Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Testimony


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Mockingbird

Scripture for Today: Psalm 40:3 “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.”

Growing up we had many mockingbirds in our suburban yard, much to the chagrin of our cat!  He would slink across the yard, hoping to avoid the swoop and attack of these territorial birds!  I always loved their singing although my parents were not too thrilled to be awakened early by their loud song.  Their mimicking of other species means that they are not too original with their own music.  In a recording of one mockingbird in Massachusetts, thirty six songs of other species were recognized!

Our verse for today describes a song that is an original.  It is a new song of praise to the Lord.  It resembles no other but is a tribute to what the Lord has done in an individual life.  There is no need to mimic other songs as personal experience makes up the lyrics.  The Lord Himself has put this song into the mouth of the psalmist.

As believers we too have a new song!  Our song stands out from the others.  It sounds different and distinctive, unlike all the other music around us.  This new song is full of praise for what God has done for us.  Each of our songs tells a story of His love and faithfulness.  Included are some of the discordant notes or minor chords that depict the hard times.  But it always ends on a high note as we look forward to an eternity with Him.  If I sing it loud enough and often enough, others hear and are challenged to trust Him!

Lord, keep me singing Your song today!


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Shoes as Art?

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 6:14-15 “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace.”

We were recently in Ghent, Belgium where we enjoyed wonderful chocolate, french fries and waffles!  But most impressive was the unusual architecture.  We were always looking up at the decorative tops of buildings when I spied these hanging shoes.  I assumed it was someone’s idea of art, but perhaps it had some other significance.  In any case, we had done so much walking that I wondered if some tourists gave up touring the city by giving up their shoes!

Our verse for today comes from the list of items needed to wage spiritual war.  One ignoble piece is footwear.  It seems less important than some other pieces having to do with protection or combat.  Yet, this piece of equipment tells us what the desired outcome of our battle is to be.  Our entire goal in fighting the forces of evil is to present others with the Gospel.  It is something that Satan will oppose and do his best to prevent.  It is in his interest to foster a reluctant spirit to speak the Good News to others.

This is a Gospel of peace between God and man.  Our feet are to be well shod and ready to go at God’s command.  He directs us to those who He has prepared with open heats and minds.  We are ready to obey His directives by listening to the leading of His Spirit.  It requires putting our own desires on hold in order to get up and go!

Regardless of what this day may bring, keep my feet in readiness Lord, to share Your Gospel!


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The Best Inheritance

Scripture for Today:  Ecclesiastes 7:11 “Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.”

Death can be a nightmare of paperwork.  There are legal death certificates. There are important notices to banks and government offices.  And there is also a death tax to pay.  Of course, there is one document that is prepared ahead of time; the last will and testament.  Much thought goes into this piece of paper and it reflects a life of monetary achievements.  Sometimes the life of a beneficiary of this document is changed significantly.  But there is another kind of inheritance that does far more in impacting a life.

Our verse for today describes wisdom as being an inheritance.  It is the best kind of inheritance as it cannot be eaten up by moths and rust.  No thief can steal it away and it is exempt from any taxes!  There is nothing more precious to hand down to one’s descendants.  More than material goods, its possession can change a life significantly.

Wisdom is a spiritual inheritance as it finds not only its beginning in the fear of the Lord but its continuation (Prov. 1:7).  When we fear, respect and obey our Creator, our lives reflect it with wise choices.  When we fear and worship the Lord we are able to live skillful godly lives.  Not only are our own lives blessed by this love and obedience for God, but others close to us are blessed as well.  The model of wise living is an inheritance for those who follow.  This influence can last for generations!

The inheritance of wisdom is something my own Father has passed down to me.  My prayer is that I will be able to leave this same inheritance to my children and grandchildren.  Lord, make me wise today!


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Chinese Heritage

P1070353Scripture for Today: Psalm 112:1-2 “Praise the Lord.  Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in His commands.  Their children will be mighty in the land, the generation of the upright will be blessed.”

I love this picture of our grandson and his Great Grandmother.  There is something so sweet in seeing different family generations together.  Unfortunately, the amount of Chinese genes in the family gene pool diminishes with each successive generation.  I so dearly want to hold on to the Chinese heritage of my husband’s family.  There are some traditions and values that are very much worth continuing.  But as one can see from the photo, there is very little physical resemblance.

Our verse for today describes special blessing for the children of those who fear and obey the Lord.  Genetic or cultural differences passed down to each generation cannot compare to the value of a godly example.  I am thankful for my Mother-in-Law’s faith in Jesus and the example she gives to both her sons and her grandsons.  I am thankful that our family is doubly blessed with Grandparents on my side of the family who love and obey the Lord.  I know that my siblings and I have been blessed because of their example.

Our lives as godly parents have a positive affect on our children and grandchildren as God blesses them for our sake.  But as the saying goes, “God does not have grandchildren.”  The step of faith to begin a personal relationship with God through Jesus is not a step any family member can make for another family member.   It is my fervent and daily prayer that each of my grandchildren make the most important decision of their lives; to follow Jesus Christ.

Thank you Lord, for the blessings in following You.


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Lily of the Valley

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my dear 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.”

Today is what Americans would call, “Labor Day” in France.  It is called “Fête du Travail” or “Fête du Muguet.” (Lily of the Valley)  It originated in the 19th century when demonstrating workers would wear a red triangle representing 8 hours of work, 8 hours of sleep, and 8 hours of free time.  Later the triangle was replaced with a sprig of Lily of the Valley.  Today, bouquets of this flower are offered to friends to wish them luck and happiness and most people have the day off from work.  As in the States,  Labor Day seems to be a misnomer as few people actually labor on this day!

Our verse for today is a real comfort.  Labor done for the Lord is never in vain.  There is a sense of purpose that transcends the mundane routine of work.  Our work when consecrated to the Lord will never be in vain.  “Work of the Lord” is not confined to those in full time ministry.  Any work can be for the Lord as we  seek to glorify Him and make Him known.

“Work for the Lord” is also outside the workplace.  When I see a neighbor in need and make myself available, that is for Him.  When I visit someone who is sick or struggling, that is also work for Him.  When I answer questions about my faith, that is work for Him.  We can get “weary of well doing” (Gal. 6:9) but one day we will see the intangible results of labor done for Him.

Thank you Lord, that work for You is always worth doing!