Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Testimony


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Tiger’s Eye

Scripture for Today: Acts 4:13 “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

The Tiger’s Eye gemstone is said by some to have properties that encourage one to live boldly and with courage! I only know it to be a beautiful stone that my Father and brother often worked with as part of their lapidary hobby. This golden stone has fibers of other minerals trapped inside giving it that lined appearance. Roman soldier used to wear engraved tiger’s eye to protect them in battle! I have not felt particularly courageous when wearing my tiger’s eye earrings!

Today’s verse describes two unschooled and ordinary men; Peter and John. These men were ordered to give an account of themselves before rulers. With boldness and clarity they declared the name of Jesus as being the only Source of their power and the only Source of salvation (verse 12). They lived their lives with courage, no matter what the cost. The time they had spent with Jesus showed in their lives.  There was not much to recommend them in the eyes of the world. They were just ordinary men without even a higher education. Yet, their time with Jesus was evident to all.

I wonder how much my time with Jesus marks me. Do people see colored traces of the Divine in my life? There are ample opportunities to wonder and fear, especially regarding the future. Can I face the unknown with courage? Yes. But I only have that confidence after spending time with Jesus, reading His Word and being reminded of His promises. I can only experience this same courage when listening to His voice reassuring me of His love and His control. And experiencing this courage gives me confidence to share with others its Source!

Lord, may my time spent with You be evident today!


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Monstera

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Photo credit Ewen Roberts https://www.flickr.com/photos/donabelandewen/4320869118

This plant is aptly named! It is a “monster” with its huge leaves. The Latin origin of the name being “monstrous” makes sense. But I did wonder about those holes in the leaves and why they were there. And what I found was surprising! The Monstera plant shares! The older larger leaves get more sunlight due to their size and position. They block that sunlight for the younger leaves below them. So they develop holes in order to share the light!

Today’s verse tells the believer not to neglect doing good and to share. This verse is not only for those who have surplus. The doing good and the sharing are both sacrifices. It may even create holes in our pockets or poke holes in our daily agendas. But this kind of sacrifice pleases the Lord. We are not only sharing something tangible but the light of the Gospel is being shared by those sacrificial holes that result! Our generosity with others is infinitely more impactful when it points that person to the “Light of the world!” (John 8:12)

My leaves are large with God’s blessing in my life! But His blessings are not for me to hoard but to share. There is so much need. There is so much hurt. The Lord wants me to be generous with doing good, with meeting others’ need. Not only is He pleased with my sacrifice but His name is honored and the Light of the Gospel is more visible.

Lord, may my sharing point others to You!


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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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Amen Corner

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 1:20 “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”

What a funny name for a street corner! Does the pedestrian feel compelled to say “amen,” as he passes by? The phrase actually comes from a jazz song called, “Shoutin in that Amen Corner.” Although others have since used the term in naming bars, streets and even sections of the Augusta National Golf Club, its origin dates back to lower New York City in the late 1800’s. Bibles were printed there in huge quantities and sidewalk preachers and their listeners would loudly yell out, “Amen!”

Today’s verse tells believers that they can glorify God by their spoken “amen.” This word in Greek is “so be it.” By saying it we are responding with an acknowledgement of truth. By saying it we declare that His words are certain and sure. (John 17:17) The word, “amen” is also translated as “verily” and “truly.” Jesus would sometimes preface His words this way, establishing them as sure and binding.

When I say “amen,” to His promises, I am declaring my trust that His Word is true and unshakable. My amen glorifies God, pointing to His faithfulness. Because of Christ and His sacrifice for my sin, I can claim His promise of eternal life! And along with that promise are so many others that make my life meaningful: His presence, strength, help, peace, comfort, and more! AMEN!

Lord, may today be full of opportunities to speak my amen!


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Matching Chocolate Game

Scripture for Today: Matthew 23:3 “So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.”

Photo credit: Jo Zimny Photos at https://www.flickr.com/photos/joeyz51/38331378485

This is my kind of matching game! And I can assure you that it would not stay in a game cupboard to be played again another day! I would be most motivated to play it if I could immediately eat the pairs I found. Judging from the time recorded for this player, perhaps that is what happened! But taking that short amount of time to actually eat the chocolate pairs seems about right!

Today’s verse talks about the importance of matching something else: our behavior with our words. Jesus acknowledges that the teachers of the Law sometimes got it right. But what they consistently did not was their day-to-day practice of what they knew was true. Those listening were to be discerning. They were not told to dismiss a message that was true to God’s Word. But they were not to follow their example of legalistic and prideful self-righteousness.

The standard of practicing what is preached is a very high one. And I can relate to Paul who shares his struggle in Romans 7:18. “…I have the desire to do what is good but cannot carry it out.” I will never be able to consistently practice what I preach, hard as I may try. How gracious God is to convict and forgive me! But when I pretend that my behavior always matches my words, then I am also guilty of hypocrisy. I need to humbly see the “mismatch” and be honest with God and authentic with others! People will see my failures but hopefully they will see humility and His forgiveness as well!

Thank you Lord, for Your patience with me!