This was all done on my phone. I only had trouble adding caption to the photo. It’s mine.

March 8

Numbers 27

Numbers 28

Numbers 29

Thoughts

Women’s rights

This is a great passage to hear what God says about women. In a strongly patriarchal society, God says women matter. He elevates the position of women.

“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “The daughters of Zelophehad speak what is right; you shall surely give them a possession of inheritance among their father’s brothers, and cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them.””‭‭(Numbers‬ ‭27‬:‭6‬-‭7‬, NKJV‬‬)

God made it a legal requirement.

Moses is wise.

He knows he will die because he disobeyed God. But he cares for the people more than himself. He asks God for a leader.

““Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, who may go out before them and go in before them, who may lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be like sheep which have no shepherd.”” ‭‭(Numbers‬ ‭27‬:‭16‬-‭17‬, NKJV‬‬)

Without a leader, they would be lost. Wander away from God.

Jesus is our Shepherd.

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” ‭‭(Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬, NKJV‬‬)

When we have a decision, many times we try to figure it out for ourselves. Instead we need to go to God first.

A few takeaways

1. God loves all His people. He believes in the rights of women.

2. Like Moses, we need to care for others over ourselves. Put others first.

3. In making a decision, ask God first. Listen for an answer. Read His Word. Ask reliable believers. Examine circumstances. Don’t rush the decision, if that’s possible.

May I pray for you and me?

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending us the perfect Good Shepherd, Jesus. Someone to rely on at all times. Thank You for Your love for all people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Watch the video.

Janis has written a number of books. She has two devotionals, Growing through God’s Word, a group of 20 devotionals based on her podcasts on Hope Stream Radio and volume 2. She has a colouring book Bible study based on Psalm 119:1 – 8.

Chronological Bible Study 67 was originally published in My Creative Mind on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

An abecedarian poem

A Quilt of Peace

Although
Bad times
Come

Don’t fret or
Else you will
Fear and
Get anxious over
Happenings that are
In the future

Joy,
Kindness,
Love are what we seek

Make the most of each day

Nothing can shake
Our faith

Put on a
Quilt of peace

Reach out to others
Strive to know God more
Teach love, acceptance and
Understanding — lend your
Voice for Jesus
Writing His words

eXceed in what you do

Yesterday is gone. Show your
Zeal for God, today

©Janis Cox 2025

A highlight for one of my books

I have said that I love to draw. My first children’s book, Tadeo Turtle, pushed me into being an illustrator. I saw other children’s books and I wanted to show what Tadeo’s message meant to me.

God placed me in Arizona at that time, where I signed up for an art class with Joanne Matthews. During a conversation, I shared that I had written a story but wanted to illustrate it. She encouraged me to give it a try — and so I did. That’s how Tadeo Turtle was born.

Tadeo Turtle written by Janis Cox

For children up to 7. A rhyming children’s book with lots of coloured illustration. A message about being special just the way you are. Activities in the back. Read the reviews.

US buyers

Canadian buyers

How To Live During Uncertain Times was originally published in My Creative Mind on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

My Bible

Day 55 February 24

Chronological Bible Study

Leviticus 23–25

Thoughts

I actually enjoyed reading through the festivals today. I kept reading, NO WORK, REST. And look at the planning. And the repetition of PERMANENT LAW, GENERATION TO GENERATION.

The 7 Festivals

Each one points to Jesus. They remind people of their past and how God provided for them.

Passover

The blood over the doorposts so God’s judgment would pass over them. Christ’s blood shed for us so God’s judgment would pass over us.

Unleavened Bread

The haste that the Israelites had to make.

And in the NT yeast is associated with sin and how we want to remove sin from our lives.

First Fruits

This reminds them of the harvest they will have.

Christ was raised from dead as first fruit to show what God will do for humanity. The great harvest to come!

“But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.” (1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭20‬, NLT‬‬)

Harvest Festival

Fifty days = Pentecost

Thanking God for the harvest.

The Holy Spirit came on Pentecost. Harvest for the church.

Festival of Trumpets

Here is the big rest. End of year celebration. Rosh Hashanah

For us it’s the reminder of trumpets sounding on Jesus’ return.

