Devotions By Jan


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The French Baguette

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 31:27 “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”

This picture says it all about the important place of the baguette in France! It will often make its appearance at the breakfast table slathered with butter and jam. It reappears at lunch time without butter to sop up that lovely sauce. Don’t forget its place at goûter or snack time holding up a piece of chocolate! And to finish the day, there it is again, ready to be dipped into the soup. Everyday this bread works hard!

Today’s verse is part of a long description of what a hard working wife and mother looks like. There is no time or place for the “bread of idleness.” For her, watching over the affairs of her household involves long hours as she provides food (vs.15), sews her family’s clothes (vs. 13, 24), and plants vineyards (vs. 16). She works hard at buying (vs. 16), selling (vs.24) and trading (vs. 18). This is no slouch! Because of her work ethic, her husband is respected and he, along with the children, praise her!

It is hard work to continually watch over a household, as I have found over these last 45 years. I haven’t done it perfectly and I certainly do not measure up to this ideal in Proverbs 31. And it can be demotivating to work hard in the home when the American culture ascribes to it so little value. But God does and says whatever is done, even the mundane things, can be done for His glory! (I Cor. 10:31) My unseen and unsung work has His approval and the praise of my family. And that is enough.

Lord, may this day’s work, whatever it is, honor You!


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In Hedgehog Heaven

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 6:13 “Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything, to stand.”

I was sad to see this hedgehog thrown to the side of the road outside our house in France. I suppose he saw the car coming but in his little brain he must have misjudged his chance to reach safety. With a top speed of only 4mph, he does not run as quickly as other animals his size. The hedgehog perhaps thought his roughly 5 thousand brown and white spines might protect him if he rolled up into a ball. But of course they are no match for a heavy car. Someone thoughtfully laid that flowering branch over him.

Today’s verse teaches that there is a day of evil coming, barreling towards us like that car. And we are to be prepared, wearing the various pieces of armor God has provided (vs 10-18). We need this spiritual armor for our struggle against what we cannot see (vs. 12). It helps us to stand against the devil’s schemes (vs.11). With God’s armor in place we are strong, not in ourselves but in His mighty power (vs 10). We as believers never need to fear any evil day coming as He has given us the ultimate victory in Christ Jesus (I Cor. 15:57).

What an encouragement to know that I am not without defense! Against the Father of lies I am on the side of Truth. I can stand firm in His righteousness against the accusations of the enemy and not be crushed. My faith protects my heart from wavering and doubt. My salvation is secure because of Him. God’s Word will defeat the enemy every time! And He has even given me the privilege of brokering peace through the Gospel!

Thank you Lord, that sin will not win and evil will not prevail!!


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Smiling Horse?

I Samuel 2:1 “My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.” (NKJV)

This horse completely ignored me as I passed by him. It’s not as if I wasn’t friendly. I made my voice gentle and clicked my tongue at him. But he would have none of it. How did he know that I did not have a carrot after all? (I didn’t!) But as I passed by the same path on my return, he became interested and flashed what looked to be a smile! Don’t tell me it did not mean anything! It made me feel better about my morning!

Today’s verse has Hannah smiling. For years she had suffered under the constant goading of Peninnah, her husband’s other wife. She was constantly reminded of her barrenness while Peninnah bore many children. The Lord listened to her cries and gave her Samuel. In gratitude and to fulfill her vow, she gave Samuel back to the Lord, to live in the temple and serve Him. Hannah could rejoice and be delighted, even at the moment of separation. She could smile at her enemies as she was vindicated. And God’s blessing continued with the birth of many other children.

One day I know I can smile at my enemies! One day I will be completely vindicated for anything I have suffered at their hands. God has the last word and His justice will prevail. He will even prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies! (Ps. 23:5) I don’t fret about the wicked as God promises to vindicate the righteous (Ps. 37:6). I don’t want to waste mental energy or indignant emotions on the wicked. The Lord will take care of it.

Thank you Lord, for the peace I have with You.


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Caring For Creation

Scripture for Today: Romans 1:20 “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

How wonderful to see people caring for our earth and doing their best in the area of conservation! Certainly it is important to subdue and dominate the earth, the mandate given to mankind in Genesis 1:28. As stewards, we want to carefully conserve and care for what God has entrusted to us. And for the believer there is even more reason. The biggest and best reason for caring for creation is that through it, God’s very existence is revealed.

Today’s verse explains that it is through nature that we clearly see God’s eternal power and divine nature. His creation, as beautiful and breathtaking as it is, is not to be worshiped. His creation is rather to inspire man to seek the Creator. All His works praise Him! (Psalm 103:22) All the works of His hands point to Him and His glory. When we miss this, we miss an even greater mission, which is to bring glory to the God of creation!

There will one day be a new heaven and a new earth. (Rev. 21:1) And that new earth will not even have a sea! Although this does not negate my caring for this one, I want my priority to be centered on the two things that are eternal: God’s Word and man’s soul! As important as conservation issues are, my motivation in caring for this earth is ultimately to point others to the Creator! As C.T. Studd put it, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Lord, help me focus on pointing others to You.


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The Best Nose in the World

Scripture for Today: I Kings 3:9a “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong…”

Photo Credit: Tim Flach

Meet the Saiga Antelope, who unfortunately is critically endangered! They are hunted for those impressive horns that are used in some Asian folk remedies in Central Asia. And their numbers have also dwindled because of disease. But one thing that is not a problem for them is the dusty air of the deserts and dry grasslands of their environment. That bizarre swollen nose that looks so comical is the best nose in the world for keeping out all that dirty air, acting as a filter.

Today’s verse is the prayer of Solomon as he stepped into his role as king. The Lord had appeared in a dream and invited Solomon to ask whatever he wanted and He would give it to him. (verse 5) Solomon asked for a discerning heart to distinguish right from wrong. The Lord gave him that (and much more) so that Solomon could filter out the evil and cling only to the good. (Rom. 12:9) And God continues to offer His wisdom as a filter for us. Those that are mature in the faith are able to distinguish good from evil. (Heb. 5:14)

The dust and dirt of a world that does not acknowledge God pollutes the air for a believer. I need the purity of God’s unchanging Word to sniff out what is truly good! God has promised that He has given me everything I need to live a godly life and escape the “corruption in the world.” (II Peter 1:4) His Word is my filter and His truth is life-giving! (Ps. 119:25)

Lord, keep me breathing in the pure air of Your Word!