Devotions By Jan

Monthly Archives: July 2026


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Gotta Have the Last Word!

Scripture for Today:Proverbs 16:1 “To humans belong the plans of the heart but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.”

The Siamese cat is known for his distinctive coloring. I grew up with Chin-Chin, a seal point. She was very dark and her blue eyes were startling. The Siamese are one of the oldest breeds, thought to originate in Thailand in the 14th century. Our Chin-Chin lived to about eighteen years old. But what I remember most about her was how talkative she was! A Siamese is known to be vocal, commenting on everything throughout their day. Chin-Chin took it one step further. She had to have the last word!

Today’s verse, a proverb, makes the observation that man naturally makes plans in his heart. But the Lord has the last word on those plans. From Him comes what is proper to do and to say. With His word or decision, He establishes plans. (verse 3) It is the Lord who establishes man’s steps. (verse 9) Whatever the plans of our hearts, James tells us to do our planning with the recognition that the Lord has the last word on whether today or tomorrow, “we do this or that.” (James 4:13-15)

I need to lay every plan or project before the Lord. My motives can be dubious and I can be unaware of them. (Jer, 17:9-10) But He can search my heart and examine my mind, pointing out wrong motives. I may be convinced that my plan is good. And it might very well be. But His plan is always better. He sees what I cannot. And when I humbly lay my plans before the Lord, I can at the same time ask for His will, His way and His blessing.

I am grateful, Lord, that You have the last word and that Your word is good!

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2022)


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That Tunnel

Scripture for Today: Colossians 3:1-2  “Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

There is not much to enjoy about tunnels. They are normally dark, smelly, and claustrophobic. When traversing a mountain in Europe, the tunnel usually has the length posted on a sign at the entrance. I find that helpful when the tunnel is especially long and the exit cannot readily be seen. This walking tunnel is the exception, brightly lit and with colorful murals painted on the walls. But whether agreeable or not, the most important view is the light at the end of it!

Today’s verse talks about setting our minds and hearts on things above in Heaven. It is because the believer has been raised with Christ that he can see his world differently. Rather than focusing on the tunnel, he sees the light at the end of it. Christ is that Light (John 8:12).  And He promises that the believer will never walk in darkness. It is never completely dark as He is there and He is the light of life.

When life is good, my mind and heart are set firmly on earthly things. I am less likely to think on Heaven when the tunnel is light, bright and agreeable. But when I forget about eternity, somehow the tunnel can become full of shadows and uncomfortable. Life becomes a bit dim when I focus entirely on what I can see and touch.  But it is when life is difficult that my gaze turns to that Light at the end of the tunnel. He is my future. He is my Hope. Life, whether easy or difficult, is a “tunnel experience” and will not last forever. But life with Him will!

Lord, keep me focused on what is ahead!


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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!