“And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world – from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. (Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭31‬, ‭NLT‬‬)

Day of Atonement

The high priest would atone for all sins.

Jesus became our High Priest and atoned for all of us.

Feast of Shelters

To remind the Israelites of how they travelled from place to place in the wilderness and how God provided for them.

Jesus dwelt among us.

“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” (John‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬, NLT‬‬)

And at the end we will dwell with God.

“I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.” (Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭3‬ , ‭NLT‬‬)

This is the entire story of the Bible. From Creation to the end. We will be with God like in the beginning.

May I pray for you and me?

Heavenly Father, thank You for this plan of reconciliation. May we, each day, work towards knowing You more. And each day to be more like Jesus. In His name. Amen.

Watch the video.

https://youtu.be/drGozMOvZ5c?si=9hez7R825_YWb1p9

I did this entirely on my phone. I love how easy it is to use Medium.

Maybe I’ll be back as a partner some day.

Love to hear from you.

Jan

I May Not Be Paid But I’m Enjoying Writing Again was originally published in My Creative Mind on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Why is Leviticus so important?

My thoughts

It reminds us that God is holy and we are not. God shows the Israelites how to become holy to live in His presence.

Remember that every element in our lives should be impacted by who God is and what He has done for us.

The Day of Atonement

• Aaron could only enter the Holy of Holies once a year and only by following specific instructions.
• Atonement means to cover or take away.
• Sin requires death for atonement. The shedding of innocent blood.
• Their sacrifices were a visual remembrance of their sin.
• There were two goats: one to sacrifice, one to take away the sins. (The scapegoat)
• This day of atonement points forward to the sufficiency of Jesus.

“But now the Anointed One has become the King-Priest of every wonderful thing that has come. For he serves in a greater, more perfect heavenly tabernacle not made by men, that is to say, not a part of this creation. And he has entered once and forever into the Holiest Sanctuary of All, not with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the sacred blood of his own sacrifice. And he alone has made our salvation secure forever! (Hebrews‬ ‭9‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ , TPT‬‬)

Compare Jesus to Aaron

Aaron: had to repent of his sins

Jesus: was sinless

Aaron: once a year atonement

Jesus: once and for all atonement.

Aaron: a partial cleansing, outside not the heart

Jesus: a complete cleansing

Aaron: had to sacrifice a goat and also send away a scapegoat

Jesus: He was the sacrificial goat and the scapegoat

All of this was so we can be in the presence of God!

May I pray for you and me?

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus who came to take away the sins of the world so we can reconnect with You. Help us to remember that always. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Watch the video

A highlight of one of my books

Do you seek a daily spiritual rhythm in your life?

Janis believes in the impact of a daily rhythm to seek God. In this devotional, Janis shares her experiences in studying God’s Word daily. She encourages readers to grow closer to God through the practices of journaling and prayer.

Do you seek simplicity with relatability?

Then, this book is your perfect companion. Well-written and clear, it calls to the soul. It offers a genuine exploration of the author’s love for God. The bite-sized chapters, engaging style, and quirky, fun illustrations make it easy for anyone to understand and enjoy.

Do you enjoy captivating stories?

Enjoy Janis’ real-life stories. Readers appreciate her sharing her vulnerability and letting them into her story. Her simple devotionals refresh the soul as she encourages you to listen to God, embrace stillness, and follow the Holy Spirit.

Join Janis Cox on a journey of spiritual growth.

Snapshot:

• Daily Growth Journey: Join Janis on your own transformative journey.
• Practical Spiritual Practices: Embrace journaling and prayer to grow closer to God.
• Relatable Storytelling: Enjoy storytelling as Janis shares her experiences and vulnerability.
• Accessible Spiritual Guide: With bite-sized chapters, engaging style, fun illustrations, and a place to journal, use this book as a guide on your own spiritual journey.

Janis Cox’s genuine love for God shines through, making Growing through God’s Word a source of inspiration and encouragement.

To buy

US customers

Canadian customers

Why is Leviticus so Important? was originally published in My Creative Mind on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

I’ve been working my way through Leviticus — it’s been a challenge, but I know it’s worth it! Today is Day 51 of my journey reading through the Bible chronologically. You can find my previous reflections in my NOTES in Substack.

