Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Devotions


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Flowering Weeds

???????????????????????????????Scripture for Today: Psalm 37:20  “But the wicked will perish:  Though the Lord’s enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.”

Spring is a wonderful time of new growth.  It is exciting to see the first iris and roses of the season.  But unfortunately, there are other kinds of new growth as well; weeds.  It seems a constant battle to pull them out.  Sometimes I am unsure as to which plants are actually weeds.  Some of them sprout little flowers and can look pretty nice.   The dictionary defines a weed as, “a wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants.”  Sure enough, if left alone, that weed will start taking over and choking out what I have planted.

Our verse for today describes the enemies of the Lord as flowers springing up unwanted in a field.  The wicked are like that weed that can produce flowers, but if left alone will choke out what has been planted.  Unlike my work in my garden, it is not up to me to decide which is a cultivated plant and which is a flowering weed.  The Lord is the only One who can see the heart and know who are truly His own.

For now, the Lord is showing patience towards the wicked.  He is not willing that any one of His enemies perish but that all come to repentance (II Peter 3:9).  Weeds are left to grow along with the wheat.  But one day there will be judgement and He will separate out the weeds from the wheat (Matt. 13:30).

Until that day, I want to grow and bear fruit, unconcerned about fast growing weeds alongside.  I can trust the Divine Gardener to take care of me in His garden!


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Pottery Seconds

IMG_20140324_150035Scripture for Today: Proverbs 3:9  “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.”

One of the great things about living in Europe is being fairly close to Poland and their wonderful pottery!  I have visited their pottery factories on two occasions.  Their hand stamped blue patterns are my favorites.  Most all of my purchases have been seconds, as they are so much cheaper.  But this particular bowl is technically a “fifth!”  It cannot go in the microwave, the dishwasher, or the oven.  It has one small place where the glazing is not even and one very unnoticeable flaw in the pattern.  Even though it is not of the best quality, at only five dollars it has been worth every penny!

Our verse for today teaches that we honor the Lord by giving Him the best.  Seconds or substandard quality does not honor Him.  He is worthy of the very best we can offer Him.  In the Old Testament, sacrifices were offered of the best of the fruit, the vegetables, the grain and the animals.

James 1:8 teaches that we ourselves are a kind of firstfruit of all He has created!  In Him we are the best of His creation!  We are not only to honor Him with the best of what we possess but the best of our very lives.  Leftovers are not worthy of Him.  Giving the Lord a few moments of consideration at the end of a long day, or what we feel we can spare of our money does not honor Him.  He is worthy of our absolute best service!  No seconds for Him!

“Give of your best to the Master, Give Him first place in your heart, Give Him first place in your service, Consecrate every part.”  Lord, help me to honor You with the best!


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The Slug

Scripture for Today:  Proverbs 26:15  “The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; He is weary of bringing it to his mouth again.”

The slug is a disgusting creature.  It has to be part of the curse!  Surely, the new earth will have no such nastiness!  At least they move slowly enough that removing them is no problem, just very unpleasant.

My eldest daughter and her husband used to have a very lazy cat named, “Mrs. Hufflepuff.”  She would eat her fill of cat food then lay down, her paw resting in the the dish; the picture of laziness!

Our verse for today uses a similar image in the sluggard.  He is so lazy he cannot be bothered to lift his hand to his mouth, even to eat!  Proverbs has a lot to say about the one who is lazy.  He will sleep all day, would rather beg than work and any excuse, real or imagined, will keep him from leaving the house.  I would not be honest if I did not admit to sometimes feeling like a sluggard, most notably after a large meal!  There are those lazy moments when we are self-indulgent and quite frankly do not feel like lifting a finger!  Thankfully, those moments do not characterize my life!

Anyone who comes in faith to Christ will receive a new nature.  Lazy habits will be left behind with the old nature!  The Lord keeps me motivated to move, to work, and to advance towards goals.  He gives me purpose.  He gives me energy.  He keeps me balanced.  Serving and glorifying Him with my life leaves no room for laziness!

Lord, thank you for keeping me motivated!


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Feedback Speakers

Scripture for Today: Matthew 25:23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share in your master’s happiness.’

During rehearsals and concerts for my French Gospel choir, Joie Et Vie, these feedback speakers play an important role.  When they are working well, they let us know when the balance is good.  If the altos are overshadowing the sopranos, the speakers give us that feedback so adjustments can be made with the microphones.  If the altos are flat, we can hear ourselves and self correct!  Without those speakers, we cannot hear ourselves.  It is amazing how that affects one’s morale.  We can be singing our hearts out, but without any feedback, it falls flat and our enthusiasm is dampened.

The context of our verse for today is the parable of the talents taught by Jesus.  The master of the house, after being away, calls for an accounting from each of his servants.  He commends two of them for their faithfulness in increasing what was entrusted to them.  Not only were they commended but they were rewarded with more responsibility.

One day, I hope to hear the same words of this verse when entering His presence.  But I need feedback today too.  Positive feedback from Him is motivating!  But how does He communicate that feedback?  Many times it is through His reassuring Word.  Sometimes it can be through the encouragement of other believers.  More often, I just feel a closer sense of His presence.  His love  and strength seem more real somehow.  Intimacy and connection feel deeper.  There have been times I have even felt His pleasure!

Feedback or not, Lord, may I be found faithful to the end!


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Flying Like An Eagle

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 40:31 “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.”

The eagle in flight is beautiful to see.  One of my brother’s favorite things to do is eagle watching.  Up and down the Skagit River Valley in northwest Washington one can see these beautiful majestic birds perched atop tall evergreens.  But what takes my breath away is to see them soar high above me!

It takes a tremendous amount of energy for the eagle to flap his very long and large wings.  Of course, to soar or glide takes much less energy.  The eagle can reach very high altitudes by soaring on the warm thermal air.  That same warm air keeps the eagle aloft so that he can go long distances without tiring.

Our verse for today promises new strength for those who wait and hope expectantly for the Lord.  Taking things into my own hands is like frantically flapping my wings twenty-four/seven.  I may gain some height but I will tire quickly.  Waiting with faith for the Lord to work is like allowing that thermal air to lift me up!  New heights are reached!  Long distances are maintained with minimal effort!  Trusting Him is a restful gliding experience.

Faith and trust are not tiring!  My own efforts certainly are.  My discouragement and fatigue are sure signs that somewhere I am doing things in my own strength.  There is nothing positive in crashing and burning out for Him.  He wants me to soar in His power.  His unlimited source of strength is always available when I trust Him for it.  Help me Lord, to wait in faith for You today!