Devotions By Jan


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French Citadel

Scripture for Today: Psalm 48:3 “God is in her citadels; he has shown himself to be her fortress.”

photo credit Frans de Wit https://www.flickr.com/photos/fransdewit/5676870741/in/photostream/

The citadel in this French town can be seen from many different vantage points as it dominates the landscape. Its history there in Bitche (pronounced “beach”) is a long one, having been constructed on the site of an old castle in the early 1600’s. The citadel was destroyed at one point but restored and strengthened in the 1700’s. This fortress has since survived all succeeding wars as much of it is excavated in red sandstone rock, making it bomb-proof. There was something comforting about its strong presence during our stay there.

Today’s verse talks about the citadel of Jerusalem; the city is also referred to as “city of God” and “Mount Zion.” Written by the sons of Korah, this psalm or perhaps song, was written as a celebration of safety and security. The citadel or fortress in and of itself was not being praised. Rather, the fact that God resided there gave the people a sense of security and well-being. It was a physical reminder of God’s special relationship with His people.

I have the same need to look up and be reminded of God’s love, presence and protection. I need to continually “lift my eyes” to the One who sits enthroned in Heaven. (Psalm 123:1) I may not have a literal brick and mortar fortress within my line of vision, but with eyes of faith I can look up. With that changed perspective I see His power rather than my weakness. Problems and obstacles grow smaller as HE looms larger.

Lord, remind me to look up!


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By-the-Wind Sailors

Scripture for Today:Ephesians 4:14 “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.”


Photographer: Robin Wilson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A few weeks ago on the beaches of California there washed ashore millions of these By-the-Wind Sailors! It looked as if space aliens had invaded our coasts! These blue jellyfish-like creatures belong in the water but were steered off course by the wind. Their small stiff “sail” can catch that wind and wash them up on shore. They drift along and go wherever the wind takes them. But if the tide does not pull them back into the ocean, they will rot away.

Today’s verse describes the immature believer as someone who is tossed back and forth by waves and susceptible to being blown around by the winds of false teaching. By contrast, the mature believer can discern good from evil and will not be taken in by false teachers. (Heb. 5:14) We become mature by being intimately acquainted with the One who calls Himself, “Truth.” (John 14:6) Through His Word we are, “taught in Him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.” (Eph. 4:20)

The more I study the truth of God’s Word, the more I can discern something even a little bit off. The false teaching that can so destabilize me will feed my ego, propose shortcuts, appeal to my pride and most of all, deny the deity of Christ! (I John 4:3) The Deceiver would love to slowly and steadily wash me up on shore and take me out of commission. But through staying in His Word, I can remain exactly where God wants me; humble, teachable and following His course for my life!

Lord, keep me in Your truth.


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The Lily of the Valley

Scripture for Today:  Psalms 56:8  “You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle.  Are they not in Your book?”

In France, bouquets of lily of the valley are offered to friends on May 1st to wish them luck and happiness. This day (their Labor Day) is called “Fête du Travail” or “Fête du Muguet” meaning lily of the valley. I love their delicacy and sweet smell. Legend has it that these are the tears of Eve as she was banished from the Garden of Eden.

Today’s verse tells us there is a bottle belonging to the Lord that holds our tears. With this beautiful imagery we understand that God knows about every disappointment and every sorrow. The Lord is aware of every misery and every tear drop. King David had plenty of occasions to shed tears. When he wrote this Psalm he was on the run for his life. His enemies were constantly after him.  But he was confident the Lord knew of his circumstances and his feelings. When David cried out, he was reassured that God was with him and for him.

He sees my tears too. Although this is poetic imagery, I like to think of Him saving every drop. It shows me that I am precious to Him. He even sees the unshed tears that stick in my throat. God’s awareness of my circumstances and emotions would be meaningless if He did not also care. But He not only cares, He has the power to do something about it! He consoles like no other.  He comforts. He sees and understands. He reassures me that He is on my side. No other one can dry my tears like He can.

Lord, thank you that one day there will be no more tears.

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2019)


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A Mark of Impatience

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 16:32 “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”

It was not one of my stellar moments. The workers had promised they would put up all my wall hangings for me. I waited. Patiently I thought. After all, it was a low priority in our renovation. I could wait some more….until I couldn’t and I went ahead without them! I thought I understood the instructions on the adhesive I used and how to test it. I obviously did not as the lack of plaster attests! Every time I pass that wall I am reminded of my impatience!

Today’s verse values the patient person more than a successful strong warrior. Self-control is more admired than someone who conquers a city. And both patience and self-control are part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in a believer. (Gal. 5:22-23) Throughout Scripture we are told to “wait on the Lord.” When He makes a promise, we can absolutely rely on His faithfulness to come through. Like Sarah who was promised a son in her old age, it is when we try to “help God out” that we get ourselves in trouble.

I don’t like to wait. I often want to tell the Lord why now is so much better than later! But nothing He does is without plan or purpose. Certainly, He can fulfill all His promises at any time He chooses. But He chooses to make me wait and it’s for my benefit; to build my trust, to make me patient, to work on my self-control! My, what a lot of work He has!

Thank you Lord, for being patient with me!


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Tough or Tender?

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (NASB)

Tenderizing meat is a wonderful way to work out frustrations! I can still remember my Mother whomping on a cut of meat with some scary mid-evil looking instrument. Pounding on a more affordable cut of meat will break down the muscle fibers that constrict when heated. If they are broken down beforehand they don’t tighten up but stay relaxed. The result is nice tender meat that seems to be a cut above the rest without breaking the bank!

Today’s verse tells us that we are kind and tender-hearted when we forgive. In theory we all like the idea of showing kindness and being tender towards another. But the most difficult part of showing this attitude is in forgiveness. Like the meat tenderizing process, we need to have what is tight and unbending be broken down. We stay relaxed and ready to forgive the hurt inflicted by a loved one when we take to heart God’s forgiveness towards us.

How is it that someone else’s sin against me is so much more grievous than my sin against God? Yet that must be my prideful conclusion when I withhold forgiveness. When this happens (and it happens more than I’d like to admit) I am likely to be disciplined through some intense “meat tenderizing.” The Lord wants me to be tender, forgiving and compassionate, regardless of the hurt, regardless of the injustice and regardless of the response. Yes, it’s hard, but He did it for me.

Lord, help me to forgive.