Day 51

Leviticus 12–14

My thoughts

From purifications to skin diseases.

I liked that God made a way for the mom to rest after giving birth.

Looking at these laws from the point of view of that time:

We need to remember they didn’t have a lot of medical knowledge.

God wanted to sustain and protect their lives.

Because God was living directly with His people He needed them to live differently.

And this meant both spiritually and physically.

Nowadays, we know now how important it is to wash our hands and stay clear of sick people — even masking if necessary.

The video asks about the 40 day vs 80 day waiting period for girls vs boys. No satisfactory answer.

There was no elite class for God. You brought as an offering what you could afford.

Look at Jesus’ parents. They were poor so gave from their poverty.

“Forty days after the birth of her son, Mary’s time of purification had completed, so she came to the temple with a sacrifice, according to the law of Moses. So Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to Jerusalem to be dedicated before the Lord. For it is stated in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be set apart for God” and is required to offer a prescribed sacrifice, “either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”” Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭22‬-‭24‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Reading all through Leviticus gives us a great picture of what life was like at the time of Jesus.

May I pray for you and me?

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word. We learn a little bit more each time we read and study it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Here is the link to the video.

youtu.be/kCodOsJyB_M

If you would like to read more, join me on Substack.

A highlight for one of my books

Martha is overwhelmed with stress and worry. She’s determined to make everything perfect for Jesus’ visit, consumed by concerns about the food, the house, and the plates.

But when Jesus arrives, her sister Mary stops helping and sits down to listen to him, leaving Martha with even more to do.

Frustration boils over as Martha asks Jesus to tell Mary to help.

Will Jesus instruct Mary to assist her sister in the kitchen?
Can Martha handle everything on her own if he doesn’t?
What will Martha do next?

For ages 8 and up.

US customers

Canadian customers

Struggling Through Leviticus Is Worth the Time was originally published in My Creative Mind on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

What happens when Jesus shows up?

Do you remember the saying and bracelets from the 90s? WWJD — What would Jesus do?

Today we are going to look at WJSU (What happens… when Jesus shows up?)

And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. (Luke 5:11, NLT)

Jesus said to Simon, “There is nothing to fear. From now on you’ll be fishing for men and women.” They pulled their boats up on the beach, left them, nets and all, and followed him. (Luke 5:10–11, The Message)

We know the story of the great catch. The fishermen had been out all night and caught nothing. But Peter, when he heard Jesus say, “Come”, got up and followed him.

This is an example of what happens when Jesus shows up.

So what can happen when Jesus shows up

1. Jesus commandeers your stuff

He climbed into the boat that was Simon’s and asked him to put out a little from the shore. (Luke 5:2, The Message)

People were crowding on the shore, so Jesus got into Simon’s boat and told His message from there.

So what type of stuff does Jesus take nowadays?

• your car: when you take somebody for a drive, for example, a cancer driver.
• your kitchen: when you make a meal for a friend or someone who is sick
• your phone or email: when you call or write a friend

2. Jesus messes with the status quo — a real paradigm shift

The fish

Can you believe someone telling a fisherman how to fish? Really? Maybe Peter wants to humor Jesus when He pulls up anchor and heads out to fish again. But surprise! They get a big catch.

The military

And what about the thinking of the church leaders and people? They knew a Messiah was coming but thought He would be riding a horse and flashing a sword — a mighty warrior. They thought military. But that was not the way of Jesus. He was not political or of the military. He wasn’t of this world.

Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. (John 8:23, NLT)

Rules, religion, and sacrifices

All the beliefs that the Israelite priests were telling the people — He turned that to FAITH in CHRIST alone.

The church

The Roman Catholic church around 500 years ago had a big switch when Martin Luther heard from God. It was at that time that the Gutenberg printing press began. So people could read the Bible themselves and hear from God.

And so began Protestantism.

And today in the church. It used to be “build it and they will come.” But now it may be we need to go to them.

3. Jesus makes us aware of our own shortcomings

We come to Jesus, broken, self-centered, angry, frustrated. How did Simon Peter react when He saw Jesus perform a miracle? He fell to the ground and saw how much he was a sinner.

We see our weaknesses when Jesus shows up.

Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” (Isaiah 6:5, NLT)

And in Revelation, we see the church of Laodicea.

You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. (Revelation 3:17, NLT)

But we must remember that we ARE accepted and forgiven.

And we are growing in Christ, every day.

This post was written after a sermon called The Big Catch by Rev. Harry Morgan.

May I pray for you and me?

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank you that amazing things happen when we put our trust in Jesus and He shows up. Let us keep our eyes aware of opportunities to see and be Jesus to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Janis Cox is a blogger, author/illustrator, and publisher.

She began journaling while reading the Bible to deepen her faith. Inspired by God’s call, she now encourages others to read the Bible and grow in their faith. Join her in the Growing through God’s Word Facebook group to learn more.

You can also check out her books on Amazon, but please note that Amazon sometimes adds unrelated books to her page. Be sure to look for her name on the cover.

What Happens When Jesus Shows Up was originally published in Koinonia on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

“Normal people do normal things at a normal — breakneck — pace and never have enough time to do the most important things” (page 27, Weird, by Craig Groeschel)

I am a normal person. For years, I tried to do everything. And because of a strong sense of self, I took on whatever people offered. I am sure pride had a lot to do with it.

“When we overschedule ourselves in the belief that we can do everything, we stop being human and try to become godlike — not only impossible but also incredibly arrogant” (page 26, Weird, Craig Groeschel).

Oh, that was me. Prideful and arrogant.

This year I tried a new tack — I started a “to don’t list”

What can I not do? How can I wrestle more time for those things that I have a passion for and where I think God is leading?

When I stopped watching TV, that freed up an amazing amount of time. But I filled it again with other stuff. And now I am back to a one hour show most nights (sigh).

Craig Groeschel reminded me:

“We have to remind ourselves that just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should” (page 33, Weird, Craig Groeschel).

That meant I needed to take a closer look at what I did.

How do I discern a good choice from the best choice?

First, I have to talk to God. I want to ask Him to show me:

• what He wants me to do
• where I find my passion
• and how much time I can give to it.

For example, one thing I took off my to do list — teaching Sunday School. My personality type makes me always want to do my best — I have high expectations. This job, which I love, took too much time for what transpired. So God said — NO. (UPDATE — now I am teaching again, because my schedule opened up and it’s only once a month.)

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life — your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life — and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.” (Romans 12:1–2, MSG)

My days are lighter, brighter, and filled with promise. I am feeling JOY. Stress is less. I get things done, but He shows me the way. And if I am following the wrong path, I know He will show me the correct one.

Another Quote from Craig:

“Christ had to make difficult decisions about how he would spend his limited time on earth. His example has a lot to teach us.”

Here’s an article you might enjoy on “To don’t Lists.”

A highlight for one of my books

I wrote my second book, The Kingdom of Thrim, while writing in my journal. My mind was on the story of Pinocchio, the little puppet who wanted to be human. I am not sure now how my brain travelled from that to the doll maker in the kingdom of Yoj. Maybe — yearning for more.

Yoj goes from being content to wanting more. Follow his journey of self-discovery.

Yoj is a happy doll maker from the Kingdom of Thrim. He makes a quick life decision without consulting God and travels too far from home. Follow his adventure of rediscovery. Watercolour picture book for ages 5 and up.

Here are a few things your children will learn:

• To use the gifts God has given them.
• To listen to God.
• To make wise decisions by not rushing ahead of God.
• That money isn’t the way to happiness.
• The importance of friendships.
• Beauty, colour and nature are important to our world.
• Each person has a gift that will honour God.

US customers

Canadian customers

Are You Afraid to Add One More Thing to Your Schedule? was originally published in My Creative Mind on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Okay, Medium. I’m giving February the last chance at writing here. It’s never been lucrative but as long as I met the US$5 a month, I stayed here. Last month, I know I didn’t write much, but I got 45 cents (held over until I reach $10.)

I really would prefer to write without trying to make money.

I am a creative. I like to create when the Spirit moves me. But if I get into another mode — say painting, then my writing suffers on Medium. I need to figure out something quickly.

Substack is the answer

I now write on Substack. I don’t charge but I also don’t have to pay. I like meeting people and talking to them. Join me over there.

