Devotions By Jan

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Jackfruit

Scripture for Today: I Samuel 16:7b “…The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.”

For a fruit that is so versatile, nutritious and easy to grow in a tropical climate, the jackfruit has an off-putting appearance! The skin of what is considered to be the largest fruit in the world is thick and spiny, making it difficult to open. A ripe unopened jackfruit is brown and has a strong unpleasant odor. But the pulp of an opened jackfruit is bright yellow or orange and smells sweet! Getting past that outside is rewarded with pleasant color and taste!

Today’s verse draws a sharp contrast between what man sees and what the Lord regards as important. The Lord had commissioned Samuel to anoint the next king of Israel. First, Samuel considered each of Jesse’s sons. But their birth order, their height and their appearance were non factors. It was the youngest son that had the lowly job of tending sheep who had the heart God could use.

I tend to assign value to a person based on outward appearance. I hate it when people do so with me and yet I find I do it all the time! When all is well-groomed on the outside, I assume the inside is in order as well. But wickedness can have a very appealing veneer of respectability. The flip side is true as well and I can completely miss a beautiful friendship by an off-putting image. Christ Himself had no beauty or majesty to attract us; nothing in His appearance would cause us to desire Him (Isaiah 53:2). And yet, no one who ever walked this earth was more beautiful.

Lord, make me beautiful on the inside.


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National Honesty Day

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 12:22 “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”

Who would have thought it, that there is a National Day that encourages honesty! It was created by author and former press secretary, Hirsh Goldberg in the early 1990’s. He chose this date to counteract April Fool’s Day. This day also marks the first inauguration of George Washington (who was thought to have never told a lie). The idea is to ask each other questions and be ready for some surprisingly different answers! This day would not be needed had we all Pinocchio noses that grew with our lies!

Today’s verse lets us know what the Lord thinks of lying. Not surprisingly, the Holy One who is Himself, Truth, detests lies. The motive behind the lie does not seem to figure in to His view. The word “detests” is also translated “extremely disgusted.” In fact, lying is mentioned twice in that list of seven sins detestable to the Lord! (Prov. 6:16-19) Just as intense as His disgust is His delight in those who make the hard choice to speak and deal honestly. The Lord delights in those who fear Him (Ps.147:11) and we show that fear by our obedience.

I am embarrassed to admit that I do not always have the high standards of trustworthiness that God requires. It is too easy for me to rate lies and treat less seriously those “little white lies” or those half truths. I can rationalize leaving out an important detail that would deceive the one listening. I can intentionally give someone a totally false idea but not class it as an outright lie! I may not get caught in the lie. But I do feel a distance from the One who is Truth.

Lord, may I feel Your delight by being trustworthy today.


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Birds of a Feather

Scripture for Today: Deuteronomy 10:18 “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and He loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.“

In seeing this image of a black and white stork I initially thought him quite disciplined to follow the rules of the road. But of course storks do not normally use a crosswalk. What a thought! Then I wondered if he were drawn to those black and white colors. After all, those are the same as his colors. And isn’t it true that we are drawn to and more comfortable with those who are like ourselves?

Today’s verse gives us another glimpse into the heart of God. He is especially attentive to the needs of orphans and widows. But He has a special place in His affections for the foreigner. God understands how easy it is for us humans to shun the one who is different from ourselves. But God’s perspective sees what is on the inside of man. And there, there are no differences when it comes to our need for love and significance. The Lord shows special love to the lost, lonely and displaced person. 

Having been a foreigner for many years myself, I know what it is to depend on the kindness of others in a host country. I could only get by because of those willing to reach out to others unlike themselves. Having been on the receiving end gives me a special empathy to extend love and help as He asks me to do (verse 19). Even so, it is an effort to leave my comfort zone and reach out to those different from myself.

Help me Lord, to have the same heart for the foreigner as You do.


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Rocking the Boat

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

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Everyone knows not to fidget and stand up in a boat. Those that do are at risk to lose their balance and fall overboard. Changing places with someone while in a moving boat can be especially tricky! All that moving around rocks the boat and makes everyone aboard nervous. There is much less risk of a fall overboard when calmly staying still in one place.

From today’s verse we know that the Lord does not intend for us to fidget with anxiety. Whatever is rocking the boat is included in the phrase, “in every situation.” For each and every emotion or logistic detail, He is waiting for us to give it to Him in prayer. When we do, the tension dissipates. The rocking stops. We are not falling overboard. In thanking Him, even in the difficulties, we are recognizing His hand and control. We can sit still in the boat and feel His peace that goes beyond all understanding (verse 7).

There are certainly times I feel like I am changing places in a moving boat. With our transatlantic move, everything seemed to be in upheaval. The boat was rocking many times a day as we prepared. Not only were we preparing our departure with a myriad of details but also our arrival on the other side. Sometimes, anxiety got the best of me with so much internal rocking and fidgeting that I felt I was falling. But He promises His peace when I can give it all to Him. At least on the inside I could sit still and be calm.

Thank You Lord, that You make possible a life without anxiety. Help me just sit still and enjoy the ride!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2014)


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Garlands

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 4:9 “She (wisdom) will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”

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What woman does not feel more beautiful with a flower garland on her head? Even as little girls, we play with field flowers, making chains and placing them on our heads. We pretend we are princesses and prance around feeling special. There does seem to be something royal about a garland on the head as it can resemble a tiara. The bridal industry understands this and there is quite a wide choice of flower garlands for the big day.

Today’s verse describes wisdom as being that garland or crown. Wisdom in a life makes it beautiful and graceful. Wisdom, or skillful living, even brightens the face and changes its hard appearance! (Eccl. 8:1) More important than physical beauty, a wise life exudes a loveliness and grace that does not diminish with time. And that wisdom is found in obeying and loving His Word. It is the Lord who gives this wisdom as knowledge and understanding come directly from His mouth (Prov. 2:6)

Like Eve, I can desire wisdom but look in the wrong place for it (Gen. 3:6). Just because something looks good and pleases the eye does not mean it will make me wise. A life marked by wisdom will be a life that makes right choices. And I cannot discern which choices are right without God’s Word telling me exactly what they are! He is my source of wisdom, helping me lead a life without the complications and sorrow of sin. Obedience to my Creator is wise living that creates for me grace and glory!

Lord, grace my head with Your wisdom today.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2014)