Devotions By Jan


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Naked Coral Tree

Scripture for Today:  Revelation 3:17 “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

Did you know that the Coral Tree is the city tree of Los Angeles? Neither did I! This tree grows all over Southern California and its bright blossoms are breathtaking! The name of its genus is Erythrina, a word derived from Greek meaning, “red.” There are 130 species in its family with many shades of red flowers ranging from orangey-tomato to deep scarlet. The Naked Coral Tree is the one whose flowers blossom well before the leaves appear, thus the name!

Today’s verse talks about a nakedness that is spiritual. What is so sad is that the person described does not realize his nakedness, nor his poverty or blindness. Being wealthy has caused this person to feel self-sufficient and not in need of anything. But Christ proposes a remedy. Along with salve for the eyes to restore spiritual sight and true eternal riches, Christ gives us white clothes to cover our nakedness (verse 18). Those white clothes are a symbol of His righteousness obtained for us.

How does the Lord see me? I may stand proud and colorful like the naked coral tree, but in fact, I am poor, blind and naked without the Lord. My pride keeps me from realizing my need. And instead of answering His knock (verse 20) I mistakenly think I am just fine on my own. I need to let go of of my pride and denial so I can open the door to His knock. I am so grateful that He waits there, ready to forgive and begin anew an amazing love relationship!

Lord, may I always realize my need and open the door to You.


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High School Reunion

Scripture for Today: Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

High school reunions are notorious for bringing out all those adolescent insecurities we thought we left behind! I just accompanied my husband to his 50th reunion and as a guest, thought I would feel no pressure. Most of the attendees were unknown to me. But that didn’t stop me from fussing over makeup and dress. My sweet husband said all the right things to reassure me, so much so that perhaps I got a bit cocky! Returning home, I was horrified to see lettuce peaking out from between my teeth!

Today’s verse tells us that we are to relate to others with humility, putting aside selfish ambitions and vain conceit. Not only that, we are to value or esteem others more than we do ourselves! We are to look out for the other’s interests and not only our own (verse 4). When we evaluate ourselves, we are not of think of ourselves, “more highly than we ought.” (Romans 12:3) Our standard for humility is Christ Himself who left Heaven’s glory to become a man and sacrifice Himself for us! (verses 5-8)

I had to laugh when I saw my smile in the mirror! It felt like the Lord was nudging me to knock it off and just get over myself! Humility is a tricky thing. If I were to say I have arrived at being humble, I would most likely be far from it! It is not that I should ignore my own interests, but I am to be about the interests of those around me! Humility is not thinking too highly or too little of myself. Humility is seeing myself as the Lord sees me.

Lord, give me the right attitude towards myself and others.


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Pageant of the Masters

Scripture for Today: Luke 8:24 “The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to drown!’ He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.”

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pageant_of_the_Masters_chess_set.jpg

What a beautiful experience to attend the Pageant of the Masters! This ninety-minute extravaganza features what’s called, “living art.” Classical and contemporary art is reproduced on a grand scale with live people taking the place of some of the picture’s painted people. Can you tell in this image of Waterloo Chess Set, which are which? With a narrator and orchestration, it brings alive the art of the masters!

Today’s verse calls the creator of our entire world a “Master.” The disciples fear for their lives as a violent storm assaults their boat. But the Creator of that storm calmly sleeps through it. These experienced fishermen believe they will drown and wake Jesus, calling Him. “Master.” Jesus demonstrates His mastery over the wind and water by rebuking and calming that storm. Surely, He is a Master when even the winds and waves obey Him! (verse 25) After this amazing miracle, Jesus asks His disciples, “Where is your faith?”

When waters are smooth and the wind is just a gentle breeze, I start to think that I am the “master” or the “captain of my ship.” But when those inevitable storms sneak up on me, I know I do not control a thing! The Lord is the real Master. He not only holds the whole world in His hands but also my small insignificant life! When I trust Him and what He is doing, I am not afraid. Faith cannot sit in the boat when all the seats are occupied with fear.

Lord, keep my faith strong and confident in my Master.


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UFO Clouds

Scripture for Today: Nahum 1:3 “The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.”

Omnisource5, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

What a bizarre shape for a cloud! This lens or saucer look reminds me of a UFO. The lenticular cloud, as it is called, can seem motionless and stable. But in fact, it is made up of very unstable air. Instead of moving horizontally across the ground, this cloud when disturbed by the wind, will move vertically and even accelerate!

Today’s verse describes clouds as the dust of God’s feet. This poetic description of God’s power is part of a warning against the city of Nineveh. Our God is a jealous and avenging God (verse 2). Mountains quake and hills melt away before their Creator (verse 5). But the people of Nineveh disregarded God’s righteous wrath against their wickedness. That is until they heeded Jonah’s message and repented. This same righteous and powerful God is a refuge in times of trouble and cares for those who trust Him (Verses 7-8).

What kind of God would He be if He did not punish the wicked? His absolute holiness demands it. But thinking on His wrath is not a comfortable subject. Thankfully, in His incredible mercy, He made a way for me by placing all my guilt on His Son. God’s righteousness was satisfied in Christ’s sacrifice for me. Yes, His judgement and wrath are to be feared. But at the same time, His mercy and grace are my refuge! He is slow to anger, not willing that any perish and enter eternity without Him (II Peter 3:9).

Thank you Lord, for Your power, justice AND mercy.


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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!