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.

“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.

Poetry is language at its most distilled and most powerful. — Rita Dove

As writers of non-fiction, we are creatives. We take what we know or have learned and impart it to others.

I have written in various genres of non-fiction. Almost all of it has come from reading God’s Word and then journaling my thoughts.

Poetry helps me express my thoughts in a clear, distinct way. It’s God’s truth in short concise statements. I have two favourite forms: Haiku — (3 lines, 5 syllables, 7 syllables and 5 syllables) and Abecedarian — (using the alphabet, I let my thoughts out one letter at a time).

How Can I Express Myself Through Poetry?

Here is an example. Read the following.

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God. (2 Corinthians 3:5, NKJV)

Every evidence of self-reliance must be slain by the power of God. (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest)

I also look for a couple of other biblical references. I found:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13, NKJV)

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33, NKJV)

My first poem was straight forward. It’s a Haiku.

God Alone

Rely not on me
God alone is sufficient
Seek God, find the truth

I wrote another poem — an Abecedarian.

From the Beginning to End

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. (Revelation 13:22, NLT)

After the
Beginning of
Creation
Death
Entered.

Fast forward.

God
Has a plan
In order to save us.

Jesus came to
Keep our relationship alive.

Love
Moves
Neighbours to
Open their hearts
Partnering with God.

eQuip others with life.

Rescue those who don’t know HIm.

Salvation is for anyone.

Teaching
Understanding by
Visions and by the
Word.

Excitement abounds for
Young and old

Zed — the End.

What can we take away from this?

God wants to speak to us and does so in various forms. The Bible is full of poetry, stories, parables, and memoirs. We, too, can express His Word in these forms.

What do you write? Do you use the Bible to kick start your thoughts?

May I pray for you and me?

Heavenly Father, we thank You for all the gifts You have given us. Please inspire us to spread Your Word and Your love to our world. 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.

How Poetry Can Help You and Others Connect to God was originally published in My Creative Mind on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

When thoughts just come to you, what do you do? I write them down.

Here is my Haiku.

Life

Worry can kill life
Instead, live in the moment
Leave the rest to God

Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭20‬‭, NKJV‬‬)

May I pray for you and me?

Heavenly Father, we have many troubles in this world. Help us to always look to you for help. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Blessings,
Jan

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.

How Thoughts Can Inspire Poetry was originally published in My Creative Mind on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

It’s not easy finding the right path. We can read books. We can ask others. But really I think the best way to really hearing God speak — to having a conversation, is to ask Him.

Many years ago I didn’t know that a connection was possible. Sure I would pray when things didn’t go well or if I wanted something really really badly.

But then I started to work at finding out my faith.

I wanted to know the truth.

So I started to search. I found a church that allowed questions. And would let me search for the answers. They didn’t push. They led.

After about a year of reading, attending Bible studies, attending church, going on retreats and conferences I finally believed that Jesus was the Son of God. I had all the head knowledge I needed.

But it still wasn’t enough. I couldn’t connect. I didn’t have any spiritual connection not in my heart.

A friend suggested that I ask Jesus to reveal Himself to me.

Hesitantly in my next alone study time, I asked that if Jesus were real, He would reveal Himself to me.

What happened next doesn’t seem believable to those who aren’t attuned to the spiritual. But honestly, I felt touched. I felt touched so much with an amazing love that I fell to the floor. It was as if a “whoosh” had descended upon me.

At that moment I believed: my head, my heart, my soul, my body. I knew for sure that Jesus was real.

And for the following years up until this moment He has touched me every day. I continue to talk to Him, to study His Word and to connect with other believers.

I have found my true path to God.

Now I love not only to journal in writing but in painting. You can see some of my Bible Journaling below.

If you are looking for a way to connect with God deeply and creatively. If you are tired of scrolling through Facebook pages and getting nothing of value….

Please join us at our interactive Growing Through God’s Word Private Facebook Group.

We share. We learn. We create. We connect. We grow.

How Can I Find My Best Trail to God? was originally published in My Creative Mind on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.