Devotions By Jan


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Do You Smell Lemons?

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 27:9 “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”

We have all heard the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” For the Crested Auklet seabird in Alaskan waters, the smell of lemons is a good thing! This gregarious bird does not attract a mate with its noisy honking, barking or whistling. It attracts a mate by secreting a strong citrus smell during breeding season! The scent is so strong that it is noticeable some distance away from the bird colonies.

Today’s verse acknowledges the joy that can come from a good pleasing scent. This proverb likens that pleasing smell to the pleasantness of hearing good advice from a true friend. Heartfelt advice is advice that is sincere and disinterested, not looking for personal advantage. Giving advice to a friend puts one squarely in a place of obligation and caring. There is no agenda nor are there hurt feelings if the advice is not taken. Heartfelt advice is motivated by simply wanting the best for the other. Asked for or not, advice from the heart shows thoughtful concern.

Quite frankly, I am not always open to advice, heartfelt or otherwise. There are plenty of times that I think I know better. And sometimes I do. But when a suggestion comes from someone’s heart, sincere and earnest in the spirit of friendship, I am more likely to consider it. That offered advice usually shows true friendship and a willingness to get involved. And when I do the same for a friend and it is well received, the friendship grows stronger. That give and take brings joy and we both smell good!

Thank you Lord, for the counsel of true friends.


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Mayday

Scripture for Today: Psalm 55:17 “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.”

Photo Credit: Christian Ferrer /CC BY 4.0

It was a very rough start to this cruise taken on the MV Viking Sky in March of 2019. The storm in Norway was manageable in principle. But she suffered a loss of oil pressure causing an automatic shutdown of all engines. The mayday distress signal was issued at 14:00 and was not lifted until 15:11 the next day. And in that time period, 30 helicopter trips evacuated 479 passengers. Their mayday signal, repeated three times in a row, understandably had priority over all other calls!

Today’s verse is a distress call to God repeated three times: morning, noon and night. David refers to his troubles like a tempest and storm (verse 8). He is distraught because of his enemies but he refers to just one in particular; a companion, a close friend (verse 13). The betrayal of a so-called friend is what is fueling David’s anguish. But David’s cry to God results in casting his cares on the Lord (verse 22). He ends this distress call with trust that God will take care of the wicked men in his life (verse 23).

There will always be those who oppose God and do evil. The storms in my life can sometimes be traced back to the waves and strong winds they have caused. But what causes more distress, prompting that mayday call, is the betrayal of a friend. Coming from an unexpected source makes it all the more painful. A cry for help is the best response I can make. And like David, I can end my prayer with trust. The Lord knows, He cares, He will sustain me and in His justice, He will take care of it.

Thank you Lord, for always hearing my cry.


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Another Sacrifice

Scripture for Today: Matthew 16:25 “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will find it.”

Today on Memorial Day, North Americans remember those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. The military cemetery pictured is found in Colleville-sur-Mer, France above Omaha Beach. It was the first American military cemetery of World War Two. Here lie 9,387 American soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. It includes the grave of Frederick Niland, the soldier on whose life the character of Ryan was based in the film, Saving Private Ryan.

The sacrifice of life for a worthy cause is incredible and I have the utmost respect for these soldiers. There is another worthy cause for sacrificing life that is even higher and more noble; losing one’s life for the Lord. Today’s verse is in the context of picking up our own cross in order to follow Christ. This sacrifice of life is a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). But sacrificing the right to order and direct one’s life is in fact no sacrifice at all. This verse teaches that in doing this we actually find life!

Losing my life for the One I love is the best way to demonstrate that love. I lose my life each time I choose to obey God’s way rather than my own. I lose my life every time I put His agenda of good works ahead of my own. When I desire Christ’s love above and beyond any human love then my life is spent serving Him. In losing my life to Him, He fills it and makes it meaningful!

Thank you, Lord, for sacrificing Your life for me.  Thank you that through sacrificing myself to You, I find that life!


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Sweet Pea

Scripture for Today: John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

This unassuming flower was offered as a thank you to our hostess. Their strong fragrance of honey, orange and jasmine are as pleasing as their colorful delicate petals. The poet, Keats, is thought to be the first to use the name, Sweet Pea. It was very popular in the 1800’s and it has come to symbolize many lofty ideas including; chastity, strength, truth, and gratitude. But what surprised me most was its association with goodbyes.

In today’s verse, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the coming goodbye. He tells them that He is leaving to go to the Father. But He does not want their hearts to be troubled with this goodbye (verse 1). He reassures them that the Holy Spirit will be coming to live within them (verse 17) and they will not be left as orphans (verse 18). And this goodbye is only temporary as He will be coming back and there will never again be a separation.

What an incredible comfort this is! My relationship with the Lover of my soul need never be interrupted. With His Spirit He is always present. But for those human relationships, goodbyes can be so painful. In moving so often I have had to experience many. And of course, the most painful are those when leaving this earth. But one day, there will be no more goodbyes. That is one word that will have no place in the heavenly vocabulary! There will be some incredible reunions as well as new friendships. They will be so much sweeter without that pain of separation.

Thank you Lord, that in Your home there will be no more goodbyes!


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Jellyfish

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:10 “All Your works praise you, Lord; Your faithful people extol You.”

photo by Richard Schneider https://www.flickr.com/photos/picturecorrect/14092367005

“O my God, it’s beautiful!” was the first thing out of the mouth of a meteorologist as she broke the surface of Jelly Fish Lake. I can understand her reaction as the underwater camera panned the millions of jellyfish who had been her swimming partners. This lake is found on Eil Malk Island in Palau. It once had an outlet to the sea but is now closed off. Over time, these golden jellyfish lost their sting making snorkeling through them possible. These fascinating creatures are always moving as they follow the sun’s arc across the sky. Swimming through them must be an eerie and unforgettable experience!

Today’s verse proclaims that all of God’s creation praise its Maker. Perhaps this is what prompted the reporter to exclaim as she did. The millions of golden jellyfish extol the greatness and creativity of their Maker by their very presence. Even at such a remote location, God demonstrates His artistic power in creating something that most of us will never even see. Even if man does not recognize how they came to be, God’s eternal power and divine nature are revealed through what He has made (Romans 1:20).

All of the beauty and majesty of the Lord’s creation is intentional. His intention is to reveal Himself to those who would seek Him. All of His creation is like a huge megaphone announcing to those who would listen, “I am here.  This is for you and I love you.” Those golden jellyfish following the sun are a reminder to me to continually stay close to the warmth of the Son’s presence and light.

Lord, may I be faithful to extol You for all Your wondrous works!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2015)