Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Flower Images


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Mustard Flower Field

mustard flower4Scripture for Today: Luke 17:5-6 “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’ He replied, If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”

When I was little, a friend and I would play in a field of mustard flowers  behind our school during recess.  We loved playing pretend games there and hiding from the teachers when they called us in.  We were sad to see the flowering season end, not realizing what the harvest of that tiny seed could bring.  It is called the least of all seeds (Matt. 13:31) but some varieties can grow to the size of a tree in the Mediterranean climate.

Today’s verse is a very familiar one.  The disciples had just heard Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness and it prompted this request to increase their faith.  Jesus responds by addressing the kind of faith needed rather than the size.  The faith they needed was fast growing and prolific, just as the mustard seed.  After they received the Holy Spirit, these men did exemplify this kind of faith in establishing the early Church with miracles.

This kind of faith, even when tiny, is powerful!  My faith can be size extra small, but if it is placed in One who is all powerful, than it can accomplish His purposes!  He can do above and beyond all I could ask, think or imagine (Eph. 3:20).  It is a tremendous relief to me that true unwavering faith can be tiny and yet bring about His will..  Do I really believe that if I ask anything according to His will, He will answer? (I John 5:14)  I want this kind of faith!

Lord, make my faith like the mustard seed, aligned with Your will.

 

 


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My Roses

rosesIMG_20160327_161331Scripture for Today: James 1:3-4 “…because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

I am thinking that my roses need some fertilizer.  They bloomed for this spectacular show and then decided to quit.  Probably, the soil needs to be replenished with nutrients.  In my area the soil is especially dry and full of clay and in need of some help.  But we all know how fertilizer is made from animal matter, human excreta or vegetable matter, at least the organic variety.  Rotting vegetables from a compost pile is not too appetizing.  And the bat and bird guano is just a discreet way of saying something else!

The Bible is full of references to plant growth and fruit to picture our spiritual journey.  Today’s verse explains that we become mature in our faith by developing perseverance.  It all sounds wonderful until we realize that the only way we develop that lovely flowering perseverance is through some stinky trials.  The hard times drive us to our knees and cause us to cry out to Him for help.  When we see God work, our faith grows.  The next time we find ourselves in the middle of hard times and heartache, we are more likely to stay strong and healthy.

I wish there was a less painful way to grow and bloom.  But the beauty and color is more vibrant when born of hardship.  It is a comfort to me to know that a horrible circumstance that has nothing to recommend it can be used by Him.  He does not waste that stinky situation.  In His hands it serves to develop something beautiful in me!

Thank you Lord, for using it all to grow my faith!

 


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Spring is in the Air!

Scripture for Today:  John 3:3  Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Today is the first Monday of Spring and I am ready!  Spring is the season of rebirth.  What one thought was dead and gone, suddenly shows new signs of growth!  Spring is a time of renewed expectations and hope.

We used to have several Butterfly Bushes (Buddleja) in our yard producing white and purple flowers.  I loved watching the butterflies come and drink the nectar from its flowers in the Spring.  And to think that those lovely butterflies were once unremarkable caterpillars!  Their transformation is a beautiful image of our spiritual rebirth!

In today’s verse, Jesus tells Nicodemus that he will not see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again.  It must have been a shock to hear.  Nicodemus was a respected Pharisee and ruler.  He probably thought that if anyone could enter the Kingdom, he would be a likely candidate.  He did not realize that in fact, he needed “wings” and as a caterpillar, he did not have them.  Being born again is a work of His Spirit.  A complete transformation is what Jesus offers.  It is His Spirit who gives life.  There is no profit at all in the flesh and our own effort (John 6:63)

Every Spring I am reminded of the new life He has given me.  My old life is dead and buried.  I have been changed forever!  I am not at all tempted to return to the form of that caterpillar.  He has given me wings, color, sweet nectar and new life!

Thank you Lord, for Spring and the new life found in You!


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“He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not”

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I had no idea until now that the game of pulling off daisy petals has its origin in France!  It is called, “effeuiller la marguerite,” and the idea of course is to determine if the object of your affection returns your love.  The phrase, “he loves me, he loves me not,” is repeated with the removal of each petal until with the last petal comes the answer.  This phrase exists in thirty three languages so this game seems to be worldwide.  I remember playing it as a young girl but this cat does not seem too interested in playing it!

I never have to play this game with God.  Unlike human relationships, there are no games involved.  He has made a commitment to love me and He never goes back on His promise.  Our verse for today reassures me of the permanence of His love.  There is no dark power that can interfere with His love.  There is no possible event in my future that can change His love.  Death itself cannot destroy His indescribable love for me.

Does He love me more today than yesterday?  Will He love me more tomorrow than today?  As He is love by His very nature, the answer is “no.”  His love is a perfect love that cannot be improved upon.  The answer is always, “He loves me.”

Thank you Lord, for Your perfect love.


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The Water Lily

Scripture for Today: Psalm 19:8 “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”

Water lilies fascinate me!  Their beautiful white and pink flowers look as if they bloom effortlessly as they serenely  float on the surface of the water.  They can be seen on lakes or ponds whose waters are still, and they can root up to seven feet deep.  If left undisturbed they can cover hundreds of acres of water.  Because they float, they access the sunlight unhindered by taller plant species.  Their leaves lie flat on the water soaking up all that light.  The result is beautiful!

Today’s verse tells us that the commands of the Lord are radiant.  They give all the light needed to grow and thrive in life.  His commands refresh the soul and make simple people wise (verse 7).  They give joy to the heart.  Each and every direction God gives is right and completely trustworthy.  Obeying His laws makes our lives beautiful.

I do not normally think of rules and regulations as a source of joy.  But just as a child can feel unloved and neglected without parental boundaries, so we too can feel as if God does not care if He had not given us His commands.  They are a sign of His love.  He cares that I succeed in life and He has shown me how.  His commands and precepts are designed with my welfare in mind, not to limit me or restrict my freedom.  They can give joy to my heart when I see them as proof of His tenderness and care.

Lord, keep me in the still water, soaking up the light of Your presence today!