Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Devotions


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Blind Spot

Scripture for Today: Deuteronomy 4:9 “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”

Did you know that everyone has a blind spot?  It is found in the visual field where the optic nerve enters the eye. It is for the most part not noticeable and normal to be there as there are no photoreceptors at that location. But what is pictured here is a much more serious abnormality, called a “scotoma.” And unless one moves the head and remembers what was seen, that blind spot could hide a dangerous obstacle!

Today’s verse comes from the charge given by Moses to the Israelites. He knew that their tendency was to forget those incredible miracles God had graciously used to protect and provide for them. They had seen God reveal Himself at Mount Horeb, through the fire, dark clouds and darkness when giving the ten commandments. But they were still tempted to worship other gods, forgot what they saw and lived with a serious “blind spot.” Without those memories cherished, guarded and taught to the next generation, they were at risk to forget.

I have my own blind spots. They obscure the way ahead because I have forgotten God’s faithfulness in the past! When financial worries cloud my vision, I need to remember how God has so many times miraculously provided! When I am tempted to fear what is ahead, it is because I have let fade from my heart what He has done for me in the past! He has never let me down! His miracles in my life are too numerous to list! I don’t have to live with those blind spots when I am careful to remember and praise Him!

Help me Lord, to remember Your faithfulness!


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Masting in the New Year!

Scripture for Today: Matthew 13:8 “Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

As I walked along a path of oaks in the small town of Marion, Massachusetts, I couldn’t help but step all over the fallen acorns! They were everywhere, littering the ground. My first thought was that a strong wind must have blown them all down at once. I later learned that this carpet of acorns was due to what is called, “masting.” Every few years, especially among nut-producing trees, the acorns would all fall at once, not just for an individual tree but for all of that species in an area! It is not well understood just how and why the trees seem to know when to let go all at once!

Today’s verse comes from the parable Jesus told of the Sower and the Seed. The first seed was eaten by the birds, representing Satan snatching away what was not fully understood. The second seed grew no root because of troubles and persecution. The third seed was choked to death by worry and deceitful riches. But, there was a sort of “masting” or bumper crop from the seed that fell on good soil. This is the seed who hears, understands and accepts God’s Word and in turn produces much fruit!

As I stand on the cusp of a New Year, I would love to see “masting” in my life, producing much fruit. But it does not happen by wishing it were so. There is no fruit in my life unless I remain in Him (John 15:4). And I remain in the Lord by cooperating with His pruning, (verse 2) by saturating myself in His Word (verse 7) and by obeying and enjoying His love! (verse 10) Perhaps then there will be a bumper crop of fruit that glorifies and pleases Him!

Thank you Lord, for another year and another chance to bear fruit!


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Saying Thanks!

Scripture for Today: I Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

It is said that an attitude of gratitude can go a long way in making one happier and positive, generous and compassionate, as well as healthier with a lower blood pressure and a stronger immune system! And of course, Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to gather family and express our gratitude for each other! Around this Thanksgiving table where my daughter’s in-law-family is seated, being thankful for each other was especially important. The next Thanksgiving saw one member thanking Jesus face to face.

Today’s verse is more than a suggestion.  It is a command to give thanks in any and all circumstances.  Our thanks in this passage are directed to the Lord in prayer (verse 17).  Quite clearly, it is what God wants from His children.  And when we withhold our thanks, we are somehow quenching His Spirit in us (verse 19).  Thanking God for what just happened is a recognition of His control over the situation.  It is a reminder that He has a plan that is good in allowing that circumstance, good or bad.

When I thank Him, I am reaffirming my faith that He knows what He is doing.  Even when I am pleading with Him for action or change, I am told to include thanksgiving in my prayer as an expression of trust (Phil. 4:6).  Just as thanking others can improve a friendship, so thanking the Lord brings me closer to Him.  As I thank Him, I can feel the tension in me dissipate.  He knows and He cares.  Whatever I am facing He has a plan in it and He is using it.  A heart-felt “thank you” completely changes my attitude.

Lord, remind me to be thankful for it all.


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Lion’s Mane

Scripture for Today: I Chronicles 16:11-12 “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles and the judgements He pronounced.”

This very bizarre-looking fungus is aptly nicknamed, “Lion’s mane.” You can find it in many damp shaded places, feeding off a dead log. This photo was taken near Mosquito Falls in Michigan. Its thick white stalk will have several branches covered by white clusters, bringing to mind a lion’s mane or icicles. Recent studies with mice show some promising discoveries using compounds from this mushroom. Already used in Asian countries, studies continue to explore potential effects on memory.

Today’s verse asks the believer to look to the Lord and His strength. We seek His face when we remember what He has done. When we forget His wonders, His miracles and His judgements, we are more likely to forget Him! But when we are reminded of His incredible power we are more likely to seek Him out and the strength He offers. Seeking His face is not a “one-and-done” exercise but a lifestyle of depending on Him.

My self-absorbed and independent mindset is definitely at odds with always seeking His face! But when I remember His miracles in my life or in the lives of others, I am motivated to come to Him for help and strength. He always welcomes me without the reproach of, “Where have you been??” And often what reminds me of His power is His Word. This is my “Lion’s Mane,” that helps me remember! (Psalm 111:4)

Lord, remind me to seek You and Your strength today!


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Full of Sap

Scripture for Today: Psalm 92:13-14 “Planted in the house of the Lord, They will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and very green,”

This tree, if healthy and tapped correctly, can produce sap for decades, some as long as 100 years! I don’t often think about the long involved process to get that pure maple syrup on to my pancakes. But someone went to a lot of trouble. Tapping the tree starts with drilling the hole at the proper season, inserting the spile and allowing the sap to flow into a bucket. Then there is the process of boiling the sap to remove excess water and create the syrup. Reading about the process makes my breakfast that much more tasty!

Today’s verse paints an encouraging picture of those in right standing with God. They are described as trees planted in just the right spot of God’s presence. Regardless of their age, they continue to flourish there being green, full of sap and bearing fruit. That wonderful sap can be seen as the fruit of the indwelling Spirit. But that fruit is most often expressed in relationship to others. Many times, it is in the trials (drilling) that the fruit is seen and used. That love, joy and peace is absolutely something supernatural in the face of provoking people!

Wouldn’t it be easy to live the Christian life without having to deal with provoking people? But it is in those drilling confrontations that what is in me is revealed. And sometimes what is revealed is not so sweet and fruitful! But if I am having some trouble showing that fruit, I need to re-examine where I am planted. It is in His presence and in His power that I can be fruitful. It is His Spirit that sweetens every interaction.

Lord, keep me fruitful, green and full of sap!