Devotions By Jan

Monthly Archives: November 2020


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“Tilting at Windmills”

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:31 “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

These windmills do not look much like the enemy, but try explaining that to Don Quixote! The English idiom, “tilting at windmills,” means to attack imaginary enemies. It comes from the story of this deluded but chivalrous knight in Cervantes’ classic story. Don Quixote sees a field of windmills and thinking they are giants, he rides out to fight them. Unfortunately, he charges full speed at the closest one just as the sail descends, catching his lance and throwing him to the ground!

Today’s verse reassures the believer that whoever we think might be our enemy, we can be confident that God is for us. The question in this verse can be answered in one word; “nothing!” The list of “these things,” includes: death, life, angels, demons, the present, the future, powers, height, depth, nor ANYTHING ELSE in all creation will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus! (verse 37-39) Whether our enemies are real or perceived, we are more than conquerors.

I do not know what my future holds and I can imagine lots of unhappy scenarios. I can easily make a giant out of what is just an innocuous windmill. The future sometimes looms large in my thinking, taking on a power that it does not really have. But even in imagining the worst case scenario I can find comfort in the fact that God’s love would carry me through. Because of His love and power there is no obstacle in my future that is insurmountable. Nothing is too hard for Him. (Jer. 32:17) I belong to the Creator of giants and windmills!

Thank you Lord, that You will always be there to fight my battles!


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The Tung Nut

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 1:9 “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has set You above Your companions by anointing You with the oil of joy.”

What an odd name for this nut! The nut comes from the tung tree, native to China. Its name means, “heart,” in Chinese as the leaves are heart-shaped. But in fact, it is a misnomer as it is a seed rather than a nut, coming from the inside of the fruit of the tung tree. The oil from tung nut is used as a drying oil for wood and has been around for centuries as far back as Confucius! (This oil certainly brings joy to those who market it at Gulf Coast Tung Oil!)

Today’s verse mentions an oil of joy and is speaking of Christ whose name means, “the anointed One.”  Jesus is set apart as holy and righteous, superior to all created beings.  There is joy in this righteous relationship Christ shares with the Father.  There is joy despite the fact that Jesus was called a “Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” (Is. 53:3)  It was for the joy set before Him that He endured the cross (Heb. 12:2).  It is this same joy that we can experience even when going through trial and difficulty (James 1:2).

Just as oil was used in biblical times to consecrate and set apart a person, so this “oil of joy” does for me today!  Living with joy when nothing is going according to plan sets me apart and makes me different.  Joy in spite of grave health problems, uncertain finances or dashed dreams is not the norm.  But His Spirit’s fruit includes a joy that I can set before me as I endure whatever life may throw at me!

Lord, may the oil of joy overflow my heart regardless of what today may bring.


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What To Do?

Scripture for Today: Acts 9:6a (KJV) “And he trembling and astonished said, ‘Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?'”

I remember growing up in this church where all the “cool kids” sat up front on the right. Me? I am sitting on the left with my parents! What a wonderful legacy and impact this church had on my life and the life of my family. All three of my siblings found their spouses in the youth group. And week after week the words of this banner were burned into my soul. The underlying message was faithful submission and obedience to whatever the Lord would want to do with my life.

Today’s verse is the origin of this banner. These are the words of Saul (later renamed Paul) on the road to Damascus. This is his response to the Lord’s revelation of Himself. It is no wonder that Saul trembled with astonishment at the blinding light and the voice from Heaven speaking his name. Because of God’s miraculous confrontation, Saul’s zeal to persecute Christ followers was now redirected to love and serve Him. Saul immediately gives his life over to whatever God will do with it.

Seeing this verse every week made me realize that my life was not my own. The Lord bought me with a price (I Cor. 6:20) and I belong to Him. The price was so high that the only reasonable response is to submit my will to His. This concept is not just theoretical. It impacts my every day and what I choose to do with it! Following what He wants is not always easy, but life sure is not boring! His plans make every day significant. This verse is a question I want to ask Him everyday of my life!

Lord, show me what You want from me today!


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Military Honor

Scripture for Today: Psalm 62:6-7 “Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.  My salvation and my honor depend on God.  He is my mighty rock, my refuge.”

It was a moment of honor.  My Father was a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy during WWII.  Last week we buried him with military honor for his service all those years ago.  It was a moving moment to hear the three gun salute and taps being played.  It was an  especially touching moment to see those soldiers saluting the coffin.

The memorial service the next day was entirely different.  It was also a moment of honor as we remembered the life of a wonderful man.  But there was a difference.  In speaking of my Father, we also honored our Heavenly Father.  He had been my Dad’s rock and refuge since 1939.

Today’s verse says that salvation depends on God.  We cannot save ourselves from our sin.  He is the One who in His grace bends down to extract us from the messiness our sin creates.  But our honor also depends on Him.  In addition to redeeming our lives, He crowns us with love and compassion (Psalm 103:4).  David even talks about how God increases honor for him! (Psalm 71:21)

If my life or my Dad’s life is honorable, it is because of the Lord.  Our Creator continually works in those who belong to Him, forming His beautiful character.  The praise and honor ultimately belong to Him!  He makes a life beautiful and worth living. It really will not be so long before I am with my Dad, worshiping and honoring together the One who gave us honor. 

Thank you Lord, that You create honorable lives  May my life honor You today.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2014)


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Playing Darts

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 6:16 (ESV) “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.”

When I think of the game of darts I think of the pubs and taverns all over England. But the history of darts goes much further back to medieval times. To keep skills sharp, English archers started throwing shortened arrows during peace time. This pastime eventually moved indoors during inclement weather. The shortened arrows became the precursor to today’s darts. Of course arrows, whether short or long, can do great damage, especially when the tips are coated in pitch and set on fire!

Today’s verse describes a very important piece of the armor of God. The shield of faith is our defense against the flaming darts or arrows of Satan. He will use whatever he can to cause the believer to doubt God. Those darts of doubt could be the result of unanswered prayer. The darts may be the result of questions that remain unanswered. Or those darts could be doubts that question God’s character. Is He really good? Does God truly care? When we take up the shield of faith, we can smother those flames that challenge our faith.

When I take up my shield of faith, I can be confident of what I cannot see. My shield of faith makes me bold, resolute and unwavering in my sure hope. Challenges to my faith come every day in the scorn of unbelievers. But even more disturbing are those negative circumstances that tempt me to forget His promises. I take up that shield of faith every time I take up God’s Word! Those flaming darts can do nothing more than fizzle out!

Thank you Lord, that faith in You is my protection!