Devotions By Jan

Monthly Archives: May 2021


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Penny Farthing Bicycle

Scripture for Today: II Timothy 4:5 “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”

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

With each pedal stroke, this gentleman can travel great distances, as much as 15 feet! That is because of the huge size of that front wheel. And even though he is rolling on cobblestone, his ride is smooth. But despite these advantages, the Penny Farthing bicycle, created in the 1870’s, is not safe. As he sits so high and nearly over the front axel, he is prone to pitching over those mustache handlebars head first and landing on his head!

Today’s verse is a charge to Timothy from his mentor, Paul. He is told to “keep his head.” The idea is to always be steady and clear headed. Despite unexpected hardship, Timothy is encouraged to stay calm, cool and steady. Timothy is warned that soon, sound doctrine and truth will no longer be welcomed. His listeners will prefer myths and what is easy to hear (verses 3-4). But he is to remain faithful to what God has called him to do, just as Paul had been.

I could lose my head in only listening to what is easy and pleasing, ignoring the doctrines and meat of God’s Word. If I were to take that easy route, I would be unprepared for any kind of hardship. Suffering, trials and difficulties are all part of my Christian walk and the best way I know to meet them head on is to know what God says. I may never understand the “why” of that unexpected hardship. But by staying in His Word, I can be assured of God’s love and faithfulness through it.

Thank you Lord, that You help me keep my head!


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Pushed Around!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 118:13 “I was pushed back and about to fall but the Lord helped me.”

https://www.flickr.com/photos/4elevenpix/5056089861

Cliff diving is scary enough without being pushed from behind! This perhaps playful scene took place on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas. Maybe the diver needed a little push. Maybe not!! In any case, being pushed from behind could be unexpected and throw one off balance. And being pushed around by others would certainly create trust issues.

Today’s verse is a call to praise for God’s deliverance from enemies. The Lord’s right hand had done mighty things (verse 16) one of which was protection from falling. Enemies push hard. But our God is trustworthy and catches us when we are about to fall. Trusting in God is better than trusting in humans (verse 8) or even in princes (verse 9). This psalm is full of shouts of victory and triumph over enemies. God is our strength, defense and salvation. He does not disappoint.

Enemies today push just as hard. The scorn and mocking of a colleague at work may destabilize me. Someone I am counting on for help may let me down. I am thrown off balance when a friend or family member betrays a confidence. I can be blindsided by someone who publicly denounces me. I am disappointed and surprised when pushed around by those I thought I could trust. We all let each other down and often times inadvertently. But the Lord will never let me down. I can always take refuge in Him. He is there to break my fall. The Lord will never betray my trust. His help is always available to place me firmly back on my feet. How wonderful to know that I can always count on Him!

Thank you Lord, that even when pushed, You will not let me fall when I place my trust in You.


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The Flea Market

Scripture for Today: I John 2:7 “Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old commandment is the message you have heard.”

I love a good flea market where someone’s castoffs become someone else’s treasure. The biggest flea market in Europe takes place in Lille, France every September. And it dates back to the 12th century! It is comprised of 10,000 sellers who man 62 miles of roadside stalls. It runs continuously for thirty six hours and welcomes two and a half million visitors! Everyone is sure to find something old that pleases!

Today’s verse is a reminder that what is old can very well hold its value. John is repeating an old commandment that continues to be valid: to love one another. From the beginning we are commanded to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength (Deut.6:5) and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Lev. 19:18). Jesus teaches that all the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments (Matt.22:40). But what was old became new when Jesus added, “as I have loved you” (John 13:34).

What was impossible to obey is now possible through Christ’s Spirit and His fruit in me. And anytime I am confused about what that love looks like, I can examine the life of Jesus, as “its truth is seen in Him” (I John 2:8). My problem is that I do not always choose to obey it. Loving others has a way of disrupting my day! I know I am incredibly selfish, and unlike the Lord, prefer to be served rather than serve. But loving one another is a concrete and measurable way I can love my Lord. More than anything, this thought spurs me to action!

Lord, help me love like You do.


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Wandering Albatross

Scripture for Today: Psalm 63:7-8 “Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.”

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GFDL, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Wandering Albatross is perhaps thought to be wandering as he spends most of his life in flight! He can fly up to 25 miles per hour and is especially adept at gliding, going several hours at a time without flapping those gigantic wings. This amazing bird can boast the largest wingspan of any bird in the world, reaching nearly 12 feet! When he flies overhead, his shadow can be impressive!

Today’s verse describes God’s presence as wings that cast a protective shadow over those who belong to Him. David is again being opposed by his enemies. When he can finally rest on his bed at night, he remembers God’s power and protection and David praises Him for being His help (verse 6). He clings to His powerful right hand to save him. David hides in this shadow (Ps. 17:8) finding refuge and shelter there (Ps. 61:4). He is even covered with warm feathers in His presence (Ps. 91:4). David is so comforted that he can even sing!

What a beautiful image of God’s faithfulness! This description invites me to run to Him when the world is so harsh and hopeless. His comforting presence soothes and heals from all the attacks of the enemy. Be it doubt, discouragement or despair, His wings are my safe place. In the shelter of His wings I am safe and secure. His powerful right hand will hold me up and sustain me right up to the time He takes me to my eternal home. This is a reason for singing! And the acoustics from under His wings make my singing sound pretty good!

Lord, keep me close to You.


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The Right to Complain

Scripture for Today: Psalm 142:2 “I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.“

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mrulster/49153661098

I cannot remember the last time I saw a sign for a “Complaint Department.” This sign is from a restaurant in Ireland and obviously they are not really interested in hearing your complaint! Making this department as inaccessible as possible seems smart! Who wants to hear a bunch of complainers? Inviting a disgruntled customer to express his frustration seems like inviting trouble. And to be the person handling the complaints would require enormous patience. More often than not, the complaint department has moved to social media in the form of poor reviews expressed there.

Today’s verse was written by David while hiding out from Saul in a cave. He had plenty of reason to complain. Saul was intent on killing David without cause. His complaints were voiced out loud and he cried out for God to deliver him. David did not try to sugar coat his emotions. He complained of his troubles. But like so many of David’s psalms, he ends it on a positive note with confidence that God will work in his favor.

I take heart when I read this psalm. The Lord knows exactly what I am thinking and feeling. I might as well voice it and get it all out in front of Him. Nothing shocks the Lord and He can take it. Unlike the person handling customer complaints, His patience with me is infinite! Pouring out my complaint to others does not give me the same relief that the Lord does. Not only does He patiently listen, He has all the power to do something about it. And like David, voicing my complaints and troubles to Him puts me back on my knees in prayer. Before long, He reassures me that He is on it. 

Thank you Lord, for patiently listening.