Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Devotions


by 2 Comments

A Fountain

Scripture for Today: Psalm 87:7 “As they make music they will sing, ‘All my fountains are in you.’”

Photo credit: MagicOlf https://www.flickr.com/photos/magicolf/4555139652

The Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas puts on quite the show! The water dances to the music, taking on different configurations. The differently colored lights keep time to the music and it all comes together to impress and entertain. But for me, I have always enjoyed even the most basic and simple fountain as I love the musical sound of moving water.

Today’s verse has people singing and making music. They are those blessed to be born in Zion or Jerusalem. But these believers in the one and only true God come from other regions as well (verse 4). Together, regardless of their origin, they proclaim that the fountain of all their blessings has but one Source! God calls Himself the “fountain of living waters” (Jer. 2:3). And Jesus calls Himself “living water” that in the believer would become a spring or fountain of water welling up to eternal life! (John 4:10 & 14)

When I see a fountain I am reminded that ALL my blessings flow from my relationship with the Giver of life, here and eternally! And I don’t deserve even one of them. Without His goodness life would be a dried up unsatisfying affair. But because of His incredible grace, life is rich with meaning and significance. I live to love Him more and I can sing with this same refrain, “all my fountains are in You.”

Lord, today, I praise You from whom all blessings flow!


by 2 Comments

Brittle Sea Star

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 59:1 “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.”

I have to say that our granddaughter has no qualms about picking up this off-putting brittle sea star! I am less likely to touch those five long skinny arms. They twist and coil all over the place to propel themselves across surfaces. Creepy crawly things make me shudder but these creatures, related to the sea star, are pretty remarkable. To escape a predator they can leave an arm or two behind and grow them back. Those arms can also reach a distance of twenty four inches!!

Today’s verse turns our attention to the arm of the Lord. It is long enough to save the most sinful and rebellious. No one is out of His reach to save. It is His outstretched arm that made the heavens and the earth. Nothing is too hard for Him. (Jer. 32:17) His arm is long enough to reach into the darkest night and save us from drowning in despair. His arm is long enough to save from any physical danger. But most important of all, His arm is long enough to extract a soul from the kingdom of darkness and lovingly place that one in His Kingdom of light!

What wonderful power is in His arm! It is amazing that this same powerful arm wants to wrap itself around me! I am safe and secure there. Nothing can touch me except what He allows. I know and am persuaded that He is able to keep my soul, committed to Him, for now and for all eternity. (II Tim. 1:12) There is no power greater than His that can separate me from His love! (Rom. 8:38-39) His powerful arm is long enough to save me and to keep me!

Lord, help me trust Your arm today.


by 2 Comments

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!


by 2 Comments

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!


by Leave a comment

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.