Devotions By Jan

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High Surf Advisory

la-me-ln-high-surf-advisory-in-effect-for-southern-california-beaches-20140822Scripture for Today: Psalm 107:29 “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.”

It is not uncommon to hear of high surf advisories in our area of Southern California.  The National Weather Service uses this term to describe any pounding surf that poses a danger to those in the water.  This alert can also mean the presence of dangerous rip currents or “sneaker waves.”  The sneaker wave is a coastal wave that is much greater in force and height than the ones preceding it.  It is unanticipated and takes one by surprise.

Today’s verse is reassuring as a reminder of God’s absolute control of the waves and the weather.  He stills the storm to just a whisper.  The waves that looked so menacing are hushed in a moment at His command.  What is less reassuring is verse 25 where He spoke and stirred up the tempest that lifted  the waves up high to begin with.  In this psalm several negative scenarios are described where God allows circumstances that cause people distress.  Each time they cry to the Lord and each time with love and tenderness He responds.  The Lord allows the difficulty to show Himself powerful.  He shows His unfailing love and His wonderful work in a way that would not have been otherwise seen.

Those waves ebb and flow in each life.  There are wonderful times of calm, but perhaps more often, the winds are blowing and the waves are rough.  But with each storm He is there, ready to show Himself powerful and build up my faith.  He is faithful and has never yet failed me.  He will not let those waves overcome me.  He has already overcome the world and I can trust Him!

Thank you Lord, for Your steady love holding me up!


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Oil Tasting

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 1:9 “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”

There are so many varieties of flavored-infused olive oils to choose from that stores will sometimes offer a “tasting bar.”  The salesman was adept at explaining the different pairings and recipes possible, so much so that I walked away with an expensive bottle of rosemary flavored oil.  I am supposed to feel good about olive oil as it is better for good health than some others.  But oil is still fat and I hesitate to feel too enthusiastic about it!

Today’s verse mentions an oil of joy and is speaking of Christ which means, “the anointed One.”  Jesus is set apart as holy and righteous, superior to the angels or any other created being.  There is joy in this righteous relationship Christ shares with the Father.  There is joy despite the fact that Jesus was called a “Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” (Is. 53:3)  It was for the joy set before Him that He endured the cross (Heb. 12:2).  It is this same joy that we can experience even when going through trial and difficulty (James 1:2).

Just as oil was used in biblical times to consecrate and set apart a person, so this “oil of joy” does for me today.  Living with joy when nothing is going according to plan sets me apart and makes me different!  Joy in spite of grave health problems, uncertain finances or dashed dreams is not the norm.  But His Spirit’s fruit includes a joy that I can set before me as I endure whatever life may throw at me!

Lord, may the oil of joy overflow my heart regardless of what today may bring.


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Counting Blessings

IMG_20151222_105135Scripture for Today: Ephesians 1:3 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

I was the lucky one!  During an ornament exchange I felt that I was the big winner taking home this royal vial.  The crown on top reminded me that I am a child of the King.  And the word, “blessed,” is such a good reminder to me of all that I have received.  I especially needed to keep that truth in mind when surrounded by the glitz and glamour of store displays and the draw of the next new thing.  I loved this ornament so much I made it into a necklace!

Today is the last day of the year and a good time to reflect on all His blessings.  Today’s verse is full of praise for blessings already given to those who know and love the Lord.  These blessings are not material but spiritual.  That means they will last into eternity!  He has blessed His own by choosing them, adopting them, granting redemption and forgiveness, marking them with the Holy Spirit, and giving them an inheritance!  What an incredible list of blessings!

I sometimes get distracted by what I consider “blessing” here on this earth.  But whatever I think I am lacking is of no importance when compared to the riches of His grace and the blessing of an eternal home with Him.  If He never blessed me with another material blessing, I would still be unbelievably blessed by what He has already done for me!  My heart is so blessed that the only way to respond is to praise Him!

Lord, make my heart grateful today for all Your incredible blessings!


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Ornate Frames

Scripture for Today: Psalm 115:1 “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 this one goes a little overboard!  The frame is 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 photograph.  A photo inserted in this frame would be completely swallowed up!  Sometimes, the simpler the frame the more effective it is in showcasing the picture.

This ornate frame 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, than I am failing to do what I am created for; glorifying His name.  To acclaim Him is my purpose for living.  To exalt Him, to praise Him, to extol 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 most worthy of all praise!

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


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Shutters

Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:5 “You have enclosed me behind and before, And You have placed Your hand upon me.”

I loved living with shutters in both Germany and France.  They completely blocked out noise and light, making it easy to sleep in!  When a storm came through, it was great to protect the newly washed windows from rain splatters.  During a hot spell, closed shutters kept the house cooler.  And for security reasons shutters were especially helpful.  In fact, some insurance plans would refuse to cover for theft if the shutters were open!  But the best thing about shutters was the sense of privacy they afforded.  I often felt a sense of peace with those shutters closing out the world.

Today’s verse describes just how well God’s Spirit knows me.  He knows when I am sitting, standing, when I go out and when I return.  He knows me so well that He knows what I am going to say before I say it.  Rather than this being an uncomfortable thought, it is a truth that is wonderful.  His thoughts to me are too numerous to count and they are precious (verse 17).  He lays His hand on me in a loving and protective gesture.  Like those shutters, He encloses and surrounds me with His presence and His love.

The world often needs to be blocked out.  Being enclosed in the Lord’s presence is only possible when I retreat from all the noise and activity around me.  To be still and listen to His voice often means turning off all the other clamoring distractions.  It is shutting the door to the room or closet to pray in private (Matt. 6:6).  When I make that effort, He is there, ready to meet me.

Lord, help me to shut out the world today and enjoy Your presence.