Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Self Image


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Jockeying for Position

Scripture for Today: Matthew 20:26-27 “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.”

These jockeys are neck and neck with each other, each looking for an opening to better their position and win the race. The term, “jockeying for position” obviously comes to us from the horse racing world. So much of the winning strategy involves maneuvering the horse into that narrow space for the win. The phrase now has a larger meaning and usually with a negative implication. It often refers to gaining an advantage at the expense of others less cunning, less aware, or more moralistic than you!

Today’s verse concludes a conversation where a well-meaning mother is jockeying for position for her two sons. She asks Jesus to place her two sons on His right and left in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus tells her that she has no idea what she is asking. First, it would involve a “cup” of suffering that they may not be able to endure and second, this honor was something only the Father could give. And because so many Kingdom values are opposite the world’s, the last will be first and the first will be last (verse 16). It is those who serve in a lowly position that become great!

Whether on the road with questionable maneuvers or jockeying for position in a crowd to get the best view, I forget this truth. My gaining of an advantage over someone else is not serving them or their interests. I need God’s Spirit to change my heart as this is so against my selfish nature. I have the most amazing example in Jesus, serving others and washing feet. And yet, He is exalted and His name is above every name!

Lord, give me a servant’s heart today.


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Great White Shark Sighting!

Scripture for Today: Joshua 4:24 “He did this so that all the people of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.”

Recently a stretch of beach in Huntington Beach, California was temporarily closed due to a Great White shark sighting! Beaches are routinely closed if the Great White is thought to be aggressive or measures over six feet. Ever since the movie, “Jaws” in 1975, a widespread perception persists that you could be in danger of becoming his next meal. Although fatal attacks on humans are fairly rare, I am all for taking these precautions as they are the most dangerous of the shark species given their size, speed and power.

Today’s verse talks about the hand of the Lord being powerful. God reminded Joshua to remind the Israelites that His power had dried up the Red Sea and more recently the Jordan so that they could safely cross. And this demonstration of power was done so that all people on earth would fear Him. It is when we understand God’s power and control that we respond as we should with fear. If God did not inspire fear, than He would be someone we could tame, control or manipulate. Fearing God is obeying His Word with a healthy aversion to the consequences possible when we do not.

My fear of the God of the Bible, who is just, holy and righteous produces an awe and respect that drives me to my knees. This God of the universe is all powerful and yet He chose to love me! But His perfect love drives out a particular fear, the fear of punishment, as His Son took that punishment on Himself! (I John 4:17-18) What a wonderful gift as this means I can approach this powerful, sovereign God with confidence! Although I still sin and can face discipline, I am no longer under condemnation (Rom. 8:1) and can enjoy His faithful love!

Thank you Lord for Your power and for Your powerful love for me!


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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!