Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Tree Images


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What a Nut!

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 17:7-8a “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes;”

The cashew is easily my favorite nut and when I read about the involved cultivation and processing, it made me appreciate it that much more! The red part pictured is called the “cashew apple” although it is only the swollen stem. The actual fruit is the “drupe” that contains the nut, so easily seen hanging from it on the outside. In the tropical climates where it is cultivated, it is planted in the rainy season when it can take root. That way, it can survive the long dry season that follows.

Today’s verses describe the one who trusts in the Lord as a tree that is planted by that all-important water. Without it, roots cannot be established and there is no growth. The one who trusts the Lord and has confidence in Him is blessed. That blessing is evident to all as the leaves are always green. There is no worry in a time of drought as this “tree” will always bear fruit (verses 8b). The coming of the heat is never in question. It is “when” not “if” the heat comes.

Why then am I surprised to experience times of drought and dryness? Difficulties and obstacles can make for some pretty intense heat. But with confidence and trust in my Savior I can move through those times without fear. The refreshing water of His Word and presence keeps me from wilting. Not only that, even during dry times there is still fruit as the Lord is the One producing it! He is working even when I don’t see it.

Thank you Lord, that regardless of circumstances You continue to grow me and use me!


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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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A Green Bean Tree

Scripture for Today: Job 34:3-4 “For the ear tests words as the tongue tests food. Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.”

It looked so odd. I had to get a closer look at this strange tree growing in Epinal, France. No, of course these are not green beans but I bet I could have convinced my young grandsons that they were! It is called a Catalpa Tree and is sometimes referred to as an Indian Bean Tree or Cigar Tree. The burning question is always whether these pods can be eaten. I am glad I did not try as the answer is, no!

Today’s verse records the advice of one of Job’s three friends. Elihu was eager to help Job discover the reason for his troubles. He had a lot to say but it was off the mark. Certainly, we are to test what we hear and listen with discernment. Just as we taste food to see if it has a pleasing flavor, so we “taste” what we hear to decide if it rings true. The problem is that we all have differing taste buds! What seems right and good to one can seem wrong and sour to another. Our subjectivity can get in the way of finding absolute truth.

There was absolute truth in the answer to the question, “Are these pods edible?” And God’s absolute truth does not depend on our subjective senses or how I feel on a given day. Jesus calls Himself, “Truth.” (John 14:6) Absolute unchanging truth is found in the Person of Jesus Christ, and is not affected by my perception or belief. What a comfort in a world where truth is relative and up for grabs! I do not have to discern for myself what is right or true but instead look to Christ!

Thank you Lord, for the truth I find in You.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2018)


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Elephant Ear

Scripture for Today: Psalms 85:8  “I will listen to what God the Lord says; He promises peace to His people, His faithful servants –  but let them not turn to folly.”

The reason for the name of this plant is obvious. The size and shape of this plant’s leaves resemble the ear of the elephant. In fact, this invasive plant can overshadow the surrounding flowering plants with its big leaves, blocking their sunlight. The leaves of the Elephant Ear, or Colocasia, can grow three feet long and two feet wide, or more! If their ears could actually hear, I wonder if they would hear their gardener grumbling about their size and tendency to take over the garden!

I wish my spiritual ears were as big as this plant so as not to miss God’s voice! In today’s verse God’s voice promises peace to His faithful servants. It begins with the psalmist’s statement of intention, “I will listen.” There are a myriad of sounds out there clamoring to be heard. But listening to the Lord through His Word takes intentional effort and discipline. And listening to Him keeps us from folly or doing anything foolish.

He speaks peace to those that belong to Him. What a promise! So many times I have come to Him in prayer totally agitated and stressed. He calms me down and listening intently I hear reminders of His love and control in my circumstances. I get in that troubled state usually because I have not been listening to Him in the first place! If I am honest with myself, I realize I am quite capable of doing all kinds of foolish things with impeccable rationale! Listening to Him daily through His Word is the best way to avoid my own folly. And I so need the peace and calm He offers.

Lord, keep me peaceful by listening to You!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2020)


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Losing Our Roots

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 3:17b-18 “…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,”

This Sitka Spruce defies the natural order of things, hanging on to life while soil erosion slowly eats away at its roots! It should be dead, but year after year it hangs on. Locals at the Olympic National Park have dubbed it, the “Tree of Life” as it stubbornly clings to survival despite the odds. But without those life-giving roots, gravity will sooner or later have its way.

Today’s verse tells believers how important it is to grasp the truth of God’s love. We are rooted and established in His unconditional love as it is foundational to our lives. There is no way to even measure or quantify that incredible love. When we come to know this love that “surpasses knowledge” (verse 19) we don’t just survive but thrive! And we do not completely understand this love by ourselves. Instead we grasp this love alongside other set-apart believers. But the minute we doubt that love, we can begin to look a bit like this tree.

God’s love for me definitely surpasses knowledge. It certainly makes no sense as He sees all the gunk inside of me. But God’s Word tells me that He loves me in spite of myself. How amazing is that! It is a love that is faithful, never wavering. And it is a love that will never let me go! His love holds me up when I am falling and makes me strong, able to endure whatever life may throw at me. One day I will see Him face to face. One day there will be no more doubting that love.

Lord, keep me grounded in Your love today.