Devotions By Jan


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Devils Marbles

Scripture for Today: Matthew 7:25 “The rain came down, the streams rose and the winds blew and beat against that house – yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

Can’t lose these marbles! They are hard to miss, rising up from the desert floor of Northern Australia. The Devils Marbles have come to symbolize the Australian outback but in fact, for the Aboriginal people it is sacred ground being the site for “dream stories.” Hundreds of these rounded granite rocks, some as big as twenty feet, have survived centuries of erosion. However, some have split completely in half!

Today’s verse uses the image of a rock as a firm foundation for building our lives. The one using rock is the one who not only hears the words of Jesus but puts them into practice. (vs.24) Hearing the words of Jesus without obedience is like building a house on sand. In either scenario the winds and rain will come to beat on the house. But only one house will survive those relentless storms of life. The crowds were amazed at what they heard from Jesus. (vs. 28) But the point Jesus was making was not about just hearing!

Like never before we have multiple opportunities to hear the words of Jesus: sermons, books, articles, songs, live streaming, podcasts and personal Bible reading. I can choose to hear His words twenty-four/seven if I were so inclined. But were I to stop there, I would be building on sand. The point is not how familiar I am with His words, how many verses I can quote or how much I study. The point is how much I put in practice!

Thank you Lord, for being my Rock!


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Shoeing Horses

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 4:11-12 “I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.”

It looks like it hurts. But when done correctly, the shoe can be nailed in place without pain. The hooves of a horse are similar to our human nails but much thicker. And the horseshoe protects the feet of the horse much like shoes protect our feet. Before nailing the shoe there is a whole procedure to follow: carving, trimming and leveling surfaces. Good shoeing will result in a symmetrical hoof, which is so important to unhampered steps!

Today’s verse is part of instruction from a father to his son. His encouragement is to get wisdom and to hold on to understanding. In doing so, paths will become straight, steps will not be hampered and stumbling can be avoided. It is God’s wisdom that keeps us balanced and walking the way we should. When we do not allow God’s Word and wisdom to trim and carve away what does not belong, our walk becomes painful. We need constant “maintenance” or unchecked pride grows and we become wise in our own eyes! (Prov. 3:7)

I love to read God’s Word. I even appreciate His commandments and warnings as they are spoken in love. But the independence in me is strong. When I start doing life without Him, my steps begin to look a bit foolish and off. My footing is not as sure and there is potential for falling. It is His wisdom in His Word that makes my steps firm and purposeful. I can trust His hands to cut away my pride and any wrong thoughts I may harbor.

Thank you Lord, that your wisdom makes my steps sure!


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“Tilting at Windmills”

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:31 “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

These windmills do not look much like the enemy, but try explaining that to Don Quixote! The English idiom, “tilting at windmills,” means to attack imaginary enemies. It comes from the story of this deluded but chivalrous knight in Cervantes’ classic story. Don Quixote sees a field of windmills and thinking they are giants, he rides out to fight them. Unfortunately, he charges full speed at the closest one just as the sail descends, catching his lance and throwing him to the ground!

Today’s verse reassures the believer that whoever we think might be our enemy, we can be confident that God is for us. The question in this verse can be answered in one word; “nothing!” The list of “these things,” includes: death, life, angels, demons, the present, the future, powers, height, depth, nor ANYTHING ELSE in all creation will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus! (verse 37-39) Whether our enemies are real or perceived, we are more than conquerors.

I do not know what my future holds and I can imagine lots of unhappy scenarios. I can easily make a giant out of what is just an innocuous windmill. The future sometimes looms large in my thinking, taking on a power that it does not really have. But even in imagining the worst case scenario I can find comfort in the fact that God’s love would carry me through. Because of His love and power there is no obstacle in my future that is insurmountable. Nothing is too hard for Him. (Jer. 32:17) I belong to the Creator of giants and windmills!

Thank you Lord, that You will always be there to fight my battles!


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The Tung Nut

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 1:9 “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has set You above Your companions by anointing You with the oil of joy.”

What an odd name for this nut! The nut comes from the tung tree, native to China. Its name means, “heart,” in Chinese as the leaves are heart-shaped. But in fact, it is a misnomer as it is a seed rather than a nut, coming from the inside of the fruit of the tung tree. The oil from tung nut is used as a drying oil for wood and has been around for centuries as far back as Confucius! (This oil certainly brings joy to those who market it at Gulf Coast Tung Oil!)

Today’s verse mentions an oil of joy and is speaking of Christ whose name means, “the anointed One.”  Jesus is set apart as holy and righteous, superior to all created beings.  There is joy in this righteous relationship Christ shares with the Father.  There is joy despite the fact that Jesus was called a “Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” (Is. 53:3)  It was for the joy set before Him that He endured the cross (Heb. 12:2).  It is this same joy that we can experience even when going through trial and difficulty (James 1:2).

Just as oil was used in biblical times to consecrate and set apart a person, so this “oil of joy” does for me today!  Living with joy when nothing is going according to plan sets me apart and makes me different.  Joy in spite of grave health problems, uncertain finances or dashed dreams is not the norm.  But His Spirit’s fruit includes a joy that I can set before me as I endure whatever life may throw at me!

Lord, may the oil of joy overflow my heart regardless of what today may bring.


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What To Do?

Scripture for Today: Acts 9:6a (KJV) “And he trembling and astonished said, ‘Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?'”

I remember growing up in this church where all the “cool kids” sat up front on the right. Me? I am sitting on the left with my parents! What a wonderful legacy and impact this church had on my life and the life of my family. All three of my siblings found their spouses in the youth group. And week after week the words of this banner were burned into my soul. The underlying message was faithful submission and obedience to whatever the Lord would want to do with my life.

Today’s verse is the origin of this banner. These are the words of Saul (later renamed Paul) on the road to Damascus. This is his response to the Lord’s revelation of Himself. It is no wonder that Saul trembled with astonishment at the blinding light and the voice from Heaven speaking his name. Because of God’s miraculous confrontation, Saul’s zeal to persecute Christ followers was now redirected to love and serve Him. Saul immediately gives his life over to whatever God will do with it.

Seeing this verse every week made me realize that my life was not my own. The Lord bought me with a price (I Cor. 6:20) and I belong to Him. The price was so high that the only reasonable response is to submit my will to His. This concept is not just theoretical. It impacts my every day and what I choose to do with it! Following what He wants is not always easy, but life sure is not boring! His plans make every day significant. This verse is a question I want to ask Him everyday of my life!

Lord, show me what You want from me today!