Devotions By Jan


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The Ferret

Scripture for Today: John 17:17 “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

Did you know that a group of ferrets is called a “business of ferrets?” Apparently, the business of the ferrets we knew was to infiltrate our 100 year home in Guebwiller, France and throw dance parties in the attic at night! The “business” of ferrets used to be helping hunters by flushing out rabbits and rodents from their burrows. Later, chasing down a rabbit evolved into the expression of chasing down or “ferreting out” the truth.

Today’s verse is part of the prayer of Jesus to His Father concerning those who follow Him. There is no need to “ferret out” truth as Jesus plainly says that God’s Word is truth. And this truth of God’s eternal and infallible word does something for the believer. It sanctifies or sets him apart as different and distinct from others. The believer is set apart for His purposes and for His service. Living in the light of God’s truth makes the believer atypical as it changes our desires, values and worldview.

Being convinced of the truth of His Word motivates me to stay the course, regardless of the fluctuating ideas of “truth” around me. Because there is absolute truth in the spiritual realm, my faith remains firm. Not only does God’s Word instruct, correct and reassure, but I am upheld by the Person who is Truth. (John 14:6) It is on the solid ground of His truth that I can stand and what a difference this makes in my life!

Lord, thank you for the stability and purpose Your word gives me!


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The Easter Egg Hunt

Scripture for Today: Psalm 9:10 “Those who know Your name trust in You, for You Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.”

The Easter Egg Hunt is what most young children associate with this coming Sunday. Those wonderful plastic eggs that are so determinedly sought after yield up colorful jelly beans, usually the only kind of bean that gets children excited! The search for those eggs is almost as sweet as eating their yummy contents. The younger the child the more obvious their hiding places and even so, some of those in plain sight get passed over.

Today’s verse talks about seeking for the Lord. It is not that He is hiding. It is just that it takes eyes of faith to see Him. And He wants to be discovered. He rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Heb. 11:6). But it is a search that requires faith and trust. Knowing His name, who He is and His incredible character helps us trust Him. His faithfulness and that empty tomb help us to continue seeking Him. We have a Risen Savior and He promises never to leave or forsake us (Heb. 13:5).

He is ready to be sought and found. He waits for me to turn to Him when I am in trouble. He promises to be my refuge and stronghold (verse 9). And just like those eggs scattered for the youngest searchers, He is there is plain sight. When I seek Him He is ready to reveal Himself and deepen our relationship.  But so often I am too busy, distracted or full of doubts to do the seeking. I need to slow down and listen to my heart say, “Seek His face!” (Psalm 27:8) just as David’s heart told him.

Thank you Lord, for allowing me to find You!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2019)


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Headwinds!

Scripture for Today: John 3:8 “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where its going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Photo credit: Phillip Capper https://www.flickr.com/photos/flissphil/3554882983

I am sure this pilot did his best to keep the plane level on landing at Wellington Airport in New Zealand. But the wind funneling through between the North and South Islands can be tricky. That channeling effect makes it strong and gusty. In this case it was blowing at 75 miles per hour! Aligning those runways with the wind allows planes to take off and land into the wind. This orientation is better for efficiency and safety, increasing lift and reducing ground roll.

Todays verse likens the Holy Spirit to wind. The relationship is even closer in the original Greek, using the same word, “pneuma.” And just as we cannot explain a sudden shift in the wind’s direction, so we cannot fully understand the intricacies of the Spirit’s work. Like the wind, He is invisible. But unlike the wind, the Holy Spirit is not an “it” or just a power, but the third person of the triune God. We do not control or direct Him. But as believers, we can be assured that He is not random or capricious but is working out God’s plan.

Like the airplanes that head into the wind for stability, I want to align myself with the movement and work of God’s Spirit. I want to listen carefully to His direction and cooperate! Sometimes the wind of His conviction over sin can be strong and uncomfortable. But a gentle breeze follows confession. Yes, He is invisible. But evidence of His presence is there in my life with the fruit He produces and the clarity He gives when reading God’s Word.

Thank you Lord, for Your beautiful Spirit.


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Sleepwalking

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 5:14 “This is why it is said, “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

It has happened in our family. One of our kids as a pre teen got up after just a few hours of sleep. After climbing down two sets of stairs, this sleepwalker went out the door and into the night. Thankfully, the trip was only to the next door neighbor’s house where their older kids gently led our sleepwalker back home. All of this happened with none in our family being the wiser until the next day! It is generally accepted that one does not wake a sleepwalker as it can cause one to be disorientated, agitated and even aggressive.

Today’s verse describes a different kind of sleepwalking. This is a sleeper who does not know he is asleep. He does not understand that he is spiritually dead. Christ’s life-giving light is absent and he is unaware that he stumbles around in the darkness. This early hymn or poem was known to the Ephesians and teaches that it is Christ that brings us to life with the light of His salvation. Jesus calls Himself the “light of the world” and promises that those who follow Him will have the “light of life.” (John 8:12)

I am thankful His light shines on me but I can easily sleepwalk, not being careful how I live (Eph. 5:15). Living as “children of light” is a life that is different and set apart from those around me. And sometimes it is easier to just go with the flow, blend in or take the easy path. Living differently for Him is a daily choice but one that brings with it incredible blessing. I want to live wisely and be fully awake so as not to miss a single one of them!

Thank you Lord, for making me truly alive!


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The Morning Dew

Scripture for Today:  Hosea 6:4  “What can I do with you, Ephraim?  What can I do with you, Judah?  Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears.”

Is there anything prettier than dew kissing the fragile petals of a rose? That moisture on the leaves and petals not only looks pretty but is important to counteracting the heat later in the day. I love cutting them and bringing them into the house! But of course, I do not bring them inside if they are still wet with dew. Handling any plant when wet is never a good idea as this is when they are most fragile. Better to leave them undisturbed while they soak up that moisture.

Today’s verse is addressed to two tribes of Israel. They knew to make sacrifices and burnt offerings but they did not show mercy to others nor did they acknowledge God. It was just routine and tradition. Their love for the Lord was as transient as morning dew or morning mist which quickly disappears. This verse describes the Israelite’s unfaithfulness to God, a common theme in Hosea often using the example of a wayward wife.

I can identify with a love that disappears like morning dew. In the morning when I read His Word and talk with Him, I can be satisfied with His unfailing love (Psalm 90:14). But as I go throughout my day, that closeness can seem to evaporate in the distractions of a busy day. And sometimes it is easy to look at my time with the Lord as an obligation to be crossed off a list. But He is not interested in empty ritual but in meaningful relationship. Thankfully, despite how fickle I am, His love does not dissipate. He continues to tap my shoulder with His love and remind me that He is there.

Thank you Lord, that I can count on Your love all day.

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2021)