Devotions By Jan


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Kiwi Bird

Scripture for Today: I John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.”

I am not sure the Kiwi bird knows who he is!  He has wings but cannot fly.  His inch-long wings are useless, hidden under his feathers.  And those feathers are so thick that they resemble hair!  His long beak has nostrils at the end of it.  His habits and look are so similar to a mammal that he is referred to as an “honorary mammal!”

Today’s verse  identifies believers in Jesus Christ as, “children of God.”  The only reason we can be called that is because of His love and grace and not because of any merit of our own.  But unfortunately, there is some confusion as to how we are viewed.  The world does not know us.  They have trouble with recognizing us as God’s children because they do not know our Father.   Our habits and look may seem similar to the non-believer but there is an important distinction on the inside.  We are new creatures in Christ! ( II Cor. 5:17)

Those I rub shoulders with may well understand that I am different.  But that realization serves no purpose if I do not demonstrate a resemblance to the Father and His Son.  The whole purpose of my life is to bring glory and recognition to Him!  I want the beauty and characteristics of Christ to be so evident in my life that it is clear to whom I belong!  For many, the first introduction to the Father is through the lives of His children.

Lord, help me to be faithful to live like Your child.


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The Grace Building

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 3:10 “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it.  But each one should build with care”

Built by the Grace brothers in the 1920’s as their premiere retail store, this building in Sydney, Australia epitomized the optimism of that period.  But with the Great Depression of 1930, it did not live up to expectations.  In 1943 it was used as a headquarters by General MacArthur.  It remained in the possession of the government until purchased and transformed into a hotel.  There is grace in this building’s past in it being repurposed over and over again!

Today’s verse likens a believer’s life to a building.  This is also a “grace building” as the foundation is Christ Jesus Himself. (verse 11)  Each believer builds his life with care, making sure that one has the sure and strong foundation of the grace and forgiveness of the Lord.  Any other foundation will cause a building to topple.  This building can withstand any damaging storm.  A life built on Christ can experience all kinds of setbacks but there is always His grace with which He rebuilds and repurposes!

My foundation is not always visible to others.  But when the storms hit, (and they seem to be sweeping through quite often) I know I will not be shaken.  Christ keeps my life stable.  Even if mountains are shaken and hills removed, His unfailing love is my foundation and I will not be shaken! (Isaiah 54:10)  Building my life on Christ and His incredible grace means I can face tomorrow and the next day with confidence!  No other foundation can compare and He has proved faithful over and over!

Thank you Lord, that because of You and Your grace, I can stay standing.


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Contagious Fear

Scripture for Today:  Deuteronomy 20:8  “Then the officer shall add, ‘Is anyone afraid or fainthearted?  Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too.'”

I love the message of this saying!  It isn’t until the first duck lands on the head of this crocodile that the other two dare to get near!  The first duck is especially fearless as he discovers that the crocodile is fake!  Of course, he may not have realized it until coming close and landing on it.  In any case, courage IS contagious as is its opposite; fear.

In today’s verse, officers are addressing the troops before battle.  They have been reassured that the Lord will be fighting for them and would give them the victory.  They were told there was no need to be afraid, to be terrified or to give way to panic (verses 1, 3-4).  The officers asked the soldiers for complete commitment.  Those with a new house, a new vineyard or those newly engaged were allowed to go home.  And then comes this surprising verse.  Even those afraid were encouraged to go home, because fear is contagious!

In God’s Word is often found the phrase, “Be not afraid.”  The Spirit God has given us does not make us timid or fearful (II Tim. 1:7).  Regardless of the size of the enemy, God is greater.  Regardless of that unknown future, God is greater.  Regardless of any obstacle we face, God is greater.  When we are in a place of complete trust and confidence, then there is no room for fear.  Acknowledging His loving and sovereign control chases away any doubt or fear.  Fear is contagious.  But so is confidence!  Being around others that trust Him bolsters my faith as well.

Lord, may my trust in You be an encouragement to others today!


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No Fear

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

I do not normally think of myself as a fearful person, but then I am not trying to do what this woman is doing, hanging over the Hong Kong skyline!  She is either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid to take such a risk!  The hammock seems to suggest ease and relaxation, which has got to be far from what she is feeling!  Even so, it is a sure bet that she does not suffer from acrophobia!

Today’s verse is an encouragement to not fear.  I am to put my trust in God.  His presence keeps me from being dismayed at dizzying heights.  He strengthens.  He helps.  And most importantly, He upholds me with His righteous right hand!  Whether I am facing insurmountable odds, or the presence of evil, I do not have to give in to fear.

The stronger my faith is in Him, the less problem I will have with fear.  In Matthew 8:26 Jesus challenges His disciples with the question, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”  Their boat being pummeled by a storm seemed reason enough.  But had they had more trust in Him, fear would not have been an issue.  I do the same thing when faced with scary circumstances.  The level of fear I am feeling is a barometer of just how much I am trusting Him.  But with God for us – who (or what) can be against us? (Rom. 8:31)  Through Him, we are more than conquerors, even over our own fears!

Thank you Lord, that because of You, I do not have to fear.

(Look familiar?  Summer reposing while reposting!)


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Surprised!!!

Scripture for Today: I Peter 4:12 “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”

On a recent horseback riding adventure, my husband got the “privilege” of riding the unpredictable one!  This unruly horse would bolt and even nudge mine, causing my horse to kick back at him.  Unfortunately, he missed, kicking my husband’s shin instead!  Bolting up the embankment of a stream he decided to stop suddenly, throwing my poor husband over his head and to the ground!  Thankfully, he was able to successfully break his fall, only bruising his ribs and his ego!  It happened so quickly, we were all surprised!

Our verse for today tells believers not to be surprised at the hard times we suffer.  They are not the exception, but the norm.  We are not exempt from difficulties, although sometimes we think we should be.  We get used to an easy gait and get lulled into thinking that an easy life is our right and privilege as God’s own.  Then something sudden happens and we are surprised!  Rather than holding on, the ordeal unseats us.

The “fiery ordeal” in this verse is not something that is caused by our own wrong choices.  It is an ordeal that comes from living as a believer in an unbelieving world.  Rather than be surprised at the negative reactions, I am told to rejoice that I can participate in some small measure what Jesus faced.  I can expect that others will heap abuse on me (I Peter 4:4).   I am not ever to be surprised if the world hates me (I John 3:13).  This testing of my faith is never very comfortable!

Help me Lord, to stay faithful to You, even when it is hard.

(Look familiar? Reposting while reposing!)