Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Heaven


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Trees That Weep?

Scripture for Today: Psalm 126:6 “Those who go out weeping carrying seeds to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”

Despite living almost three decades in France I had never seen a European Weeping Beech tree. But in Rhode Island, on the grounds of the Château sur Mer in Newport I saw this incredible sight! The drooping branches were so thick, the trunk was not even visible. The English call it the “upside down tree!” Several species of trees including the Weeping Willow are called, “Weeping,” if they grow pendulous branches. I am not sure I would want such a weepy looking tree in my yard.

Today’s verse describes a weeping that ends in joy! What an amazing reversal promised to the Israelites!  The Lord would bring back their captives and restore their fortunes causing all the neighboring nations to sit up and take notice. The Lord will be known as having done great things for them. All those tears are replaced with laughter and songs of joy!

This promise has many layers as I too can look forward to a time when my weeping and sorrow will be transformed! Laughter and joy will echo in the halls of Heaven as I enjoy a hope that is realized forever!  Weeping will be a distant memory. Everything today that is sad and awful will seem light compared to the weight of glory that I will one day enjoy! (II Cor. 4:17) God’s promise of life without end keeps me looking forward. Weeping only stays for the night but joy WILL COME in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

Thank you Lord, for the songs of joy yet to be sung!


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Mourning Cloak Butterfly

Scripture for Today: Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

This is a special week as it ushers in Spring. For some colder climates, its coming is not so obvious. But one of the first signs of Spring is this unassuming butterfly. It is not so eye catching as other butterflies, but it has the distinction of being the first! The Mourning Cloak butterfly will sometimes come early, heralding the fact that Spring is just around the corner. Its unusual name is due to the resemblance of its deep brown wings to the color and texture of cloth worn by those in mourning.

Today’s verse describes a place where there will be no more mourning, death, crying or pain. What an incredible thought! But even more amazing is that the Lord Himself will personally wipe away every tear from our eyes! He will turn mourning into gladness. (Jer. 31:13) The old order of things will pass away on this new heaven and new earth. And God will will dwell there among us. What used to be the Kingdom of God in hearts will one day be a literal Kingdom where He will reign.

I love the newness of Spring and the hope it represents. But one day, I will be living in a Kingdom where everything is not only new but eternally so! Death and dying will have no place. Reunions will be so sweet and there will no longer be the need for goodbyes. Struggle, pain and suffering will be part of the old order and no longer an issue. This is not wishful thinking but certainty in God’s promise. What is today my hope will one day be seen and realized!

Thank you Lord for giving me hope.


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What Are You Looking At?

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 11:10 “For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”

How odd to see this orderly organized group of dogs on a local trail! It is as if they were posing for a picture, which is exactly what they were doing! Their photographer was ready at her camera to take the shot. The lighting was perfect, the dogs arranged just so and no one was around….until my son came around the corner. As you can see, the dogs all turned as one to face him, ruining the carefully crafted moment. But my son was delighted with a photo of his own, all because the dogs were looking in the wrong direction!

Today’s verse describes where Abraham was looking. He was looking forward to a city not made with human hands. This permanent and eternal city is the heavenly Jerusalem to come (Heb. 12:22) and is described in Revelation 21. Abraham’s incredible faith was strengthened by where he was looking. Abraham and all the others honored for their faith in Hebrews 11 were looking for a country of their own, considering themselves as aliens and strangers on this earth (vs. 13-14). He was looking toward the future of a promise fulfilled, seeing it from a distance with eyes of faith.

Just like those distracted dogs, I am often looking in the wrong direction. My eyes need to be fixed on Jesus and the coming fulfillment of all He has promised. The evil one distracts me with empty promises of contentment here on earth. But I need to fix my eyes on what is unseen and eternal (II Cor. 4:18). And the more I can look in the right direction, the more my faith will strengthen and grow.

Lord, help me to keep my eyes fixed on You and all that awaits!


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Rescue Dog

Scripture for Today: John 14:2 “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”

Five minutes more and our cousin would have succumbed to the smoke! As she slept, her house was going up in flames. Fortunately her faithful small companion, Tess, pulled her out of her deep sleep just in time. Tess was especially attentive to our cousin’s moods and emotional state in the difficult two years that followed. The day finally came when the rebuilt house was completed. Tess, so advanced in age, was carried into the house and shown her new digs. Now, she saw that everything was alright. Her vigil was finished. In her arms, Tess looked up into the eyes of her owner and breathed her last.

Today’s verse is part of a message of comfort. Jesus was soon to leave His disciples and they were troubled at the thought. He promises that He will be preparing them a place, called a room, a dwelling place or a mansion. This place will be home, forever in His presence. It is prepared as we walk this earth and completely ready the moment we breathe our last. The weighty cares of life will disappear with even a glimpse of His face. He has rescued those that love and trust Him.

I am grateful that the Lord has pulled me out of my spiritual stupor. He has rescued me from the just punishment I deserved. Because of His sacrifice, I not only have life here, but I look forward to that forever house. It will be “home” like nothing I’ve ever enjoyed on earth. But what will make it “home” will be His presence! How incredible that He wants me to be with Him!

Thank you Lord, for Your loving preparations.


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Stuff Manager

Scripture for Today: Matthew 6:20-21  “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Are you a “Stuff Manager” like me? At least I am more organized with my “stuff” than this homeowner! Even so I resent the time and trouble possessions require. There is shelving it, boxing it, or relegating it to either the garage or storage unit. There is bagging it for the thrift store and carting it off. Or I end up throwing out what was once a treasure with the trash. But as hard as I try, the stuff invariably piles up again!

Today’s verse talks about storing treasure without actually defining it. It is treasure found in Heaven and cannot be destroyed. Here on earth everything is temporal. And one day everything will pass away to make way for the new earth (Matt. 24:35). Yet, we all have the tendency to store up things even when we realize that, “a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15b”). There is something about the tangible that reassures us, provides a sense of security and even adds to our feelings of self-worth.

It is a sobering thought to realize that the objects I treasure are not going to last. The lasting treasures are found in Heaven where my heart and focus need to be. That treasure is not gold as the streets are paved with it. It is not precious stones as those are just building materials for the gates. Crowns will be readily given up and placed at the feet of Jesus. The true lasting treasure is the loving presence of Jesus. And that is a treasure I can enjoy today!

Lord, I want to treasure You.