Devotions By Jan

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Money Grows on Trees!

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 3:17b-18 “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have the power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.”

My parents always told me that money does not grow on trees!  Imagine my surprise to learn that there have been found particles of gold on the leaves of some eucalyptus trees!  The incredibly long roots of this tree, up to 8.2 feet, delve up to 130 feet.  In Australia, some of these eucalyptus trees have pilfered gold from ore deposits underground and have transported them to their leaves!  The concentration of gold is only 46 parts per billion.  Still, it is amazing that some trees have rooted themselves in something so precious!

Our verse for today encourages the believer to be rooted and established in something even more precious; the love of Christ.  Just as the leaves of the eucalyptus tree reveal secrets hidden underground, so the “leaves” of the life of a believer reveal where he is planted.  The love of Christ is so vast and nourishing that our lives reflect Him as He develops His fruit in us.

Being rooted and established in His love is essential to my well-being.  His love is what allows me to grow and thrive.  Without it, I would shrivel up.  Being grounded in His love makes loving others possible.  This immeasurable love is my reason to be.  To be honest, there are times I am not feeling it.  In those moments I delve deeper into His Word.  I take more time to listen to Him.  I watch for those sweet affirmations through prayer in my spirit.  I so often need those reassurances and He never disappoints!

Lord, keep me rooted in Your love today!


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Morning Routine

Scripture for Today: Psalm 5:3 “In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait patiently.”

It is amazing how quickly morning routines are established, some with no thought at all.  We are creatures of habit and can easily fall into a routine that allows us to be on “auto pilot.”  It is easier for me to follow a set pattern of behavior, especially when first waking up.  However, some routines take tremendous motivation to establish.  There are exercise routines with which the mind agrees are important but the flesh resists!  There are eating routines that could be beneficial but difficult to follow.  The coffee habit on first awaking is one that would be difficult for me to change!

Our verse for today would be a good morning routine.  David chose the morning to lay out his requests before the Lord in prayer.  The first action of the day was to direct his thoughts and voice to the One who is always there, ready to listen.  The Lord knows the moment we are awake and open our eyes (Psalm 139:2).  He knows our thoughts before they are voiced.  He is attentive and waiting for our thoughts and voice to turn to Him.

It makes sense to me to lay all my requests for the day before Him before even getting out of bed.  So often, I wake with thoughts of what the day could or should hold.  Laying before Him my worries, my plans and projects, and my loved ones makes getting up much more positive!  I can face the day with a lighter spirit, trusting Him to work.

“O Lord, in the morning, shall I direct my prayers unto Thee and will look up!”


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Remembering Sacrifice

Scripture for Today: Matthew 16:25 “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will find it.”

Today on Memorial Day, North Americans remember those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.  We commemorate the war dead with special ceremonies, parades, speeches, and graveyard visits.  Some consider the origins of this day as coming from “Decoration Day.”  After the Civil War, graves were decorated with flowers, although this had been the practice of women for centuries.  It is good to remember how costly freedom is and to honor those who paid for it with their lives.

The sacrifice of life for a worthy cause is incredible and I have the utmost respect for these soldiers.  There is another worthy cause for sacrificing life that is even higher and more noble; losing one’s life for the Lord.  Our verse for today is in the context of picking up our own cross in order to follow Christ.  This sacrifice of life is a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).  Sacrificing the right to order and direct one’s life is in fact no sacrifice at all.  Our verse teaches that in doing this we actually find life!

Losing my life for the One I love is the best way to demonstrate that love.  I lose my life each time I choose to obey God’s way rather than my own.  I lose my life every time I put His agenda of good works ahead of my own.  When I desire Christ’s love above and beyond any human love then my life is spent serving Him.  In losing my life to Him, He fills it and makes it meaningful!

Thank you, Lord, for sacrificing Your life for me.  Thank you that through sacrificing myself to You, I find that life!


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The Shadow of His Hand

Scripture for Today:  Isaiah 51:16 “I have put My words in your mouth and have covered you with the shadow of My hand, to establish the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, ‘You are My people.'”

On a burning hot day I am looking to walk in the shadow of buildings or trees.  I will go out of my way to avoid direct sunlight and I look for those shadows.  They give relief and make the walk so much more pleasant.

The shadow of a person can evoke a variety of emotions.  When one thinks of a shadow, it can sometimes be in a context of fear!  If the presence is menacing than it follows that the shadow of that presence is as well.  But a shadow can be reassuring and even comforting when it comes from a loving presence.

Our verse for today uses the image of the shadow of God’s hand.  It is a powerful hand that has established the heavens and the earth.  The context of this verse describes how His hand is able to loose chains and set captives free.  Because He covers us with the shadow of His hand, there is no reason to be fearful of man (verse 12).  What can man do?  God’s power and presence gives comfort rather than fear to those who belong to Him.

The shadow of His hand reassures me of His love and protection.  His shadow reminds me that I belong to Him.  I am His and He is mine!  His shadow is evidence that He is at work in my life.  He has set me free!  His care and blessing are shadows of His loving presence!

Thank you, Lord, for helping me sense even the shadow of Your hand!


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Jellyfish Lake

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:10 “All Your works praise you, Lord; Your faithful people extol You.”

“O my God, it’s beautiful!” was the first thing out of the mouth of a meteorologist as she broke the surface of Jelly Fish Lake.  I can understand her reaction as the underwater camera panned the millions of jellyfish who had been her swimming partners.  This lake is found on Eil Malk Island in Palau.  It once had an outlet to the sea but is now closed off.  Over time, these golden jellyfish lost their sting making snorkeling through them possible.  These fascinating creatures are always moving as they follow the sun’s arc across the sky.  Swimming through them must be an eerie and unforgettable experience!

Our verse for today proclaims that all of God’s creation praise their Maker.  Perhaps this is what prompted the reporter to exclaim as she did.  The millions of golden jellyfish extol the greatness and creativity of their Maker by their very presence.  Even at such a remote location, God demonstrates His artistic power in creating something that most of us will never even see.  Even if man does not recognize how they came to be, God’s eternal power and divine nature are revealed through what He has made (Romans 1:20).

All of the beauty and majesty of the Lord’s creation is intentional.  His intention is to reveal Himself to those who would seek Him.  All of His creation is like a huge megaphone announcing to those who would listen, “I am here.  This is for you and I love you.”  Those golden jellyfish following the sun are a reminder to me to continually stay close to the warmth of the Son’s presence and light.

Thank you Lord, for revealing how wonderful You are through Your wonderous works!