My newsletter comes from there. I write daily notes to keep me fresh — both in art and in Bible study. I write a newsletter once a week.

Today, I’ll update you with a few of my latest paintings. I’m trying to learn to just paint — 10 minutes only. I learned that from Wendy MacNaughton on Substack on Drawing With Wendy Mac.

I will try to write a few posts here this month and see what happens.

How are you doing on this platform?

A highlight for one of my books

I have said that I love to draw. My first children’s book, Tadeo Turtle, pushed me into being an illustrator. I saw other children’s books and I wanted to show what Tadeo’s message meant to me.

God placed me in Arizona at that time, where I signed up for an art class with Joanne Matthews. During a conversation, I shared that I had written a story but wanted to illustrate it. She encouraged me to give it a try — and so I did. That’s how Tadeo Turtle was born.

Tadeo Turtle written by Janis Cox

For children up to 7. A rhyming children’s book with lots of coloured illustration. A message about being special just the way you are. Activities in the back. Read the reviews.

US buyers

Canadian buyers

Why I Might Be Disappearing was originally published in My Creative Mind on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Word of the Year

Have you ever tried to find your word for the year? I’ve done it quite a few times. Some of my words were intentional, thrive, trust, live, and abound.

Here is one post about LIVE.

2013 - THE YEAR TO LIVE - Growing Through God's Word

I started my web with one word. The word that has been coming to me throughout December. “Connect”.

Looked in dictionary. Checked scriptures.

It was a good beginning.

This is my first page.

I did three more.

These are my journal notes from the first 4 days.

Connect with God

I thought of ways to connect with God. With others. With my gifts. With my whole body.

My scripture to focus on:

I am the sprouting vine and you’re my branches. As you live in union with me as your source, fruitfulness will stream from within you – but when you live separated from me you are powerless.” John‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬ ‭TPT‬‬

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

God wants us to thrive (that was my word one year) and be fruitful.

Connect with others

I worked on my word “connect”. Today I looked at connecting with others. That takes effort. I try to connect with those who are active in my Facebook group, Growing through God’s Word. I wonder about the other 475 of them.

I connect with family — sometimes each day.

This year, I will try harder to work with face-to-face friends and internet friends.

How do you connect with others?

A move can make it more difficult to connect.

We moved to our current location just before COVID. We finally found a church home. I’m starting to feel connected there. I joined a ukulele group there. I help with Church School.

My scripture to focus on:

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24–25, NKJV)

Connect with my gifts

Today I looked at my word from “Connecting with my gifts.”

I have three that I know of.

Art. Writing. Music.

So to help me I am doing the following.

1. Art: Joined an online art group with challenges for 30 days. I found it on Substack. It’s been amazing. Only 10 minutes.

2 Writing: Continue to write on Medium and Substack. Finish a few book projects.

3. Music: Practice piano. Practice ukulele. Sing.

My scripture to focus on:

Every believer has received grace gifts, so use them to serve one another as faithful stewards of the many-colored tapestry of God’s grace. (1 Peter 4:10, TPT)

Connect with my whole body

Today, connect with my whole body, mind, body and spirit. Get enough rest, food, and exercise.

I had one year where I heard “intentional” in my whole life — mind, body and spirit.

My scripture to focus on:

Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? (‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬, NLT)

Today’s update

In the past two weeks, I have been able to connect with an old friend from AZ. I also connected with a friend we got to know in Florida. And yesterday I connected with a friend I haven’t talked or seen for many years. God is amazing! Looking for what He will show me each day.

Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement. Get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed. ~ Abraham Joshua Heschel

May I pray for you and me?

Heavenly Father, our lives are very different from the times of Jesus. But we still need to connect in many ways. Please help us to find the way that is according to Your plan. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Janis Cox is a blogger, author/illustrator, and publisher.

She began journaling while reading the Bible to deepen her faith. Inspired by God’s call, she now encourages others to read the Bible and grow in their faith. Join her in the Growing through God’s Word Facebook group to learn more.

You can also check out her books on Amazon, but please note that Amazon sometimes adds unrelated books to her page. Be sure to look for her name on the cover.

Have You Found Your Word of the Year? was originally published in Koinonia on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.