Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Tree Images


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The Cedar Tree

Scripture for Today: Psalm 29:4-5 “The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.”

Our recent winds were impressive, sending tumbleweeds across the freeway and downing some trees.  It was so sad to see a majestic palm tree toppled over on its side.  But to topple a cedar tree would have meant a much more powerful wind.  This tree can reach up to 130 feet and diameters of eight feet.  The cedar is highly valued for its quality timber, oil and resin.  What a shame to see one of these mighty trees damaged!

Today’s verse uses the image of the cedar tree to illustrate just how powerful and majestic the Lord’s voice is.  Just one word from God can break the strong and mighty cedar into pieces.  Just one word from God can bring this impressive tree crashing down to the ground.  Something so seemingly powerful and stable is entirely vulnerable to the sound of His voice.

The cedar tree was used as a symbol of the arrogance of man in Isaiah 2:13-14.  It stands proud and lofty, much like those who seek to exalt themselves.  God will humble all pride and bring down low every arrogant thought.  He alone will be exalted.  He will break down the cedar-like pride of every individual who has not already humbled themselves before Him.  Instead of standing tall, one day every knee will bow (Phil. 2:10).

The majestic and powerful voice that breaks the cedar is the same voice that also speaks love and forgiveness when I bow the knee.  His voice becomes soft and gentle for His own sheep who recognize and follow Him.

Lord, open my ears to hear, respect and follow Your voice.

 


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Fig Tree

Scripture for Today: James 3:12 “My brother and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

Growing up, the fig tree in our back year was my Dad’s pride and joy!  The whole family enjoyed those green figs and the abundant shade the large leaves provided.  In fact, my Dad built a round bench encircling the large trunk.  Every year, he would lay out those figs for drying and we could enjoy the dried fruit all year long.  In all those years, that tree faithfully bore its figs.  Never once did it surprise us with olives!

Today’s verse describes a ludicrous scenario.  How ever could a fig tree produce olives, a grapevine produce figs or a salt spring produce fresh water?  It is impossible, of course.  These images teach us that what comes out of the mouth reveals what is in the heart.  What comes out of the mouth is consistent with what is thought and felt inside.  Eventually, our hidden nature is revealed by the words we speak.

No one can tame the tongue nor can anyone make themselves new inside.  It is only by the work of the Holy Spirit that we can hope to change.  When cursing and praise both come out of my mouth, it is a clear signal that I need to do business with the Lord.  “…This should not be.” (verse 10) but unfortunately, it is.  I can blame my words on stress or fatigue  but what I really need to do is just confess it.  I do not want to disappoint or grieve the Holy Spirit.  And He graciously offers His self-control so that my life consistently bears fruit that honors Him.

Lord, control my tongue today to consistently honor You.

 

 


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Feeling Down

IMG_20151015_130732-1Scripture for Today: Psalm 126:6 “Those who go out weeping carrying seeds to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”

In all my years living in Europe, I had never seen a European Weeping Beech tree.  But recently 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!”  I am familiar with the Weeping Willow, but apparently there are several species of trees that are called, “Weeping,” if they grow pendulous branches.  That sad weepy look is so strange looking.  I am not sure I would want such a sad 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 we too can look forward to a time when our 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 sad and awful will seem light compared to the weight of glory that I will one day enjoy! (II Cor. 4:17)

So much sadness in this life now, but before long, “One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase!”  Better than anything I can dream, His joy and recompense will exceed every expectation!

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

 


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Money Grows on Trees!

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

My parents always told me that money does not grow on trees!  Imagine my surprise to learn that there have been found particles of gold on the leaves of some eucalyptus trees!  The incredibly long roots of this tree, up to 8.2 feet, delve up to 130 feet.  In Australia, some of these eucalyptus trees have pilfered gold from ore deposits underground and have transported them to their leaves!  The concentration of gold is only 46 parts per billion.  Still, it is amazing that some trees have rooted themselves in something so precious!

Our verse for today encourages the believer to be rooted and established in something even more precious; the love of Christ.  Just as the leaves of the eucalyptus tree reveal secrets hidden underground, so the “leaves” of the life of a believer reveal where he is planted.  The love of Christ is so vast and nourishing that our lives reflect Him as He develops His fruit in us.

Being rooted and established in His love is essential to my well-being.  His love is what allows me to grow and thrive.  Without it, I would shrivel up.  Being grounded in His love makes loving others possible.  This immeasurable love is my reason to be.  To be honest, there are times I am not feeling it.  In those moments I delve deeper into His Word.  I take more time to listen to Him.  I watch for those sweet affirmations through prayer in my spirit.  I so often need those reassurances and He never disappoints!

Lord, keep me rooted in Your love today!


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The Forest

Scripture for Today: Psalm 33:10-11 “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purpose of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purpose of His heart through all generations.”

Over the years I have enjoyed my walks in the vineyards above our house.  They climbed the hills and afforded views of Guebwiller and surrounding villages below.  But further up, the crest of these hills is covered by a forest.  I never saw all of the forest at once.  It circled the crest of those hills for quite a distance and to see it in its entirety, I would need to see it from a higher viewpoint.  I could not see the forest for the trees!

Our verse for today gives a perspective that is eternal.  The Lord allows a glimpse of the entire forest.  His plans and purposes will prevail despite the individual “tree” that blocks our view.  I can get discouraged when I focus on the details of my own sin and failures.  But focusing on my little life is like seeing only an individual tree.  He has a plan and purpose for the entire world.  Certainly, if He can order and carry out His plan for nations, He can bring about His purpose in my life as well.

What is His purpose?  Ultimately, it is not about me, but about Him and His glory.  I am here on this earth to contribute my small part to reflecting His glory.  I am one small tree in a forest lifting up my branches to praise His name!  I am part of His bigger plan and purpose that stands firm throughout the ages!  What an incredible privilege!

Thank you Lord, for allowing me to be part of the big picture of what You are doing!