Devotions By Jan

Monthly Archives: November 2023


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Restless Racehorse

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 21:31 “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.”

Did someone “get your goat?” This phrase, meaning to annoy or infuriate, is thought to be derived from the French phrase, “take the goat.” It may have been used when stealing the mascot from a military unit. In more recent times, in the world of horse racing, a goat would share the stall of a racehorse the night before a race in order to keep the horse calm. If someone was intent on sabotaging the race, he would sneak into that stall and get the goat.

Today’s verse talks about getting a horse ready, not for racing but for battle. Were goats used then in the same way to keep the horse calm? Certainly, there were all kinds of preparations for that horse to be ready. After all, the success or failure of a battle can easily hinge on the behavior of the horse. We as believers are also to be prepared for spiritual battle by putting on the full armor of God. (Eph. 6:10-17) And we can be just as anxious or skittish as that horse.

Thankfully, the Lord does not lead me into spiritual battles without equipping me or without reassuring my heart. I can be strong and courageous, not afraid and not discouraged because our powerful God is with me (Josh. 1:9). This promise is my “goat” and nobody and nothing can take it away. The Lord is always true to His Word. The victory is His and I am on the Lord’s side!

Thank you Lord, that the battle is Yours!


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Saying Thanks!

Scripture for Today: I Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

It is said that an attitude of gratitude can go a long way in making one happier and positive, generous and compassionate, as well as healthier with a lower blood pressure and a stronger immune system! And of course, Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to gather family and express our gratitude for each other! Around this Thanksgiving table where my daughter’s in-law-family is seated, being thankful for each other was especially important. The next Thanksgiving saw one member thanking Jesus face to face.

Today’s verse is more than a suggestion.  It is a command to give thanks in any and all circumstances.  Our thanks in this passage are directed to the Lord in prayer (verse 17).  Quite clearly, it is what God wants from His children.  And when we withhold our thanks, we are somehow quenching His Spirit in us (verse 19).  Thanking God for what just happened is a recognition of His control over the situation.  It is a reminder that He has a plan that is good in allowing that circumstance, good or bad.

When I thank Him, I am reaffirming my faith that He knows what He is doing.  Even when I am pleading with Him for action or change, I am told to include thanksgiving in my prayer as an expression of trust (Phil. 4:6).  Just as thanking others can improve a friendship, so thanking the Lord brings me closer to Him.  As I thank Him, I can feel the tension in me dissipate.  He knows and He cares.  Whatever I am facing He has a plan in it and He is using it.  A heart-felt “thank you” completely changes my attitude.

Lord, remind me to be thankful for it all.


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Lion’s Mane

Scripture for Today: I Chronicles 16:11-12 “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles and the judgements He pronounced.”

This very bizarre-looking fungus is aptly nicknamed, “Lion’s mane.” You can find it in many damp shaded places, feeding off a dead log. This photo was taken near Mosquito Falls in Michigan. Its thick white stalk will have several branches covered by white clusters, bringing to mind a lion’s mane or icicles. Recent studies with mice show some promising discoveries using compounds from this mushroom. Already used in Asian countries, studies continue to explore potential effects on memory.

Today’s verse asks the believer to look to the Lord and His strength. We seek His face when we remember what He has done. When we forget His wonders, His miracles and His judgements, we are more likely to forget Him! But when we are reminded of His incredible power we are more likely to seek Him out and the strength He offers. Seeking His face is not a “one-and-done” exercise but a lifestyle of depending on Him.

My self-absorbed and independent mindset is definitely at odds with always seeking His face! But when I remember His miracles in my life or in the lives of others, I am motivated to come to Him for help and strength. He always welcomes me without the reproach of, “Where have you been??” And often what reminds me of His power is His Word. This is my “Lion’s Mane,” that helps me remember! (Psalm 111:4)

Lord, remind me to seek You and Your strength today!


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Losing Our Roots

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 3:17b-18 “…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,”

This Sitka Spruce defies the natural order of things, hanging on to life while soil erosion slowly eats away at its roots! It should be dead, but year after year it hangs on. Locals at the Olympic National Park have dubbed it, the “Tree of Life” as it stubbornly clings to survival despite the odds. But without those life-giving roots, gravity will sooner or later have its way.

Today’s verse tells believers how important it is to grasp the truth of God’s love. We are rooted and established in His unconditional love as it is foundational to our lives. There is no way to even measure or quantify that incredible love. When we come to know this love that “surpasses knowledge” (verse 19) we don’t just survive but thrive! And we do not completely understand this love by ourselves. Instead we grasp this love alongside other set-apart believers. But the minute we doubt that love, we can begin to look a bit like this tree.

God’s love for me definitely surpasses knowledge. It certainly makes no sense as He sees all the gunk inside of me. But God’s Word tells me that He loves me in spite of myself. How amazing is that! It is a love that is faithful, never wavering. And it is a love that will never let me go! His love holds me up when I am falling and makes me strong, able to endure whatever life may throw at me. One day I will see Him face to face. One day there will be no more doubting that love.

Lord, keep me grounded in Your love today.