Devotions By Jan

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Stork Sightings

Scripture for Today:Psalm 84:2 “My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”

How fun to be back in the land of the storks!  Here on the French/German border I see them daily on my walks and they always take my breath away, soaring above my head or foraging in the fields.  There are lots of beliefs and legends surrounding this magnificent bird.  In ancient Egypt a stork was used as a hieroglyph for the “Ba”or “soul.”  And in Germany storks have long been protected because of the belief that their souls were human!

Today’s verse describes a soul that yearns and even faints for the presence of the Lord.  The soul of man is created to have intimate relationship with his Creator.  The courts of the Lord are a lovely place (verse 1).  Being in His courts for even just one day is better than a thousand days anywhere else! (verse 10)  We are told to “dwell” in His house as a sparrow and swallow would nest in her home (verse 3).  This is not just a Sunday church experience but a daily closeness with Him.  Those that dwell in His house are happy and blessed, praising Him for His goodness (verse 4).

I know I am far from His house or presence when I am dissatisfied and negative.  When I am feeling far away from my Creator, there is a lack of joy and praising Him is not a natural impulse.  When I have had enough of my own company I feel my soul being drawn again to His wonderful and lovely presence.  I yearn for those soft sweet whispers of love and reassurance.

Thank you Lord, that You always welcome me back to Your presence!


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Cherry Picking

Scripture for Today: Romans 3:23-24 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely through His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

Two cherry laden trees sat untouched half way through my vineyard walk.  Every day I would check on their progress.  Today the cherries were not only at their peak but some were even rotting on the branches.  It seemed the most natural thing to do to help myself to a few hand fulls.  The sweet juice dripped all over my fingers, staining them red and purple.  Although I was sure the owner would not mind, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I could be caught “red-handed” as technically I had taken something not belonging to me!

Today’s verse explains that we are all red-handed.  “Sin had left a crimson stain” on all of our hands as we are all guilty of breaking God’s perfect law.  There is no way to remove that stain on our own.  But thankfully, one pair of hands are not red but nail-scarred.  Because of His amazing grace we are justified or declared righteous through what Christ did on that cross.  He sacrificed Himself freely out of love for us and not because we deserved it.

I want clean hands and a pure heart.  It is only then that I can enjoy Him, receive blessing and vindication from Him (Ps. 24;3-5).  But there is no cleansing without the humility to admit guilt and come clean with the Lord.  Rather than hiding my hands behind my back, He invites me to discover grace and forgiveness.  He is faithful and just to always forgive and give me a clean start. (I John 1:9)

Thank you Lord, that I can always come clean with You.


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Claim to Fame!

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:17 “Now if we are His children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” 

It was completely unexpected to casually run into Marine Le Pen!  Whether we agreed with her politics of not, we grabbed this photo opportunity as she was such a prominent controversial figure.  Perhaps we felt we had a small claim to fame by association!  As with anyone standing in the lime light, we ordinary people can hope that a bit of that shine will rub off on us if we stand close enough!

Today’s verse tells us that those who belong to God are His heirs along with His Son, Christ.  As believers, we are His children and have been graciously given the right of inheritance.  It is a heady thought.  Believers belong to the most important being in the universe and we are privileged to share in His glory.  However, sharing in His glory means there will be suffering.  If people persecuted our Master then believers, as His servants, can expect persecution as well (John 15:20).  But whatever it is we are suffering now cannot even be compared with the glory ahead of us! (Rom.8:18)

I love thinking about the glory that is my future but who wants to go through suffering?  In this fallen world I am not exempt from pain, disappointment, or heartbreak.  But there can be joy in the morning after a night of weeping.  He is faithful to bring me through the most awful circumstances.  I know this because He has!  And even now, He rewards me by sharing even a small glimpse His glory.

Thank you Lord that, “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!”


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Celebrate!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 89:15-16 “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, Lord. They rejoice in Your name all day long; they celebrate Your righteousness.”

Who doesn’t enjoy a good party!  The celebration pictured here captures excitement and enthusiasm.  I can almost hear the beat of the music and the laughter.  A good party for me would always include balloons, confetti and Abba music!  Add good food and good friends and it’s a guaranteed success!  If my husband were ever to throw a surprise party for me, he would know to include all those important ingredients.

Today’s verse gives us reason to celebrate.  This party centers around the most important guest, the Lord Himself.  It is His righteousness and name that are celebrated.  I love how this verse talks about “learning” to worship and acclaim Him!  As we grow in our faith we grow too in our adoration and praise for all He has done.  Praising Him leads to joy and celebration.  Gone is the long religious pious face.  Our demeanor and our expression radiate the joy and blessing He puts in our hearts!

This is a celebration that is not confined to just one season, time or place.  We can walk in His presence and rejoice all day and every day!  I can just imagine how crazy happy Heaven will be with blasting trumpets and shouts of joy!  There will be no sad interruptions.  But we do have a “foretaste” now of that eternal party.  Whenever I consider and think on who He is and what He has done for me, my heart turns to Him in praise and my whole being fills with joy!

Lord, make this day a day of celebration!

(Look familiar?  This is a re-post due to summer ministry schedule.)


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Sauna

Scripture for Today: I Chronicles 28:19 “All this…I have in writing as a result of the Lord’s hand on me, and He enabled me to understand all the details of the plan.”

The wet heat of a sauna is the preferred choice for many to lower stress and relax.  The deep sweating raises the core body temperature allowing the blood vessels to dilate.  The increased blood flow relaxes muscles and cleanses the skin of toxins.  It all sounds good, but for me there is one big problem.  I do not like to sweat!

I find myself repeating the saying, “don’t sweat the small stuff,” when trying to calm myself.  Recently, I have been drowning in details of administration.  The project was a stretch and outside of my comfort zone.  I had to continually remind myself that my God is a God of detail and I can trust Him to help me in the smallest fine point of planning.

In today’s verse David declares God’s faithfulness.  The Lord helped him with construction plans  for the Temple his son, Solomon, was to build.  God’s hand was on David to help him understand the smallest detail.  I love that!  Our God is big and powerful to do mighty amazing things.  But He is also a God of minute detail.  Because He loves and cares for us, He cares about the small things in our lives as well.

The following verse concludes the thought.  Because our Lord is a God who takes care of detail, I can trust Him.  He tells me to be strong and courageous and do the work, knowing that He will never fail me or forsake me!  In other words, “don’t sweat the small stuff.”

Thank you Lord, that for You it is all small stuff!

(Look familiar?  This is a re-post due to summer ministry schedule.)