Devotions By Jan


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Eyes Everywhere!

Scripture for Today: II Chronicles 16:9a “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him…”

It is not a very comfortable feeling to know you are being watched. Of course, these cameras on public streets can be a reassurance that the bad guy, the driver at fault or the carjacker can be caught. But there is plenty of controversy surrounding privacy issues!

Today’s verse describes another kind of surveillance. The eyes of the Lord are looking throughout the earth. He is looking for hearts that are fully committed to Him so that He can strengthen them. The context is war and though the people were outnumbered, God saw their hearts and that they relied on Him. Because of that, He strengthened them and gave them victory.

God’s eyes are watching me to see if my heart is fully His. That is a surveillance I welcome. But there are other eyes watching too. My enemy the devil is prowling around like a lion, looking and looking for someone to devour. (I Peter 5:8) He is looking for the weak and uncommitted heart. No one wants that kind of surveillance! But as my heart belongs fully to the Lord, I do not have to worry about that pair of eyes. God has already secured the victory for me!

Thank you Lord, that You are my El Roi, the God Who Sees!


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Pied Crow

Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:16b “…all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

At first glance this bird could be mistaken for a magpie. The Pied Crow is a 20 inch-tall-resident of Ghana. Called “pied” for having two colors, he is smart with the cognitive equivalent of a 5-7 year old! It is considered bad luck when he and his friends gather on someone’s roof. The myth says that someone inside will soon die!

Today’s verse reminds us that the number of days we live on this earth is not a random number. Before our eyes ever saw the light of day, the length of our lives was already ordained by our Creator. The number of days is even written down, assuring us not only that God is in control but that He is not capricious. He has a plan and purpose in all He does.

How wonderful to know that my homegoing is a planned event that He considers “precious!” (Ps. 116:15) I can live without worry or fear about what the end of days may look like. Just as He has been faithful throughout my life, so He will be faithful in that last step over the threshold of Heaven!

Thank you Lord that I can live life with confidence in Your plan!


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How Much Is Too Much?

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 30:8b-9 “…give me neither poverty nor riches but give me only my daily bread.”

I love cherry season although it seems like such a short one. Sometimes my cherries will look like the ones pictured; split or ruptured. Those cherries may have come from Central Washington where too much rain can cause this problem. A news report explained that their summers receive so much rainfall that the cherries get too much of a good thing…getting water logged and cracking or rupturing. So low-flying helicopters, within the first two hours after a rain, are used like a giant hairdryer to dry out the cherries!

Today’s verse is in a passage that recognizes the danger of having too much or not enough. Too much and we tend to forget God, being entirely self-sufficient, thinking “Who is the Lord?” (verse 9) When we have plenty and everything is good, why pray? There is no need to depend on Him for anything. To have plenty or more than enough keeps us from realizing our spiritual needs. But to constantly be in need of the basics of life can make one bitter towards God and can even lead to stealing and dishonoring His name. (verse 9) Neither extreme is good.

The Lord does not give me too much. He knows better than I do at what point I may forget Him. He knows much more than I do what I can handle and what I cannot! If I feel a dry hot desert wind blowing on me, it could be that He is teaching me to depend on Him and not myself. His grace is sufficient. I do not want to wish or yearn for anything more except more of Him.

Thank you Lord, that Your provision today will be perfect!


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Scarify a Seed?

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 4:17 “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

These tough-coated seeds seem to be a humble beginning for such a beautiful flower! The Morning Glory, once it germinates, puts on a colorful display. But the seeds benefit from “scarifying.” The tough seed coat when nicked with a knife allows water and air to penetrate so the germinating process can begin.

Today’s verse promises the believer that an eternal glory awaits! What a comfort this must have been to those early believers being cruelly persecuted. What is so surprising is Paul calling their troubles “light” and “momentary”! And yet compared to the glory of Heaven and our eternal destiny, our problems seem fleeting and less significant.

I often need to change my perspective with this reality check! Of course, what I face in this fallen world can be devastating. But I can move through it with the Lord’s help, strength, and this hope. And what He allows in my life that can be so hard penetrates my hard shell and is used to grow my faith. “It Will Be Worth It All” an old hymn, states that life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ!

Thank you Lord for the hope of a future with You that will never end!


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“Shaken not Stirred”

Scripture for Today: Psalm 16:8 “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

“Shaken not stirred” is the famous line that seems to be included in every James Bond movie! Whether I care or not, I know his preference for how his martini is prepared. But the consensus among many bartenders is that stirred is better than shaken! That shaking produces a watered down cloudier version.

Today’s verse is a declaration from David that he will not be shaken as long as he has the Lord at his right hand and he keeps his eyes on Him. It is the Lord who takes hold of his right hand, the strong hand for battle. And as He does, He says not to fear and He promises His help. (Isaiah 41:13) As mighty and powerful as David was, he had his moments of fear and uncertainty.

The shaking in my life makes my spiritual sight clouded and my faith diluted. Abrupt change, loss, and the unexpected can unsettle me. But I am reassured when I tear my eyes away from circumstances out of my control and redirect my gaze to the One who has all the control. He is my Rock and my stability.

Lord, keep my eyes on You today.