Devotions By Jan


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The Hibiscus

Scripture for Today: II Peter 3:8 “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends; with the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”

The hibiscus is such an exotic-looking flower. It is large and showy and comes from a large family comprising several hundred species. This flower is also called the “rose of sharon” and mentioned in the Bible (Song of Songs 2:1) But those bright colorful blooms are short-lived, typically blooming for only one day. Once finished blooming, the flower will close up and drop off. One day of vibrant color and life. Just one day.

Today’s verse reminds us of the eternal nature of our God. He is not bound by time constraints. He is outside of time. A day can be like a thousand years or a thousand years can pass by like a day. So perhaps in God’s sight, that bloom lasts a thousand years! This reminder served to encourage the believers that God is not slow about fulfilling His promise to return. When it seems so, it is because in His love and patience He waits to include more of us in His family.

I need this reminder. I get weary of waiting to see everything fulfilled that He has promised. But His Word is always true and sure. And it is in the waiting that my faith is tested and tried. In the meantime, God gives me so many gracious reassurances of His love and direction! Over and over He has come through in what can only be called a “God thing!” I know and can be confident that every promise regarding the future will be fulfilled in His perfect timing!

Thank you Lord, that You are true to Your Word!

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2021)


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Celebrating Independence

Scripture for Today: Psalm 25:17-18 “Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sin.”

How wonderful to put aside differences and nationally celebrate our independence as a country! I love all the parades, picnics and fireworks that mark July 4th. Flags make their appearance on lawns and often neighborhoods will celebrate collectively. It looks as if this little girl is celebrating her independence from parental control! Those toddler years are full of struggle for independence, as any parent in the trenches knows.

Today’s verse shows us the results of independence from our Creator. This is man’s natural inclination, to be autonomous and govern his own life his own way. The problem comes from the anguish, affliction and distress that sinful choices can produce. David so acutely feels the troubles of his heart that he pleads with the Lord to free him. When in our independence we choose our own way rather than His, we risk following a path of destruction, even when it looks oh so right (Prov. 14:12). The Lord never intended man to be independent from Him.

My desire to live without any constraints is normal. I do not like anyone telling me what to do or what behaviors to avoid. But every one of His commandments are meant to give me freedom! (Psalm 119:45) They free me from the heart trouble and the anguish of being separated from the Lover of my soul! Being dependent on Him gives me true freedom to live in the light of His love and favor! But like the stubborn toddler who thinks they know better than the parent, I pull away. How good He is to bring me back to Himself with powerful loving arms!

Thank you Lord, for the freedom that comes with dependence on You!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2021)


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Queen Anne’s Lace

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”

This delicate lace-like flower has an unusual name and a legend that explains it. In the 1600’s Queen Anne II tatted beautiful white lace but one day, pricked her finger on the tatting needle. The resulting drop of blood represents the red center sometimes seen in the center of these flowers. This is one of several marks that distinguish this flower from its nefarious look-alike, the Poison Hemlock. Although it has the same lacy white flowers, if ingested the Poison Hemlock flower can kill!

Today’s verse teaches us that it is Christ’s blood that redeems and forgives. Without His blood, there is no other solution to the dilemma of our wrongdoing. (Heb. 9:22) It is His blood on the cross that makes us white as snow. (Is. 1:18) Satan tries to deceive by suggesting that we can be good enough on our own. But the payment of sin is death (Rom. 6:23) and Satan’s only desire is to devour and destroy. (I Peter 5:8)

The beautiful white lacy flowers of good works can be all show without a clean heart. The redeeming blood of Christ is the only way my good works can mean anything to Him. (Is. 64:6) The forgiveness He offers through His blood is never anything that I can deserve or earn. I could never be good enough. How rich and amazing His grace is to forgive and forget!

Thank you Lord, for Your beautiful and costly forgiveness!


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Amen Corner

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 1:20 “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”

What a funny name for a street corner! Does the pedestrian feel compelled to say “amen,” as he passes by? The phrase actually comes from a jazz song called, “Shoutin in that Amen Corner.” Although others have since used the term in naming bars, streets and even sections of the Augusta National Golf Club, its origin dates back to lower New York City in the late 1800’s. Bibles were printed there in huge quantities and sidewalk preachers and their listeners would loudly yell out, “Amen!”

Today’s verse tells believers that they can glorify God by their spoken “amen.” This word in Greek is “so be it.” By saying it we are responding with an acknowledgement of truth. By saying it we declare that His words are certain and sure. (John 17:17) The word, “amen” is also translated as “verily” and “truly.” Jesus would sometimes preface His words this way, establishing them as sure and binding.

When I say “amen,” to His promises, I am declaring my trust that His Word is true and unshakable. My amen glorifies God, pointing to His faithfulness. Because of Christ and His sacrifice for my sin, I can claim His promise of eternal life! And along with that promise are so many others that make my life meaningful: His presence, strength, help, peace, comfort, and more! AMEN!

Lord, may today be full of opportunities to speak my amen!


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Help Wanted

Scripture for Today: Psalm 121:1-2 “I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

The French Alps were in our backyard that first year of language school in 1989. When we revisited there, I had trouble getting this photo of my husband, Randy, without the clouds covering the peaks. But it triggered a memory of that first year when often the Alps were completely covered with clouds. How much those clouds affected my mood! When I could see the mountain tops, I felt like anything was possible, even learning French! But when the mountains were covered in fog and clouds for days, it was easy to believe they were no longer there.

Today’s verse reminds us where to look for help. It is wonderful when the mountains are visible and we are reminded of God’s power. But sometimes the mountains are not visible. When clouds of trouble and worry obscure our view, we can doubt His presence and power. David expressed this in Psalm 69:17 when he felt that God was hiding His face. Job had these same thoughts when experiencing his trials. But regardless of our feelings, the reality of His presence does not change.  He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. (Heb. 13:5)

There will always be clouds. But rather than seeing those clouds, I need to see that the mountain is still there. And even if the mountains shake and the hills are removed, His love is unfailing and His love is never shaken or removed. (Is. 54:10) Like David, I can look up to the Maker of heaven and earth and find help. Nothing is too hard for Him.  I am so thankful that in His grace He gives me cloudless moments when the view of His presence is magnificent!

Thank you Lord, that You are always there to help.

(Look familiar? This is a revised post from 2012.)