enjoyed seeing the nutcracker in Europe, but now I am seeing more and more making their appearance in America for Christmas. They have long been a symbol of good luck in Germany where they originated. The early ones were in the shape of animals, birds and people in the 15th century. By the 1800’s they were fashioned to represent and vilify unpopular leaders of the day. Now, the most popular ones are the soldiers who benignly stand guard.  Their function as nutcrackers is almost forgotten!  But their purpose is to press that hard nut until it is crushed.

There is hard pressing in today’s verse but not crushing. Paul goes on to say that there is persecution but not abandonment. He is struck down but never destroyed. Paul experienced tremendous pressure but his spirit was not crushed. He did not crack. He did not lose heart as he was convinced that the One who raised Jesus from the dead would also raise him (verse 14). Despair does not have a chance as Paul is filled with hope, fixing his eyes on the unseen and eternal (verse 18).

Sadness does seem to press down on me and can feel overwhelming in the face of loss, especially at Christmas time when the absence of loved ones is so keenly felt. It can be perplexing as I struggle with the questions of “why.” But for me as a believer there is hope instead of despair. There is God’s comfort and presence instead of abandonment. He is especially close to those who are brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). He has come. He is here. And He will never leave or forsake me.

Thank you Lord, that Your birth is also the birth of hope!

(Look familiar? This post is based on one from 2017.)


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Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Scripture for Today: I Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

I never quite understood the common name of this flower, “Jack-in-the Pulpit.” That is, until seeing these pulpits in the beautiful cathedrals of France. A pouch-shaped spathe is similar to a pulpit and the overhanging hood surrounds, “Jack,” the fingerlike central spadix. The acoustics in these cavernous buildings with their high ceilings would not be conducive to hearing the message preached. That covering overhead actually helped the sound travel without too much echoing.

Today’s verse explains how a message of hope can be lost. When the believer reveres Christ as his Lord, he will want to share the hope that Christ gives. When others see that hope in our lives, it can stimulate questions for the one watching. But when we answer those questions, we need to be careful to do so with a gentle and not condemning spirit. Sharing the hope of Christ is done with respect for the individual.

The challenge for me is to live in such a way that people will see and ask about the hope that makes my life different. Those early Christians were suffering for their faith in Christ and it was in this context that their hope shone brightly. And today, although my suffering may take a different form, it is also in suffering that people see my hope holding me up and making me strong. Hope in Christ and my future in Him is the anchor of my soul! (Heb. 6:19)

Thank you Lord, that You are my reason to hope.


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Roller Coaster Regret!

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

What could possibly have motivated us to get in that roller coaster? Perhaps it was our daughter’s reassurance that it was a “mild one.” Maybe it was wanting to appear younger to our grandson. But it had been decades since our last ride and we had forgotten what that heart-stopping motion was like! We are all smiles here in the “before” shot, but the “after” picture would have captured us pale, wide-eyed and stumbling out!

Today’s verse describes the exact opposite of that “moving experience.” Paul is encouraging the believers in Corinth to let nothing move them. They are to stand firm and resolute in their desire to live their lives in service to the Lord. For these early Christians, persecution and the threat of death could easily dissuade them. They are reassured that even death would have no sting (verse 55) and their labor for the Lord would be worth it as they looked forward to ultimate victory.

Very difficult circumstances can threaten to move me. My faith can be shaken to its core by unanswered prayer, devastating news or physical challenges. But the Lord asks me to stand firm in my faith without knowing the “why” behind what is happening. Unmet expectations have the potential of making me cynical about faithfulness to Him. But when I look ahead to the reward He promises, then I know that living for Him will never be in vain.

Lord, keep me standing firm.


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A New Season

Scripture for Today: Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

The vineyards of Alsace, France are breathtaking in the autumn! Rich golden color covers the hillsides and when the sun shines just right, the leaves look to be on fire! But before long these leaves turn brown, shrivel and fall to the ground, exposing gnarled bare branches. I miss being surrounded by these vineyards as they mark the passing of time. There was a sense of order and comfort knowing that each season will make its appearance in due time.

Today’s verse reminds us of the passing of time and seasons. The earth is locked into a cycle of time that has no equivalent above the heavens. The seasons are unique to us. Heaven and eternity are not bound or limited by time. And each season that God ordains in our lives has a God-given purpose for His glory. There is a time for birth or death, mourning or dancing, speaking or remaining silent, among many other activities “under heaven.” (verse 2-8)

In the blink of an eye, a new season has arrived in my life. I did not ask for the change. I was happy with the old season. But it is my Heavenly Father who ushers in a different life without a loved one. And because He has been faithful in the past, I know I can trust Jesus for this unfamiliar territory. I am confident that He will move me through this season of sadness and loss in His way and in His time. How thankful I am that there is coming a “season” that will be eternal and unchanging in Heaven! What an incredible time of reunion it will be!

Lord, keep me focused on that time without end!