Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Flower Images


by 2 Comments

The California Poppy

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:130 “The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”

What could be more breathtaking than a boring brown field suddenly coming to life with a vibrant carpet of red?  The spring rains in California change the landscape into a burst of color with the blooming of this state flower.  Not only is it beautiful but it has many uses.  Its leaves are used medicinally, its pollen cosmetically and its seeds are used in cooking. If you pick one, this simple fragile flower will lose its petals almost immediately.  And without the sun, the flower folds into itself each night or on a cloudy day.

Today’s verse is part of that very long psalm extolling the wonders of God’s Word.  His Word gives light and understanding, even to the simple.  The light of His statutes and commands allows us to be who we are meant to be.  Obeying Him and His way warms us and causes us to grow and be beautiful.  Without the light of understanding, we close up and shrivel.   When the clouds of darkness or disobedience block the warmth of His light, we suffer without even knowing why.

It takes faith and trust to obey Him.  Our way seems better and easier.  Certainly, life would be less complicated if a believer could just do as he pleases.  At least that is how we reason.  However, the more I compromise His standards, the darker my day becomes.  The light of His loving words and counsel to me fall on deaf ears as I close in on myself.  But when I choose obedience, despite the cost, then my spirit opens to a renewed closeness to His heart.

Lord, keep me in the light of Your Word!

Look familiar?  This is a repost due to summer ministries.

 


by 2 Comments

Super Bloom

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 61:3 “…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair…”

This incredible “super bloom” in Southern California is breathtaking!  The once barren hillsides and scrub lands are bursting with color and people are descending in droves to experience the beauty.  After all the rain we have had, it is a welcome sight.  But in some areas there is an additional reason for this super bloom.  The wildflowers are especially spectacular in areas affected by the Woolsey fire where 97,000 acres were burned.  It is truly a “miracle of nature” to see the blackened ash-covered ground recover itself in vibrant color!

Today’s verse is a declaration of what God would do for the Israelites through His prophet, Isaiah.  He was to replace the ashes on their heads with a crown of beauty.  Those ashes were a sign of sorrow and repentance for sin, along with the sackcloth worn.  That itchy rough garment of despair over sin would be replaced with a garment of praise.  Joy would replace mourning.  God’s forgiveness changes everything!

I do not always feel much sorrow over my own sin.  But when I do, it can feel like a crushing weight.  Thankfully, He promises to be near the one who is brokenhearted over sin (Psalm 34:18).  His forgiveness turns my ashes into a crown of beauty!  When I humble myself and go to Him in confession, the black ugliness of sin disappears.  Despair over my past mistakes and failures is transformed into beautiful colorful praise for the new start He gives me!  He is faithful and just to forgive every single time!

Thank you Lord, for turning my ashes into beauty!

 


by Leave a comment

The Amaryllis

Scripture for Today:  Revelation 3:17 “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

I love the burst of vibrant red color in the amaryllis.  The color is especially surprising as it can bloom indoors in the middle of a dark cold winter.  Each bulb produces 2-12 funnel-shaped flowers.  This flower goes by many names; Belladonna Lily, Jersey Lily. March Lily and Easter Lily.  But the Amaryllis is not directly related to the lily even though it is shaped like one.  Because of its long leafless stems, it is commonly called, “Naked Lady.”

Today’s verse talks about a nakedness that is spiritual.  What is so sad is that the person described does not realize his nakedness, nor his poverty or blindness.  Being wealthy has caused this person to feel self-sufficient and not in need of anything.  But Christ proposes a remedy.  Along with salve for the eyes to restore spiritual sight and true eternal riches, Christ gives us white clothes to cover our nakedness (verse 18).  Those white clothes are a symbol of His righteousness obtained for us.

I may stand proud and colorful like the Amaryllis, but in fact, I am poor, blind and naked without the Lord.  My pride keeps me from realizing my need.  As a matter of fact, the word “Amaryllis” means pride!  And instead of answering His knock (verse 20) I mistakenly think I am fine on my own.  I need to let go of of my pride and denial so I can open the door to His knock.  I am so grateful that He waits there, ready to forgive and begin anew an amazing love relationship!

Lord, may I always realize my need and open the door to You.


by Leave a comment

The Morning Glory

Scripture for Today: Psalm 143:8 “Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life.”

This beautiful flower is  just like its name.  At night it closes, perhaps to keep in the moisture, perhaps to keep out damaging insects.  Then with the light of dawn, it opens its petals and appears in all its glory!  The name Morning Glory actually refers to over 1000 species of flowers that do this same thing.  The species pictured has blossoms shaped like funnels and come in purple, pink or white.  They grow on vines that climb all over a fence or trellis.

Today’s verse looks to the morning, not only as the start to a new day, but also to the hope of God’s unfailing love.  It is a hope that is never disappointed as God is faithful to all HIs promises.  Our trust is well placed in His unfailing love.  No other love is so constant.  No other love is so wide, long, high or deep as His love (Eph. 3:18).  And He demonstrates His unfailing love for us by showing us the way we should go.  His love guides and protects in that brand new day.

The word of his unfailing love may not always be found in my circumstances.  The word of His unfailing love may not always be found in my feelings.  The word of His unfailing love is most consistently found in the Bible.  Starting my day with the reminders of His love reassures me that He is there.  He is waiting for me to wake up so He can show me again.  Because I can trust His love, I can entrust to Him my life!

Thank you Lord, that Your love never fails me.

 

 


by Leave a comment

Unexpected!

cigarette2Scripture for Today: Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Looking closely at this image, one sees discarded cigarettes doing something very unexpected.  They are sprouting!  Something as dirty and off-putting as litter is actually transforming itself into something positive.  These cigarettes were invented by a creative British man, tired of ugly litter.  He decided to make biodegradable filters that contain wild flower seeds and called them, “Cigg Seeds.”  What a clever idea!  Who would have thought that something thrown away and trampled on could turn into something beautiful!

Today’s often quoted verse came to mind.  I have heard it said so many times it tends to lose its impact.  But this is a beautiful truth that gives the believer hope.  We are not spared the ugliness and heartaches in life.  Despite the fact that the wicked seem to prosper (Jer. 12:1) they are not spared either as their final destiny is destruction (Ps. 73:17).  Even so, following the Lord never insures a trouble-free life. However, there is a difference.  God takes those awful negative circumstances and miraculously brings about something worthwhile.

Because of this promise, I have hope.  I may feel cast aside, dirty, and trampled on but God is not done yet.  He can and He does transform me and cause new and beautiful growth in my soul.  He is good and everything He does is right and good.  I can trust that His purpose for me is good as well, even and especially when I cannot see it.  The good He is producing is something that lasts into eternity; becoming like His Son.  There is nothing more beautiful or worthwhile.

Thank you Lord, for the unexpected ways You create the good in my life!

Look familiar?  This is a repost due to summer ministry.