Devotions By Jan


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Where’s the Proof?

Scripture for Today: Psalm 34:8-9 “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.”

I am normally a fan of anything chocolate, cold and smooth! Whether it be ice cream, mousse or pudding. This chocolate pudding however is from a vegan recipe and made me wonder. Would it really deliver? Perhaps the taste of tofu, avocado, banana or some other unexpected ingredient would spoil it for me. But the ingredient list looked pretty amazing. I suppose the “proof is in the pudding.” Or as the original saying goes, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.”

There is an invitation in today’s verse to taste and see how good the Lord is. There are no strange unexpected ingredients to His love and promises. He does not disappoint! His words are true and sweet, sweeter even than honey (Psalm 19:10). He is so good to His own, providing refuge and meeting every need! Making the Lord our hiding place gives us shelter from whatever storm surrounds us. When His children fear and obey Him, He pours out blessing. Those who seek the Lord will lack no good thing! (Ps. 34:10)

I do not need to “taste test” what the world has to offer. Nothing is as sweet and satisfying as His Words, especially the promises and declarations of His love. The empty philosophies of this world promise to be sweet but leave one with a very bitter aftertaste. His Words are faithful and true, never changing and the source of life! He satisfies so completely that I am never in want of anything that is truly good for me. I have tasted and He is good! The lyrics of an old hymn state, “t’is so sweet to trust in Jesus.” And I too have “proved Him ‘ore and ‘ore.”

Thank you Lord, for Your faithful goodness being to me!


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The Weathervane

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 103:12-13  “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those that fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

I imagine if these gentlemen continue drinking long enough, they will not care which direction they go!  This weathervane can be seen in Piddlehinton in the United Kingdom. There are lots of different whimsical figurines that can be part of the weathervane including ships, cats, and very often in France, the rooster. The important thing is that it sits up high, catches the wind and indicates its direction.

Today’s verse reminded me of the weathervane. Just how far is the east from the west? They never meet. They cannot meet as there is no junction point. God chose this image to teach us that He has removed our sin an infinite distance from us. And He did that because of His love. It cost Him His life on the cross to do that for us. Satan can try to bring us down with memories and accusations, but it is to no avail. Who can possibly condemn us (including ourselves) when God has chosen us and Christ intercedes for us? No one. (Rom. 8:33-34)

There is lots of confusion about the nature of true love. But one essential component is complete forgiveness. God’s love for me is so great it reaches to the heavens. His love is so pure that He never revisits what He has forgiven. I am so thankful I can live this day and every day without the crushing weight of guilt. There is NO condemnation because I am in Christ. (Rom. 8:1) What more proof of His love do I need? Isn’t this the greatest proof?

Thank you Lord, for Your amazing love and forgiveness.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2018)


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Waiting for the Bus!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:176 “I have strayed like a lost sheep.  Seek Your servant for I have not forgotten Your commands.”

I cannot even imagine what these sheep are thinking! Are they just trying to stay dry? If so, where is their shepherd? And the rest of the flock is no where in sight. Perhaps in their sheep brains they are thinking they have a better smarter idea than any of the other sheep. After all, they are calm comfortable and enjoying their shelter there in the countryside of Ireland. And what will they do when that noisy lumbering bus pulls up? Perhaps scatter in fear.

Today’s verse is the last verse of the longest psalm. The author, even though he has tremendous love and respect for God’s commands, still has a problem always following them. Like Paul, even knowing what is right to do does not always mean we do it! (Romans 7:18-21) After so many verses extolling and exalting God’s precepts, this author ends with a cry for help. He confesses his weakness and closes with a heartfelt prayer.

I have always wondered about this long psalm exalting and loving God’s Law so much. And yet the author is made of the same stuff I am, recognizing God’s commands as right and just and yet straying from them. I do the same thing when I think I have a better idea. I can so easily agree with a Biblical precept and then somehow excuse myself from following it. Thankfully when I stray, my Shepherd has that rod and staff to pull me back to where I should be: in the green pastures and beside still waters!

Lord, don’t let me stray today! 


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Our Reward

Scripture for Today:  Colossians 3:23-24  “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.“

We all love to be rewarded and recognized for what we do! Over the years my husband has collected a number of trophies for winning basketball tournaments. They had their place sitting proudly on the top shelf of a bookcase in our study. On the rare occasions when I dusted them, I thought about those happy proud moments when he was honored along with his team.

Today’s verse is quite clear about linking reward to our motivation to work hard. It is for Him that we  work and not for the approval and recognition of men. The Lord understands our need for recognition and reward and how they help to motivate us. But there is a reluctance to talk about rewards. Possibly we are embarrassed that we need them! There is the idea that somehow working for reward is a motive that is suspect. And yet, the teaching of rewards is found throughout Scripture.

It is always nice to have that pat on the back from others. But it does not always come. There are many times that others do not see what I do, or in seeing, say nothing in the way of thanks or appreciation.  Those words of approval are important to keep me going. We are just made that way. That is why I need to be reminded of God’s rewards. He sees. He knows. He is pleased with my service to Him. His approval, His approbation, and His future reward keep me going. 

Please Lord, may I one day hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2012)


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Strawberries Grow on Trees?

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:103 “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.”

Who would have thought it, that strawberries could grow on trees! Of course, this berry growing on the Arbutus Marina (or Strawberry Tree) is not quite the same. Its taste is bland and not so sweet except when cooked and mixed with sweeteners or other fruit. But it is nutritional being a source of vitamin C, about three times the amount in an orange. It is also good for fiber and rich in antioxidants and tannins. It is just not very sweet.

Today’s verse likens God’s words to sweetness. His words are like honey for the soul. Whether we hear them from a Bible teacher, a song or a devotional, it is always sweet. But there is a different more intense flavor when we discover a nugget of truth for ourselves in His Word. The taste is better and sweeter when He speaks to us directly from His Word without any other intermediary. It is just picked. It is fresh and there is a special sweetness.

I am encouraged by others’ teaching. God uses the study and clear exhortation of Bible scholars in my life. There is a myriad of wonderful study guides. They are all sweet and have their place. But there is a more satisfying and intense flavor to His Word when I take the time to open it on my own. It is especially sweet when the Lord meets me and speaks to me directly. His Spirit is so personal, guiding me into a truth for that moment and for my exact need.

Lord, I need Your sweet words.  Make them fresh for me today.