Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Heaven


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East-Facing Graves

Scripture for Today: Matthew 24:27 “For as lightening that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”

It is that time again when goblins, ghosts, and skeletons make their way to our doors asking for treats on Halloween. Some will celebrate All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints Day and Day of the Dead with plenty of brightly decorated skull heads. In contrast, this graveyard is one of many that by the position of the gravestones quietly bare testimony to a spiritual truth that gives hope in the face of death.

Today’s verse tells us the reason why many graveyards have their headstones facing east. The idea is that in rising from the dead the believers will be positioned to see His second coming, not having to turn around! The Lord taught that He will come on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (verse 30). The point of His teaching was to reassure us that His second coming will be visible and obvious to all, the living and the dead!

There are so many questions on future events prophesied in Scripture. But one thing is sure. He is coming back! More important than my view at that resurrection is where I am looking today! (I John 3:3) Anticipating Christ’s return changes how I live.  In looking toward this event I am motivated to please Him.When where and from what direction is secondary to the fact that He will be coming back for me to be with Him forever. And I want to be ready!

Lord, at Your return may You find me faithful!


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That Tunnel

Scripture for Today: Colossians 3:1-2  “Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

There is not much to enjoy about tunnels. They are normally dark, smelly, and claustrophobic. When traversing a mountain in Europe, the tunnel usually has the length posted on a sign at the entrance. I find that helpful when the tunnel is especially long and the exit cannot readily be seen. This walking tunnel is the exception, brightly lit and with colorful murals painted on the walls. But whether agreeable or not, the most important view is the light at the end of it!

Today’s verse talks about setting our minds and hearts on things above in Heaven. It is because the believer has been raised with Christ that he can see his world differently. Rather than focusing on the tunnel, he sees the light at the end of it. Christ is that Light (John 8:12).  And He promises that the believer will never walk in darkness. It is never completely dark as He is there and He is the light of life.

When life is good, my mind and heart are set firmly on earthly things. I am less likely to think on Heaven when the tunnel is light, bright and agreeable. But when I forget about eternity, somehow the tunnel can become full of shadows and uncomfortable. Life becomes a bit dim when I focus entirely on what I can see and touch.  But it is when life is difficult that my gaze turns to that Light at the end of the tunnel. He is my future. He is my Hope. Life, whether easy or difficult, is a “tunnel experience” and will not last forever. But life with Him will!

Lord, keep me focused on what is ahead!


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A Forced Perception

Scripture for Today: Colossians 3:1-2 “Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.”

The Leaning Tower of Piza is not the only place in Europe where tourists practice their “forced perspective” photography! This giant woman looks as if she is pinching the top of the Louvre Pyramid. This technique manipulates our human visual perception with the use of optical illusion. The result is often surprising, making an object appear larger, smaller, closer or farther away than it really is.

Today’s verse is all about perspective. Paul tells believers to set their minds on things above. Our minds and our hearts are to be changed by an eternal perspective. What we see on earth does not match up with spiritual realities. What we see, touch and feel around us is not eternal. These things are real but they will not last. When we set our minds and hearts on the realities of Heaven, it changes how we view that difficulty. It affects how we see our problems. What can loom so large in our perspective is only “light and momentary trouble.” (II Cor. 4:17)  All the hard things in this life are, “achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

This spiritual perspective is not a “forced perspective” but it is a choice and it sure makes Heaven seem a little bit closer. The things of this earth can seem much smaller with a heart set on what is above. And sometimes, I need to see the hard things as smaller than they appear in light of eternity. I need to change my perspective to what is eternal and lasting to see past the problems I face today.

Change my perspective, Lord. Help me see You today instead of my problems.


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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.