Devotions By Jan


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Dredging It Up Again!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 103:12 “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

My husband and I enjoy our walks on Balboa Island but this view is not so pretty! These barges are dredging up the surrounding bay, moving 900 thousand cubic yards of sediment. They have have been at it for ten months, removing that sand, silt, clay and fine mud out of there. They are dumping most of it six miles off shore in the open ocean. Without this periodic dredging, boats would not be able to navigate in the shallowing waters.

Dredging things up in relationships is not such a good idea! Today’s verse reminds us that when God forgives, He doesn’t bring it all up again. The two most distant points one can imagine; sunrise in the east and sunset in the west, is the image used to express how far the Lord has removed our sins from us. He does this to prove the great love He has for those that fear Him (verse 11). Memories of past sin that have already been forgiven are not from Him!

Would that my love for others would not dredge up past hurts or disappointments! Especially in marriage, there is a whole litany available to bring up on both sides. But to rehash what has already been dealt with serves no purpose other than to drive a wedge. I am relieved that God doesn’t do it with me. But instead He chooses to not remember confessed sin (Is. 43:25). I know He can give me that same heart of forgiveness when I ask it of Him.

Lord, don’t let me dredge up the past.


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“Helicopter Brain”

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 2:2 “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

Do you experience headaches, gut trouble, chronic fatigue or dizziness with tingling sensations? If you do, you may be suffering from “helicopter brain!” This is a new term that describes a nervous system that constantly stays on high alert. It is a brain that is continually scanning for danger. This state of affairs is the result of information overload, coming from constant news consumption, digital notifications and scrolling!

Today’s verse presents a clear contrast! Paul is keeping focused on his mission to convey the message of Jesus and the cross. His mind was not distracted by earthly things (Phil. 3:19) but was instead “set” on things above (Col. 3:2). Paul was single-minded and prioritized what he knew to be true and eternal.

There is the saying that you can be so heavenly-minded that you are of no earthly good. I don’t believe it! Having an eternal perspective helps me stop the noise of those whirling helicopter blades. When pleasing my Creator is my heart’s desire, it is then that I can do the most good! Prioritizing thoughts of Him rearranges all my other concerns. When trying to sleep, focusing on the Lord, His Word and His promises is often the only way to redirect my fly-away thoughts.

Lord, help me make You the focus of my thoughts today.


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East-Facing Graves

Scripture for Today: Matthew 24:27 “For as lightening that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”

It is that time again when goblins, ghosts, and skeletons make their way to our doors asking for treats on Halloween. Some will celebrate All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints Day and Day of the Dead with plenty of brightly decorated skull heads. In contrast, this graveyard is one of many that by the position of the gravestones quietly bare testimony to a spiritual truth that gives hope in the face of death.

Today’s verse tells us the reason why many graveyards have their headstones facing east. The idea is that in rising from the dead the believers will be positioned to see His second coming, not having to turn around! The Lord taught that He will come on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (verse 30). The point of His teaching was to reassure us that His second coming will be visible and obvious to all, the living and the dead!

There are so many questions on future events prophesied in Scripture. But one thing is sure. He is coming back! More important than my view at that resurrection is where I am looking today! (I John 3:3) Anticipating Christ’s return changes how I live.  In looking toward this event I am motivated to please Him.When where and from what direction is secondary to the fact that He will be coming back for me to be with Him forever. And I want to be ready!

Lord, at Your return may You find me faithful!


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Snowflake Obsidian

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:76 “May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.”

As a child, this is one of the first stones I could easily recognize in the immense collection of my Father! For years I have enjoyed the jewelry pieces he created from his lapidary hobby. The snowflake obsidian is actually a naturally occurring piece of volcanic glass! The white cristobalite minerals create that recognizable snowflake pattern. Those that attribute healing properties to stones claim that this one offers gentle grounding after trauma and when grieving.

Today’s verse gives a true and more reliable source of comfort. It is God’s unfailing love for His own that can ground us during trauma or sustain us when grieving a loss. He is called the “God of all comfort” who comforts us in all our troubles. (II Cor. 1:3-4a) He gentles us with His unconditional love. He reassures us by His very presence and wraps loving arms around us. There is no earthly love that can read and understand those feelings of lostness and despair like He does. His love never fails us.

When faced with sudden and inexplicable pain, my first reaction is to question His love. I am so glad to have the promises in Scripture to cling to when feeling abandoned. My feelings are too fickle to rely on but His love is unchangeable! And it is when I remind myself of the truth of His love that my feelings will follow! My sorrow can be dark and black. The beautiful light of the snowflakes appear when I open myself to His love.

Thank you Lord, for always being my comfort.


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Doggy Patience!

Scripture for Today: Colossians 1:11 “being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.”

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Child_with_a_dog_02.jpg

If ever patience could be captured in an image, this picture would qualify! I grew up with cats and I can’t imagine sitting on their backs or pulling on their ears! But this dog from a village in Uganda, patiently endures the uncomfortable attentions from this little child. More than just enduring it, these domestic dogs often will fiercely protect their little charges from strangers who enter the village.

Today’s verse talks about great endurance and patience and it is not something we can produce on our own. It is through the strength and power of the Lord that we can navigate hard times with a patient attitude. His “glorious might” makes it possible to weather that ongoing problem with confidence in His love. To live a life worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in every way (verse 10) is to live with confident trust. Exhibiting patience and endurance is most often the result of having that trust tested and seeing the Lord come through for us. (James 1:3)

For me, the biggest test of patience is waiting for the Lord to answer my prayers, my way. His timing is rarely my own. And I tend to treat my prayers as “unanswered” if I don’t receive the answer desired! How many times I have worried, full of anxiety while awaiting His response! But being impatient serves no purpose and certainly does not obligate Him to hurry! I know He is pleased when I wait for His answers and promises with a patient calm heart.

Lord, help me to patiently trust You more.