Devotions By Jan


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Our Future Plans

Scripture for Today: James 4:15 “Instead you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

We’re late. In our household we move from one year’s agenda to the next at the beginning of July. But somehow, time got away from us. Here it is August and I am only now making the transfer. Perhaps subconsciously, I was putting off recording our planning in the new agenda as the world continues to change and restrictions come and go. Too often, plans have fallen apart through circumstances outside my control.

Today’s verse talks about making plans for the future. Of course it is important in making any plan to carefully weigh the pros and cons, to count the cost and to prepare for contingencies. Scripture encourages us to count the cost (Luke 14:28). But this passage is speaking to the arrogance of making plans without thought to the plans the Lord may have. We do not know what tomorrow will hold or whether we will have life and breath to carry out our future plans (verse 14). The unexpected will always surprise us, but will never take the Lord by surprise.

When I make plans I want to acknowledge that the Lord may have something different in mind. Recognizing this truth keeps me humble and keeps me in an attitude of submission. Accepting His control also keeps me asking and listening to Him. As wonderful as I think my plan is, I do not want to miss out on something better!  He knows what tomorrow holds. He knows what health issues I may be facing. He is already aware of possible changes in our finances. Being overconfident about my plans is seen as “boasting” in the Lord’s eyes (verse 16). He wants me to make Him my confidence. 

Lord, keep me following Your agenda.


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Flex Alert

Scripture for Today: I Chronicles 29:12 “Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.”

Flex Alert is a voluntary program of energy conservation here in California. During extremely hot temperatures the power grid can get overloaded with an increase in demand. To avoid a black out or even planned roving power outages, folks are encouraged during peak hours to do three things: set the thermostat to 78 or higher, avoid using major appliances and turn off unnecessary lights. These measures keep us from running out of power.

Today’s verse acknowledges that wealth, honor, strength and power all come from the Lord. This praise is part of David’s prayer of praise at the building of the Temple. David had given of his wealth (verse 2) and he encourages the people to follow his example. Because wealth, honor, strength and power are from God’s hands, the people could open their own hands and give generously. But David first challenges the Israelites to consecrate themselves to the Lord (verse 5). That power from Him showed up in their willingness to give of themselves and of their wealth.

I often call on the Lord for His strength and power. His power is definitely present when I can say “no” to temptation. His strength is evident when He gets me through a difficult day after a sleepless night. When He comes through for me it is amazing! But it is just as amazing to step out in faith and give sacrificially to His work. To do so, I need to remember this verse. Power, strength, honor and wealth all come from Him and there are no outages.

Thank you Lord, that Your power enables me to give You myself and all I have.


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Morning Dew

Scripture for Today:  Hosea 6:4  “What can I do with you, Ephraim?  What can I do with you, Judah?  Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears.”

Is there anything prettier than dew kissing the fragile petals of an iris? That moisture on the leaves and petals not only looks pretty but is important to counteracting the heat later in the day. I love cutting them and bringing them into the house! But of course, I do not bring them inside if they are still wet with dew. Handling any plant when wet is never a good idea as this is when they are most fragile. Better to leave them undisturbed while they soak up that moisture.

Today’s verse is addressed to two tribes of Israel. They knew to make sacrifices and burnt offerings but they did not show mercy to others nor did they acknowledge God. It was just routine and tradition. Their love for the Lord was as transient as morning dew or morning mist which quickly disappears. This verse describes the Israelite’s unfaithfulness to God just as the entire book does using the example of a wayward wife.

I can identify with a love that disappears like morning dew. In the morning when I read His Word and talk with Him, I can be satisfied with His unfailing love (Psalm 90:14). But as I go throughout my day, that closeness can seem to evaporate in the distractions of a busy day. And sometimes it is easy to look at my time with the Lord as an obligation to be crossed off a list. But He is not interested in empty ritual but in meaningful relationship. Thankfully, despite  how fickle I am, He continues to tap my shoulder with His love. He reminds me He is there.

Thank you Lord, that I can count on Your love all day.


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Sweet Kisses

Scripture for Today: Psalm 85:10 “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.”

Something like the chocolate kiss was first produced by Henry Oscar Wilbur in 1894 and called the “Wilbur Bud.” But it was Milton Hershey who made this chocolate drop into a sweet kiss thirteen years later. Hershey was a master at marketing and packaging the kiss. But perhaps its amazing success and longevity is due in part to its name, trademarked in 2000. There is debate on how it became known as a “kiss.” Perhaps it came from the kissing sound made from the nozzle dispensing the chocolate on to the conveyor belt.

Today’s verse brings righteousness and peace together in a kiss. Righteousness and peace are often mentioned together in Scripture. Peace is in fact the result or fruit of righteousness (Isaiah 32:17). The Kingdom of God is characterized by righteousness and peace (Romans 14:17). And peace, as well as faith and love, belong to those who pursue righteousness (II Tim. 2:22). Righteousness or right standing with God is essential to having peace with God and in turn with others. He is the Source and our only hope of true lasting peace.

There is no peace in my heart when I am ignoring the Source or actively rebelling against what He wants. But when I do pay attention to His commands, I feel His peace flood my heart like a river (Isaiah 48:18). Yes, righteousness and peace are not only kissing but locked together in a firm embrace. I cannot have one without the other, try as I might. But His peace is worth pursuing by staying in right relationship with Him. And one day, sin and ugliness will no longer interrupt this peace!

Lord, may I feel Your peace today.


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The Flame Lily

Scripture for Today: Song of Songs 8:6 “Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame.”

This national flower of Zimbabwe looks just like a tongue of fire and is widespread in tropical and southern Africa. It thrives in sparse woodlands, sand dunes and grasslands. It rambles and climbs all over neighboring plants using those tendrils at the end of its leaves. The Flame Lily is also called the Fire Lily and it can climb to a height of three meters. It can be fatal if eaten and to even touch it can result in skin irritation.

Today’s verse is part of a poetic and image-laden passage describing love. It is as strong as death and can evoke a jealousy as fierce as the grave. Being sealed with this kind of love over the heart and arm sets one apart as beloved with a strong flame of emotion. This is an image of the love of the Lord, poured in our hearts by His Spirit (Rom. 5:5). This is the same Spirit who appeared as tongues of fire at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-3). And we are sealed with His Spirit when we place our faith in Jesus (Eph. 1:13). In love, He set His seal of ownership on us (II Cor. 1:22)!

How incredible to be sealed and marked as His with such an ardent love! That flame of love is so strong that many waters cannot quench it (verse 7). His love for me is so fierce that nothing in all creation can separate me from it (Rom. 8:38-39)! Our little puny human loves cannot even compare. “What wondrous love is this?”

Lord, I am grateful for Your overwhelming love!