Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Self Image


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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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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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Daddy’s Home!

Scripture for Today:  Romans 8:15 “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'”

The artist, Norman Rockwell, has certainly captured the joy of homecoming between daughter and father in this image. Our children may be brunettes rather than blonds. And Randy did not wear the suit and hat. But the feeling tones remind me of when our children were small and there was joyful reunion when Daddy walked through that door! I remember when my own Father would come through the door after a long business trip. My Mother would be relieved as things settled back to normal. The homecoming often included little gifts from his travels.

Today’s verse describes God as our Father. He chooses that image of Father to communicate love, care and belonging. Jesus addressed God as His personal Father in prayer and invites us to do the same. God, being named our Father, makes Him approachable and endearing. This relationship is intended to be intimate and tender. He is our perfect and loving Daddy. It is by grace that we are adopted as His very own. He wanted us and He chose us.

I did not fear the homecoming of my Father as our relationship was a positive one. I understand that not everyone can say that and I know I am blessed. But there is no fear in approaching my loving Heavenly Father. Because I am His child, I can approach Him boldly and often. What a privilege! But so often I am too proud, too independent or too busy to come and crawl up into His lap.

Lord, thank you for being my perfect Father.

(Look familiar?  This is a re-post from 2013 in honor of Father’s Day.)


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Fashionista

Scripture for Today: John 17:3 “Now this is eternal life; that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.”

fashion unnamed

I was intrigued by the saying on this store window. This high-end women’s clothing store suggests that the goal of living is to dress well, using their brand of course. For many, fashion is tied to self-image and a sense of well-being. Fashion can occupy a huge place in one’s thoughts. The “fashionista” follows the latest trends and spends a good portion of income to stay current. Walking by this saying did make me think. What do I live for? Anyone who knows me would not guess fashion! But it is the age-old question posed by many philosophers over the centuries.  Why am I here? What is my purpose in life?

Today’s verse gives the answer to the question. Eternal life for the believer begins in the here and now. Life, whether in the future or the present is consumed with one goal; to know Him (Phil. 3:10). It is a goal that never grows old and tired. And because God is so immense, it is a goal that can never be completely realized. How amazing to spend an entire earthly life in the quest to know Him as He reveals Himself little by little through His Word and through His Spirit.

When I am with my Savior in Heaven the goal continues to know Him completely. Knowing God personally and up close will be an adventure that is eternal! I will never come to the end of knowing Him. He is that vast and deep! Knowing the Lord little by little while on earth, gives meaning and purpose to my life that nothing else can! This is what I live for!

Thank you Lord, that the goal of knowing You gives my life purpose!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2015)


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“Breath of Life” Rose

Scripture for Today: Psalm 62:9 “Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance they are nothing; together they are only a breath.” 


T Kiya from Aichi, Japan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This beautiful apricot-colored rose turns pink with age and blooms multiple times. It is a climber and can reach up to ten feet. The long lasting blooms make for a good vase life and it has a pleasing fragrance. Its name comes from Britain’s Royal College of Midwives. They chose “Breath of Life” to signify the Creator in Genesis and everyone’s first vital act on entering this world.

Today’s verse describes people as only a breath. Even long lives are considered but a breath in comparison to eternity. Perhaps the lowborn are more likely to consider the brevity of life. The highborn however, are tempted to think that money and position can give them longer days and more importance. But “everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.” (Ps. 39:5) From God’s perspective no one’s life is more than a passing puff of air. On a balance our lives do not even register as having substance.

How different a life becomes when God breathes His Spirit into the one who comes to Him in faith! (John 20:22) As a believer, my life may not necessarily have a longer span but it certainly does have more substance. A life lived to His praise and glory gives it meaning and purpose. Because the breath of the Almighty has given me life (Job 33:4) my breath is to be spent praising Him along with every living thing! (Ps. 150:6) So until my last breath, I want to praise Him. And may my first breath of heavenly air be spent in praise to Him!

Lord, don’t let this day go by without praise to You!