Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Faith and Trust


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Scripture for Today: Romans 5:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

The electric vehicle charging station is making its appearance more and more frequently in daily life. Not only are they provided in public places but are also installed in home garages. This change to an alternate source of power has its share of controversy. But it seems that this change is here to stay in one form or another. And as the situation evolves with new and improved versions, there is one truth that everyone can agree on. No one wants to read the word “Empty” on their dashboard!

Today’s verse teaches us that there is a Source of power available in the person of the Holy Spirit living inside of the believer. God fills us up with joy and peace as we place our confidence in Him. It is trusting in Him that is the prerequisite for His joy and peace. And its result is an over-abundance of hope, possible because of the power of God’s Spirit.

My alone time with the Lord is my charging station, renewing my strength and even lifting my spirits. But I do not need to wait until I am dangerously low on power to come to Him! I know I am low on power when I am not experiencing joy, peace and hope. I do not want that needle anywhere near empty before turning to His Word for the encouragement I need. Being “charged up” not only strengthens me but puts me in a state of readiness for whatever challenge is around the corner.

Lord, I need Your power today!


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What a Nut!

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 17:7-8a “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes;”

The cashew is easily my favorite nut and when I read about the involved cultivation and processing, it made me appreciate it that much more! The red part pictured is called the “cashew apple” although it is only the swollen stem. The actual fruit is the “drupe” that contains the nut, so easily seen hanging from it on the outside. In the tropical climates where it is cultivated, it is planted in the rainy season when it can take root. That way, it can survive the long dry season that follows.

Today’s verses describe the one who trusts in the Lord as a tree that is planted by that all-important water. Without it, roots cannot be established and there is no growth. The one who trusts the Lord and has confidence in Him is blessed. That blessing is evident to all as the leaves are always green. There is no worry in a time of drought as this “tree” will always bear fruit (verses 8b). The coming of the heat is never in question. It is “when” not “if” the heat comes.

Why then am I surprised to experience times of drought and dryness? Difficulties and obstacles can make for some pretty intense heat. But with confidence and trust in my Savior I can move through those times without fear. The refreshing water of His Word and presence keeps me from wilting. Not only that, even during dry times there is still fruit as the Lord is the One producing it! He is working even when I don’t see it.

Thank you Lord, that regardless of circumstances You continue to grow me and use me!


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Wall Street’s “Fear Gauge”

Scripture for Today: :Hebrews 13:6 “So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'”

I did not realize that the investor’s feelings, anxieties and complacency were actually measured! The VIX or Volatility Index is also called a “Fear Gauge” and can measure just how much the market may fluctuate in the next thirty days. A high VIX indicates elevated fear and uncertainty, potentially signaling large market swings. A low VIX pictures the investor as being complacent, stable and having low-risk expectations.

Today’s verse tells believers that we can have confidence! There is stability that keeps us from being “volatile.” Because the Lord is our helper, we can live without fear of market crashes, shortages or any other financial hardship. God had said in verse 5, “Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.” God’s presence and His help give us a security that is not found in “securities.” The market may go up or down and the value of the dollar may plunge. The believer stays confident in God’s presence and help.

I have a front row seat to watching this truth play out in the lives of my friends who were scammed out of half their retirement savings! I am amazed to see how the Lord has supplied ALL their needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19) How amazing is His grace! My feelings of security do not depend on any investment other than my eternal investment in God’s undeserved favor! Regardless of life’s “Volatility” I can be stable and confident in Him!

Thank you Lord for being my help and my security!


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Dumb Bird

Scripture for Today: I Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

The endangered Kakapo Bird is a flightless parrot from New Zealand and is cited as one of the least intelligent birds. Sometimes they will climb a tree and try to parachute down, not understanding their limitations. While mating only every 2-5 years, the booming sounds they make to attract a female will sometimes confuse her and the deed is not done. Some males will even mistake rocks, trees, or a researcher’s head as a potential mate! Unfortunately, when faced with a predator he will freeze, thinking to blend in with the moss behind him. Unfortunately, he stinks and it is his odor that will lead to his demise!

Today’s verse warns that we have a predator as well. The devil, like a roaring hungry lion, is looking for someone to devour. Our defense is to be watchful and alert, not underestimating the enemy. We are also to be sober, not drunk or distracted by the world and its values. Being sober is being prepared, self-controlled and able to stay calm. When the Lord helps us to do this we can follow the command that follows, to resist the devil and stand firm in the faith, despite whatever suffering we experience.(vs 9)

Standing firm in the faith is probably the hardest position to hold when facing suffering. The devil is a liar saying that God doesn’t really care or I wouldn’t be hurting. And yet Peter affirms in verse 8 that He cares for me. Why is it that I think I should somehow be spared any kind of suffering just because I am a Christian? Yet God does promise that whatever I experience here is light and momentary compared to the glorious future that awaits! (II Cor. 4:17-18) I am not in Paradise yet.

Lord, keep me alert and standing firm in the faith.


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The Laughing Gull

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 31:25 “She is clothed with strength and dignity: she can laugh at the days to come.”

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Assateague_laughing_gull_MD1.jpg

I am no stranger to all kinds of sea gulls in our area of the California coast. But I have never seen or heard this guy! That’s because the Laughing Gull makes its home on the Atlantic Coast. His dark black hood, red bill and legs and his white eye arcs give him a recognizable look. But what is most distinctive is his hysterical raucous call resembling laughter! It begins with a stuttering ha-ha-ha-ha and follows with a longer more drawn-out hash-hash-hash! He laughs when excited by courtship or defending his territory.

There is laughter in today’s verse. It is part of the description of a woman whose qualities raise what seems to be an impossible standard for others! This picture of the perfect wife and mother was given by the Queen Mother to her son, King Lemuel. The passage describes a woman of “noble character” fit for royalty (verse 10). After an extensive list of characteristics the conclusion is that charm and beauty are less important than fearing the Lord (verse 30). Fearing the Lord makes it possible to “laugh at the days to come.” There is a light heart even when facing the unknown future.

Of all the qualities listed for this perfect woman, this ability to laugh at the days to come has got to be the most difficult! It is a litmus test of my faith in God and His plan for me. To laugh at the days to come does not mean I do not prepare for them. But it does mean that I can trust Him for the unexpected! I can trust Him for what is around that blind curve. Whatever He allows to happen, He will carry me through it. Instead of fear and anxiety, He makes possible a light heart. Whatever the challenge of the days to come, He is enough.

Thank you Lord, for the confidence I can have in You!