Devotions By Jan


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Sweet Cocoa

Scripture for Today:Psalm 34:8-9 “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.”

A dusting of this cocoa on a tiramisu is wonderful and tasty. But eating spoonfuls of it directly from the box is not so much. I am not proud of it but growing up, a friend and I decided we would play a trick on her two younger sisters. The package looked like it would deliver what they were expecting, especially with the picture. But you can guess their reaction when trying to swallow the stuff!

There is an invitation in today’s verse to taste and see how good the Lord is. Unlike unsweetened cocoa, He does not disappoint! His words are true and sweet, sweeter even than honey (Psalm 19:10). He is so good to His own, providing refuge and meeting every need! Making the Lord our hiding place gives us shelter from whatever storm surrounds us. When His children fear and obey Him, He pours out blessing. Those who seek the Lord will lack no good thing! (Ps. 34:10)

I do not need to “taste test” what the world has to offer. Nothing is as sweet and satisfying as His Words, especially the promises and declarations of His love. The empty philosophies of this world promise to be sweet but leave one with a very bitter aftertaste. His Words are faithful and true, never changing and the source of life! When I make His truth my refuge, I am in a good place. He satisfies so completely that I am never in want of anything that is truly good for me. I have tasted and He is good!

Thank you Lord, for being so good to me!


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Ghostly

Scripture for Today: Psalm 39:6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be.”

It has got to be one of the easiest costumes to put together! And that old white sheet hanging out in the cupboard is finally being put to good use! The ghost costume allows for a coat to be worn underneath in a cold climate with none being the wiser! However, all that material slipping around can trip up its wearer. But it does the job. And in rushing from house to house candies are happily heaped up!

Today’s verse describes another kind of phantom. He doesn’t appear just once a year but spends a lifetime accumulating wealth. It is a vain goal as he does not even know what will become of it after he leaves this earth. To place our hope and confidence in what we own is foolish as our wealth can quickly sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle (Prov. 23:5). What a contrast to the one whose hope is in the Lord (verse 7). The riches of His love, care and faithfulness are eternal.

I am a mere phantom with no real substance when my focus is on what will not last. I want my life to be lived on a different plane with a deeper meaning. I want to live with eternity in view but I get so distracted by what I can see and touch. Spending all my energies on the temporal keeps me from that true life. My heart needs to be with the treasure and reward that last, that which is stored up in Heaven (Matthew 6:21-22). As C.T. Studd wrote, “Only one life ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Lord, keep me from being “ghostly!”


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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.


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Open Up!

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

I have a friend who is fascinated with doors! And being a world traveler, she sees quite a wide variety! This one is found in Charleston, South Carolina. What a beautiful city rich in history and in architectual interest. I don’t imagine a wide body could pass through this door without turning sideways! But what struck me was the absence of a door handle! The occupant has perfect control over who is granted entry.

Today’s verse has peace being the very effective guard at the door of our hearts and minds. It is the peace of God that keeps out anxious thoughts and worries. Without the door handle they have no entry when they have been given over to God in prayer (verse 6). This is a peace so unconnected to our circumstances that it defies logic and understanding! There is no possible intrusion into our minds and hearts when our thoughts are consumed with what is: true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable (verse 8). It is our choice what we allow to come through that door!

I have lots of negative worrisome thoughts that are so often knocking to get in! I know that if I allow them entry, any chance of peace will be out the window! But I unintentionally allow those fearful thoughts access when I dwell too long on politics, news items, gossip or the “what ifs.” The Lord gives grace for the realities I face and not for my overactive imagination! But when I bathe my worries in prayer and lift my thoughts out of the mundane and on to spiritual truths, I find His peace.

Lord, guard my heart and mind today.


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Bread-Loving Zebra

Scripture for Today: Job 23:12 “I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.”

I did not know that zebras ate bread. This one was very excited to eat it from my hand at the Olympic Game Farm in Sequim, Washington! Not only did the zebras approach for some bread but llamas, yaks, elk and deer did as well! Of course, each animal was provided appropriate balanced food. But the bread was their special treat and they did not hesitate to stick their heads all the way into the car for it!

Today’s verse describes Job’s view of God’s words as treasure. Their value surpassed even the everyday basic necessity of bread! Job had the same esteem for God’s decrees as David had years later when he said they were more precious than gold (Psalm 19:10). And Job was careful not only to know God’s commands but to obey them. He did not understand all the reasons behind the tragedies he was living, but he did understand that he was being tested (verse 10). Because of his obedience to God’s Words, he declared, “I will come forth as gold.”

This high regard for God’s Word is a goal worth having. In seeing the Bible as authoritative and in obeying it, I can have confidence when being tested as well. His Word is precious because it shows me the very best way to live this life. And it is to this same Word that I cling when facing difficult times. His promises give me strength. His Words give me hope. His Word nourishes my soul more than any food could for my body.

Thank you Lord, for the treasure of Your Word.