Devotions By Jan


by Leave a comment

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)


by Leave a comment

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! 


by 3 Comments

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)


by Leave a comment

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.


by 4 Comments

Fire Hydrant Runs Dry

Scripture for Today: John 7:38 “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” (ESV)

In a perfect world, a fire hydrant would never run dry. It is inconceivable that a fire hydrant would not deliver the water so desperately needed. However, during the recent wildfires in California that is exactly what happened in some areas. The water storage tanks supplying those hydrants went dry. Planes were grounded due to the strong winds. And without the water and chemical airdrops the municipal water systems could not keep up with the high demand. How awful it must have been to realize the hydrants were of no help!

Today’s verse describes another source of water. Jesus, who calls Himself the Giver of living water, promised this to the woman at the well. (John 4:10) For those who have placed their faith in Christ, it is also promised as we are the “whosoever” that believe. This flow of living water is identified in the next verse as His Spirit residing in the believer. There is a constant flow of His power producing fruit. There is never any lack and we never run dry. Everyday we can be filled, And everyday we can overflow to others.

The “Living Water” within not only quenches my thirst for meaning and significance. He also quenches the fires of Satan’s temptations to doubt His goodness when things go terrible wrong. His Spirit reminds me of His faithfulness and care so that those pesky fires that keep popping up are extinguished. The Living Water is found again in our eternal home where there will no longer be thirst, scorching heat or tears. (Rev. 7:16-17) But I don’t have to wait. My “living water” is His presence even today and I never have to run dry.

Fill me up today, Lord.