Devotions By Jan

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Milkweed

Scripture fro Today: I Peter 2:2  “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

There are over 100 species of this beautiful milkweed but they all have one thing in common; they each produce a milky sap for which it gets its name. It leaks out from the stem or leaves. In large quantities this sap is toxic to animals. But for the Monarch butterfly caterpillar, this sap is tasty and the only thing they will eat! The monarch butterfly will only lay its eggs on these leaves or else the caterpillar starves!

Today’s verse describes that same single-minded craving. A new believer will show enthusiasm for reading and learning from God’s Word. And it is not something a believer ever need deny himself. Although a mature believer will gradually add the meatier doctrines of the Bible, one never outgrows the need to review and appreciate the foundational truths, or milk. (Heb. 5:12) By it we grow and by it we taste just how good God is!

The milk of God’s Word is described as pure. It is not to be mixed with the world’s philosophies as it is His truth and can stand on its own! Its purity means that the essentials are there for my faith to grow. Mixing in anything else will dilute its personal message to me. Mixing in anything else dulls my spiritual taste buds. I do not want to miss out on tasting just how good the Lord is! Nothing else can take the place of His personal message to me and that sweet communion leaves me craving more of Him.

Thank you Lord, that Your Word nourishes my soul!


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Giant Japanese Spider Crab

Scripture for Today: Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”

Photo Credit: Choo Yut Shing https://www.flickr.com/photos/25802865@N08/6968078569

This interesting creature is most notable for its size. The Giant Japanese Spider Crab has the largest leg span of any arthropod in the world: he measures up to 12 feet, claw to claw! But despite his scary appearance he is said to have a gentle disposition. I am glad I don’t have to prove that with personal experience! Normally, something so large would have trouble escaping notice. But this guy is called a “decorator crab.” He picks up pieces of sponge and small anemones and cements them to the top of his shell, blending in with his surroundings.

Today’s verse is the very opposite of blending in with surroundings. Paul wants to be detected. He wants to stand out from the crowd. And believing in the Gospel of Christ in the midst of an unbelieving world will do just that. There is no shame in standing out for something so powerful. There is no shame in being different from others when it can mean the salvation of a soul.

It is a strong inclination for me to blend in and belong. I am uncomfortable drawing the eye or inciting the comments of others. Worrying too much over what others think can sometimes nullify my testimony. But more important than the approval of men, my overriding desire is to please my Lord. He scorned the shame to hang naked on a cross for me (Heb. 12:2). How could I possibly be ashamed of a few odd looks or comments?

Lord, may I scorn shame in any form. Keep me bold with the Truth!


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Do You Smell Lemons?

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 27:9 “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”

We have all heard the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” For the Crested Auklet seabird in Alaskan waters, the smell of lemons is a good thing! This gregarious bird does not attract a mate with its noisy honking, barking or whistling. It attracts a mate by secreting a strong citrus smell during breeding season! The scent is so strong that it is noticeable some distance away from the bird colonies.

Today’s verse acknowledges the joy that can come from a good pleasing scent. This proverb likens that pleasing smell to the pleasantness of hearing good advice from a true friend. Heartfelt advice is advice that is sincere and disinterested, not looking for personal advantage. Giving advice to a friend puts one squarely in a place of obligation and caring. There is no agenda nor are there hurt feelings if the advice is not taken. Heartfelt advice is motivated by simply wanting the best for the other. Asked for or not, advice from the heart shows thoughtful concern.

Quite frankly, I am not always open to advice, heartfelt or otherwise. There are plenty of times that I think I know better. And sometimes I do. But when a suggestion comes from someone’s heart, sincere and earnest in the spirit of friendship, I am more likely to consider it. That offered advice usually shows true friendship and a willingness to get involved. And when I do the same for a friend and it is well received, the friendship grows stronger. That give and take brings joy and we both smell good!

Thank you Lord, for the counsel of true friends.


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Mayday

Scripture for Today: Psalm 55:17 “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.”

Photo Credit: Christian Ferrer /CC BY 4.0

It was a very rough start to this cruise taken on the MV Viking Sky in March of 2019. The storm in Norway was manageable in principle. But she suffered a loss of oil pressure causing an automatic shutdown of all engines. The mayday distress signal was issued at 14:00 and was not lifted until 15:11 the next day. And in that time period, 30 helicopter trips evacuated 479 passengers. Their mayday signal, repeated three times in a row, understandably had priority over all other calls!

Today’s verse is a distress call to God repeated three times: morning, noon and night. David refers to his troubles like a tempest and storm (verse 8). He is distraught because of his enemies but he refers to just one in particular; a companion, a close friend (verse 13). The betrayal of a so-called friend is what is fueling David’s anguish. But David’s cry to God results in casting his cares on the Lord (verse 22). He ends this distress call with trust that God will take care of the wicked men in his life (verse 23).

There will always be those who oppose God and do evil. The storms in my life can sometimes be traced back to the waves and strong winds they have caused. But what causes more distress, prompting that mayday call, is the betrayal of a friend. Coming from an unexpected source makes it all the more painful. A cry for help is the best response I can make. And like David, I can end my prayer with trust. The Lord knows, He cares, He will sustain me and in His justice, He will take care of it.

Thank you Lord, for always hearing my cry.


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Another 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. The military cemetery pictured is found in Colleville-sur-Mer, France above Omaha Beach. It was the first American military cemetery of World War Two. Here lie 9,387 American soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. It includes the grave of Frederick Niland, the soldier on whose life the character of Ryan was based in the film, Saving Private Ryan.

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. Today’s verse 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). But sacrificing the right to order and direct one’s life is in fact no sacrifice at all. This 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!