Devotions By Jan

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Wishing Well

Scripture for Today: Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Will a wishing well have mystical powers and grant any wish I speak aloud? That was the prevailing thought centuries ago. The idea in German folklore was that the clean pure water was guarded at its source by spirits who would sometimes take pity on humans. Whatever one spoke aloud as his heart’s desire may just be granted and to insure the outcome, small tokens or coins would be tossed in the water.

Wishing at a well, wishing on a star or making a wish blowing a dandelion head pretty much describe the thinking of those who place their confidence in anyone but Jesus.  It is a poor flimsy substitute for real hope.  Today’s verse describes God as a, “God of hope.” The hope He offers, unlike a wish, will fill the one who trusts in Him with joy and peace. Trusting the God of hope means the believer can overflow with hope by the power of His Spirit within us! Hope for the believer is faith in what is sure. 

My hope is only as good as its object. That makes my hope in Jesus unshakable! I not only have hope, I am overflowing with it as I trust Him.  He promises to fill me with all joy and peace as I live in that hope and trust. My wishes and desires are never as important as the deeper gifts of joy and peace He offers in the face of darkness and despair. Because He is my hope, I can look forward to an unknown future without anxiety.

Thank you Lord, for being my hope.


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School Uniforms

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 4:2-3 “Be completely humble and gentle, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

One year our children attended a private school where students were to wear uniforms. I was not too sure how I felt about it. Wouldn’t looking all the same discourage individuality? Would the uniqueness of my “exceptional perfect children” not stand out? I did appreciate the ease of choosing outfits in the morning. But what was interesting was to see how these students still managed to distinguish themselves from their fellow classmates by the shoes, the backpacks or the accessories worn.

Today’s verse talks about unity of the Spirit. Our unity comes from one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father. (verse 4-6) What is wonderful about the unity of the Body of Christ is that it is not “uniformity.” Thankfully, our unity does not come from looking alike. There is no one skin color. Our unity does not come from sharing the same roles and gifts in the Church. And our unity does not come from the same social status or the same political preferences.

It is an effort to do what is not natural. The natural thing for me to do is to be prideful about my positions on any issue. My tendency is not to be teachable and humble. It is easier for me to be harsh with criticism rather than gracious to other believers with different convictions. Yet, I am supposed to be showing love, not just to those who agree with me but to those who do not. When I make the effort to keep our unity, non-believers can see the difference the Spirit makes.

Lord, keep us unified. Make me humble, gentle and loving.


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Passion Fruit

Scripture for Today: Philippians 3:14 “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

This juicy seed-filled tropical fruit is becoming more popular with its long list of health benefits. The roundish shape and purple (or yellow skin) encases a nutrient-dense flesh that has a tart/sweet taste. It comes to us from the passion flower that Spanish missionaries to South Americans used to explain truths of Christianity. More than just the flower, passion itself was important to Greek philosophers who would ask just one question when a man died; “Did he have passion?”

Today’s verse reveals the all-encompassing passion of Paul’s life. His life was spent with passionate purpose towards his heavenly calling. He did not want to run or labor for nothing. (Phil. 2:16) Paul was even willing to pour out his life in sacrificial living and dying for the Lord. (Phil. 2:17) That is passion! And the fruit Paul encourages believers to produce is the fruit of the light consisting in all goodness, righteousness and truth. (Eph. 5:9) Paul’s passion gave him focus on his goal. He could “press on” despite the shipwrecks, beatings and imprisonments and stay faithful to the One who called him.

I cannot think of a life better spent than a life of passionate service to the Lord. I do not want to half-hearted like the parable of the one who buried his talent. I want to spend all that He has given me to live for Him. The problem is that I am easily distracted. Rather than seeking His kingdom and righteousness, I get hung up on this earthly kingdom and its preoccupations. He wants to be my focus. He wants to be my passion. And when He is, my life takes on eternal meaning!

Lord, keep me passionate for You.


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Bubble Coral

Scripture for Today: Psalm 55:8 “I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.”

It is easy to see why this coral is called, “Bubble Coral.” Its skeleton mass is covered with water filled bubble-shaped polyps. These bubbles contain large numbers of single-celled algae that need that safe and stable environment to grow. The bubbles expand during the day and retract at night, regulating the amount of light it receives. The coral depends on that algae for most of its nutrients. Without those bubbles the coral would not thrive and grow.

Today’s verse tells us that there is a shelter that is removed from whatever tempest or storm we are experiencing. Like the bubble, it is a place of safety and refreshment and it is essential to our spiritual growth. It is a place of protection and there are times we need to hurry there! David longs for this bubble of protection when danger surrounds him and he does not know who to trust. Had he wings like a dove, he would fly away to find rest. (verse 6) Had he a choice, David would flee to the desert. (verse 7) Instead, he turns to the shelter of God’s presence. (Psalm 31:20)

I find that I need to hurry to His protective and nourishing presence daily. Like David, my thoughts can trouble me. (verse 2) The shelter of His presence keeps me removed from the tempest and storm. He does not mean for me to cower in fear at the plots of the wicked. In His sheltering presence I find the peace I so desperately need when turmoil surrounds me. There, my faith is nourished in a, “safe and stable environment.” How wonderful to have such a place available to me every day!

Lord, may Your sheltering presence keep me far from the tempest and storm


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Storm Surge

Isaiah 57:20-21 “But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud. ‘There is no peace,’ says my God, ‘for the wicked.'”

It is not enough to prepare for the winds and rain of a hurricane. For some that live in coastal areas, there is the possibility of storm surge. The winds blow along the ocean surface and cause the water to pile up. Coastal areas adjacent to a shallow sloping of the ocean floor are especially at risk. And if this abnormal rise of water occurs at the same time as high tide, the flood damage can be extensive!

Today’s verse pictures the wicked like the continual movements of the ocean’s waves. They are never at rest but always moving and tossing. Their activities throw up mud, mire and dirt. One can tell where they have been. The wicked experience no calm and quiet. Their godless lifestyle puts them squarely in the middle of unpleasant drama. They have no peace with God, no peace with others nor peace in their hearts. That is because peace is directly linked to righteousness or right standing with God (Isaiah 32:17)

It is in right standing with God that I can have quietness and confidence (Is. 32:17). I have no righteousness of my own but enjoy His gift of righteousness in Christ. Being in Christ (Romans 8:1) means I do not fear condemnation for my sin. My soul is at rest. I am not troubled with guilt. My life is not made up of tossing waves but a stillness and calm that only the Lord can provide, even in difficult circumstances. I can count on His peace to carry me through. Water will not overwhelm me. He gently leads me to still quiet waters. (Psalm 23:2)

Thank you Lord, for making me peaceful.