Devotions By Jan


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What a Nut!

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 17:7-8a “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes;”

The cashew is easily my favorite nut and when I read about the involved cultivation and processing, it made me appreciate it that much more! The red part pictured is called the “cashew apple” although it is only the swollen stem. The actual fruit is the “drupe” that contains the nut, so easily seen hanging from it on the outside. In the tropical climates where it is cultivated, it is planted in the rainy season when it can take root. That way, it can survive the long dry season that follows.

Today’s verses describe the one who trusts in the Lord as a tree that is planted by that all-important water. Without it, roots cannot be established and there is no growth. The one who trusts the Lord and has confidence in Him is blessed. That blessing is evident to all as the leaves are always green. There is no worry in a time of drought as this “tree” will always bear fruit (verses 8b). The coming of the heat is never in question. It is “when” not “if” the heat comes.

Why then am I surprised to experience times of drought and dryness? Difficulties and obstacles can make for some pretty intense heat. But with confidence and trust in my Savior I can move through those times without fear. The refreshing water of His Word and presence keeps me from wilting. Not only that, even during dry times there is still fruit as the Lord is the One producing it! He is working even when I don’t see it.

Thank you Lord, that regardless of circumstances You continue to grow me and use me!


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A Knee-Jerk Reaction

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 21:23 “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”

No one enjoys being “hammered” in this part of a physical exam! When that reflex hammer strikes just below the patella, the leg is supposed to extend as an automatic reflex. This reaction is what helps maintain balance and posture without conscious thought. But the term has also come to mean an immediate unthinking and emotional response. And in fact, in life the knee-jerk reaction sometimes involves acting like a jerk!

Today’s verse cautions that our mouths and tongues need to be guarded. The automatic unthinking response can lead to calamity or to making a situation worse. And the automatic unthinking response is usually what comes out of our mouths! That “reflex hammer” can be anything that provokes, especially when we are tired. It is natural to just react but as believers, God’s Spirit offers self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23)

This morning my mouth needed guarding as an entire box of ear swabs scattered all over the less-than-clean floor! My tongue seems to be on automatic reflex when a car cuts me off on the road! That reflex hammer seems to strike when I least suspect. And I want the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart to be acceptable to my Creator. (Psalm 19:14)

Lord, help me to react in a way that pleases You.


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What a Comfort!

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 23:4  “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”


My husband could not resist pulling off the side of the road in the French countryside to get this picture. We have it on our wall with the twenty third Psalm printed below it. I was surprised that one lone shepherd could keep all these sheep in line! But perhaps they were more of a “flock” than a “mob” which is what a group of sheep are called in Australia and New Zealand. He does look to have a rod in his hand, so needed to keep those silly sheep in line. Without the shepherd’s intervention, the sheep would wander all over the place and get themselves in trouble.

Today’s verse calls the rod and staff a “comfort.” The rod was a sturdy club fashioned from a thick wooden branch. It was used to protect the sheep, direct them and keep them on the right path. The longer staff with its hooked end was used more for gentle guidance and for rescue when needed. With God’s protection, direction and rescue, the “sheep” representing believers, have no reason to fear evil.

What may look like an impediment to my freedom is actually used for my good! These tools of my Shepherd may certainly feel uncomfortable but like the psalmist I can say that they are a comfort. What a comfort to know that He is keeping me on that “path of righteousness!” What a comfort to know that He is protecting me from evil! What a comfort it is to know that even if I get myself into trouble because of my own stubbornness, He is there to rescue me!

Thank you Lord, that with You as my Shepherd I have no reason to fear!


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Picture This!

Scripture for Today:“Not to us, Lord, not to us but to Your name be the glory, because of Your love and faithfulness.”

I appreciate a fancy picture frame but these two go a little overboard! The frames are so ornate that it cannot help but distract from whatever picture it surrounds. The whole point of a frame is to highlight and draw the eye to the image. Whatever is inserted in these frames would be completely swallowed up! Sometimes, the simpler the frame the more effective it is in showcasing what it surrounds..

These ornate frames made me think of the concept in today’s verse. We can get carried away with our own importance. We forget that our role as believers is not to showcase ourselves and our own accomplishments, but to draw attention to our Creator. He is the central figure, not us. He is to be glorified and honored for His incredible love and faithfulness to us. Our role is to showcase all He has done and His perfect attributes. The frame that detracts is the frame that is full of self-importance.

Of course, God’s glory is too immense to be overshadowed by anything man can do or create. But anytime I take credit for something He has done for me and through me then I am failing to do what I am created to do. And that is to bring honor and glory to His name! To draw attention to Him is my purpose for living. To exalt Him, to praise Him, to extol Him and tell of His powerful and awesome works is why I am placed on this earth (Psalm 145).  Whether the frame is made of gold or wood is of no importance. He is the One I want to showcase!

Lord, don’t let this day pass without me praising Your name to others!


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A Voluntary Test

Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:23 “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”

I wish there were some other way to check one’s cholesterol levels than a blood test. They are never fun and neither is the fasting beforehand. The waiting room experience usually increases my anxiety. The nurse asks me which arm I prefer. Neither, really. I make the required fist and try to remember those relaxing techniques. Surely it was something about breathing. I know not to look. Is this really necessary? Can’t I just promise to lay off the ice cream? 

Today’s verse is about another test which is also a voluntary one. This test involves one’s heart, motivation and thoughts. The One who does the testing is infinitely more patient, tender and loving than any health professional. He goes deeper than any needle can reach and reveals what cannot be seen. He not only reveals potential problems but He is there to lovingly deal with them.

Just as blood testing is not a comfortable experience, so this heart examination can be uncomfortable for me. Seeing my failings and imperfections can burst my self-satisfied bubble and leave me vulnerable. When He searches my heart He may find remnants of bitterness and lack of forgiveness, thought to be already resolved. He sees those anxious thoughts that may signal my lack of faith. But when He brings these things to light, He offers full and complete pardon. The heart no longer feels heavy but light with forgiveness and reassurance!

Search me today Lord, and make my heart healthy with Your loving care.