Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Self Image


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Jumping to Conclusions?

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 13:12 “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

(Photo by Richard Ivey @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anamorphic_frog_sculpture_by_Jonty_Hurwitz.jpeg)

Who would have thought that this distorted flat and elongated sculpture could actually be the frog pictured in the mirrored cylinder? I would not have! I would jump to the conclusion that the one had very little to do with the other. This is an example of “mirror anamorphosis.” It was developed during the Ming Dynasty in China. A curved mirror is placed before a sculpture or drawing to transform the flat distorted image into an undistorted one!

Today’s verse likens our spiritual growth to seeing only a reflection in a mirror. Our perspective is suspect as we do not see what we finally will be. We only know in part what will be the finished product of God’s work in us. What we will be has not yet been made known to us (I John 3:2) but we do know that we will not be just a new and improved version of ourselves. Better than that, we will resemble Christ!

I am fully known by my Creator. He knows me a whole lot better than I know myself. It is amazing that He loves me just the way I am. But He has more for me. He is slowly transforming me to be more like Him. My image of myself and that mirror are both flawed. But one day I will not only be complete but I will understand all that is blurry and distorted here. I can be content with only knowing “in part,” because I can trust Him and His work in me!

Thank you Lord, for the “future me!”

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2020)


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Napoleon’s Banner on Display

Scripture for Today: Psalm 60:4 “But for those who fear You, You have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow.”

This elaborate banner was a flag proudly carried by Napoleon Bonaparte’s Imperial Guard foot soldiers in 1813. It is either an original or a very early reproduction. Banners like these were normally carried on staffs capped with a  gilt bronze eagle to symbolize divine authority. Unfortunately, the eagle finial for this one was stolen in 1990 from the museum housing it. So much for divine authority! The foot soldier appointed to carry this banner had to be someone recognized for their bravery as he was an obvious target for the enemy.

Today’s verse has a banner that has been raised by our God and does indeed denote divine authority! It is raised for those that fear and obey Him. Unlike those who were experiencing discipline in this psalm, God’s faithful ones could depend on Him to save and help with His powerful right hand (verse 5). Those who fear, respect and obey the Lord are in a battle for His cause; the cause of truth, justice and righteousness.

God has raised this banner for me. How amazing for this puny foot soldier to be part of His plan!  Because He has raised it for me, I know I will be victorious over enemies! But I do need to unfurl it. It is my identifying mark. I want to unfurl His banner with confidence, standing for the truth of who Jesus is and the veracity and authority of His Word. Regardless of possible negative attention, I never want to be ashamed of my Lord (II Tim. 1:8). After all, He is not ashamed of me as His banner over me is love (Song of Songs 2:4).

Thank you Lord, for the privilege of standing up for You!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2018)


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April Fool!

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 28:26 “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.”

Photo Credit: Mike Finn https://www.flickr.com/photos/mwf2005/52786855612

Today has the dubious distinction of being a day dedicated to fooling people! And in fact, we enjoy watching someone play the fool! Whether it is Rowan Atkinson (aka Mr. Bean) or Penn and Teller inviting magicians to, “Fool Us,” we laugh at others or at our own naivety. However, in regards to being deceived in a nefarious way, we draw the line! As the quote says, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.”

Today’s verse gives a description of a fool that is a bit shocking. When one trusts in himself rather than in God, he is a fool. Scripture is full of verses contrasting those that are fools with those that are wise. The fool says in his heart that there is no God. (Ps. 14:1) He reviles the Lord’s name. (Ps. 74:18) And some become fools because of their rebellion against God. (Ps. 107:17) Bottom line is that fools despise wisdom because wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Prov. 1:7) and they are unwilling to trust their lives to Him.

I know I belong to the Lord. He reassures my heart. But that does not mean I do not have moments when I am foolish. Anytime I trust in myself, my own resources, mental acuity or talents, I am foolish. Everything I am and have comes from Him. He doesn’t bless me so that I can pull away from Him and rely on myself. To walk in wisdom is to recognize my own weakness and failings and depend on Christ for safety, security and guidance. Christ is my Wisdom! (I Cor. 1:24)

Thank you Lord, for making this simple one wise!


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The Forget-Me-Not

Scripture for Today: Psalm 103:2 “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”

This sweet blue flower was described by Henry Thoreau as “unpretending” and “modest.” Their name is said to come from an old German legend where God named all the plants. But this tiny one cried out, “Forget me not, O Lord!” So God replied, “That shall be your name.” They are small being only one centimeter or less in diameter. King Henry IV used this flower as a symbol during his exile in 1398. And ladies in medieval times wore this flower as a sign of faithful love.

Today’s verse tells us to “forget not” all His benefits. This passage goes on to list just a few including forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, compassion and satisfaction. David is reminding his soul to praise the Lord for what He has done for him and to remember. David knew of God’s ways with Moses and His miraculous deeds with the people of Israel. But he also experienced God’s grace in his own life.  And like so many of us, his soul was forgetful and needed reminding.

How could I forget these incredible benefits in my own life? It is really very easy. I forget His forgiveness when I am plagued with guilt. I forget His healing when doubt clouds my prayers. When I feel worthless I forget that He thought enough of me to redeem my soul. I forget His love when I beat myself up. When I wonder if He cares what I am going through I am forgetting His compassion. I forget that only He satisfies the deepest longings of my soul when I look for that satisfaction elsewhere.

Lord, do not let me forget today!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2019)


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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!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2021)