Devotions By Jan


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A Message of Peace

Scripture for Today: Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

They came down from the sky above and were obviously not from the neighborhood. Their appearance was other worldly. But their mission was clear. They left a message that said, “We came in peace for all mankind.” The year was 1969 and that message was left by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin when they walked the surface of the moon.

Today’s verse is also a message of peace. But this was the message of the angels to the shepherds in the fields at the occasion of Christ’s birth. This peace is nothing like what the world can produce. It is a peace between estranged mankind and their Creator. In our rebellion we were enemies against the God of the universe (Romans 5:10). But God initiated a reconciliation through the substitutionary death of His Son. Jesus Himself is our peace. For those who accept His forgiveness through the cross, there is now a relationship possible with Him where before there was none.

The huge obstacle to having peace with God was my sin. But because He has paid the punishment I so richly deserved, there is now a closeness and communion. I can enjoy His presence in my life as I am no longer under any condemnation (Romans 8:1). Not only is there peace with Him but He enables me to live in peace with others! And what is really amazing is that sense of peace and well-being He puts in my heart. What an incredible gift to live with this inner peace in a world that is so troubled!

Thank you Lord, for Your amazing gift of peace.


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The Hope Diamond

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 13:12 “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”

The Hope diamond, after a long history of ownership, sits proudly in the Smithsonian Institute where visitors can be amazed at its opulence. At 45.52 carats it is surrounded by 16 smaller white diamonds. And even the chain is composed of 45 diamonds! This diamond has gone through several different cuttings and settings since its discovery in India in the 1600’s. But it wasn’t until 1839 that this diamond was referred to as the “Hope” diamond, having been owned by the Hope family. I always called my wedding ring diamond the Hope diamond, hoping that despite its size, people could see it!

Today’s verse talks about hope that is deferred, meaning postponed or delayed. In contrast, when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life. This week begins Advent Season, the four Sundays marking our approach to the birth of Christ. The first one celebrates HOPE as we are reminded of all the prophesies fulfilled in the first coming of the Messiah. We are encouraged to continue hoping as we anticipate His triumphal second coming. Christ’s coming fulfilled the hope and deep longing for true life! He Himself is LIFE (John 14:6) and HOPE! (I Tim. 1:1)

When hope is lost, there is no life. We all need to have hope. Unfortunately, when hope is placed in what does not deliver, the heart becomes sick. But my hope is placed in the One who gave me life. His coming as that baby in a manger led to a sacrificial death and resurrection that makes my hope of eternal life sure. I live with that hope. I will die with that hope. Jesus is the “joy of man’s desiring,” the fulfillment of my deepest longings! As beautiful as all the trappings of Christmas are, Christ’s birth represents my hope for today, my hope for tomorrow and my hope for eternity!

Thank you Lord, for being my hope.


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A Perfect Thanksgiving

Scripture for Today: Psalm 86:12 “I will give thanks to You, Lord my God, with all my heart. And I will glorify Your name forever.”

Somehow, Thanksgiving is not a success unless the table groans with the amount of food! This AI image gives one idea of success with the turkey taking center stage. Everything is cooked to perfection! The dessert even makes an appearance at the same time as the main dish. No one looks harried or stressed. And everyone is dressed to perfection, including the food. No one is grabbing, crying or fighting! Do you find it hard to relate to this image?

Today’s verse is at the heart of Thanksgiving for the believer. As much as we want to thank family and special people in our lives, our thanks to God is heartfelt, daily and forever! We want to recognize everyday the blessings He gives, both material and spiritual. And a Thanksgiving feast, as wonderful as it is, can not even compare to our future wedding supper of the Lamb! (Rev. 19:9)  Praise and thanksgiving in the presence of our Savior will rival any earthly feast!

Thanksgiving Day can mean many different things to different people. Perhaps, the idea of a Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving scene seems ludicrous in some families experiencing difficulty. Giving thanks can especially be hard after recently losing a loved one. In times of economic stress or declining health, subjects of thanksgiving are not what come to mind. But even in the darkest times, there is always reason for the believer to give thanks…our salvation – full, rich and free!  Is not that the biggest reason to give thanks?

Lord, I will be forever thankful for You.


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Jumping to Conclusions?

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 13:12 “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

(Photo by Richard Ivey @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anamorphic_frog_sculpture_by_Jonty_Hurwitz.jpeg)

Who would have thought that this distorted flat and elongated sculpture could actually be the frog pictured in the mirrored cylinder? I would not have! I would jump to the conclusion that the one had very little to do with the other. This is an example of “mirror anamorphosis.” It was developed during the Ming Dynasty in China. A curved mirror is placed before a sculpture or drawing to transform the flat distorted image into an undistorted one!

Today’s verse likens our spiritual growth to seeing only a reflection in a mirror. Our perspective is suspect as we do not see what we finally will be. We only know in part what will be the finished product of God’s work in us. What we will be has not yet been made known to us (I John 3:2) but we do know that we will not be just a new and improved version of ourselves. Better than that, we will resemble Christ!

I am fully known by my Creator. He knows me a whole lot better than I know myself. It is amazing that He loves me just the way I am. But He has more for me. He is slowly transforming me to be more like Him. My image of myself and that mirror are both flawed. But one day I will not only be complete but I will understand all that is blurry and distorted here. I can be content with only knowing “in part,” because I can trust Him and His work in me!

Thank you Lord, for the “future me!”

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2020)


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A Muzzled Horse

Scripture for Today: Psalm 39:1 “I said, ‘I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.'”

I have never seen a muzzle on a horse but apparently, it is not all that uncommon. Two different muzzles are used for two very different problems. The grazing muzzle is used when there is a problem with overeating. It will restrict their grass intake while still allowing for pasture time. Then there is the cribbing muzzle to prevent the horse from biting. Their bite will not normally break the skin but those powerful jaws can leave a deep bruise!

Today’s verse talks about a voluntary muzzle needed for our mouths, especially in the presence of the wicked. David was feeling down and discouraged with what he felt was God’s rebuke and discipline (verse 11). He expressed anguish over the fact that life is short and seemingly vain (verse 6). But David did not want any of these feelings voiced in the presence of the wicked. Even when upset with God, David did not want to malign His name.

I need to muzzle my mouth as well, especially when I am questioning the Lord or discouraged in my walk. That does not mean I cannot share these feelings with a trusted believing friend. But when I am with those who do not know the Lord, I would not want my emotional outburst to keep them from faith. I would not want my words to be an obstacle to someone else. The tongue is described as a small spark that can set on fire an entire forest (James 3:6). The damage my tongue could do could have eternal consequences!

Lord, do not ever let me malign Your beautiful and holy Name.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2021)