Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Faith and Trust


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April Fool!

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 28:26 “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.”

Photo Credit: Mike Finn https://www.flickr.com/photos/mwf2005/52786855612

Today has the dubious distinction of being a day dedicated to fooling people! And in fact, we enjoy watching someone play the fool! Whether it is Rowan Atkinson (aka Mr. Bean) or Penn and Teller inviting magicians to, “Fool Us,” we laugh at others or at our own naivety. However, in regards to being deceived in a nefarious way, we draw the line! As the quote says, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.”

Today’s verse gives a description of a fool that is a bit shocking. When one trusts in himself rather than in God, he is a fool. Scripture is full of verses contrasting those that are fools with those that are wise. The fool says in his heart that there is no God. (Ps. 14:1) He reviles the Lord’s name. (Ps. 74:18) And some become fools because of their rebellion against God. (Ps. 107:17) Bottom line is that fools despise wisdom because wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Prov. 1:7) and they are unwilling to trust their lives to Him.

I know I belong to the Lord. He reassures my heart. But that does not mean I do not have moments when I am foolish. Anytime I trust in myself, my own resources, mental acuity or talents, I am foolish. Everything I am and have comes from Him. He doesn’t bless me so that I can pull away from Him and rely on myself. To walk in wisdom is to recognize my own weakness and failings and depend on Christ for safety, security and guidance. Christ is my Wisdom! (I Cor. 1:24)

Thank you Lord, for making this simple one wise!


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What Are You Looking At?

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 11:10 “For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”

How odd to see this orderly organized group of dogs on a local trail! It is as if they were posing for a picture, which is exactly what they were doing! Their photographer was ready at her camera to take the shot. The lighting was perfect, the dogs arranged just so and no one was around….until my son came around the corner. As you can see, the dogs all turned as one to face him, ruining the carefully crafted moment. But my son was delighted with a photo of his own, all because the dogs were looking in the wrong direction!

Today’s verse describes where Abraham was looking. He was looking forward to a city not made with human hands. This permanent and eternal city is the heavenly Jerusalem to come (Heb. 12:22) and is described in Revelation 21. Abraham’s incredible faith was strengthened by where he was looking. Abraham and all the others honored for their faith in Hebrews 11 were looking for a country of their own, considering themselves as aliens and strangers on this earth (vs. 13-14). He was looking toward the future of a promise fulfilled, seeing it from a distance with eyes of faith.

Just like those distracted dogs, I am often looking in the wrong direction. My eyes need to be fixed on Jesus and the coming fulfillment of all He has promised. The evil one distracts me with empty promises of contentment here on earth. But I need to fix my eyes on what is unseen and eternal (II Cor. 4:18). And the more I can look in the right direction, the more my faith will strengthen and grow.

Lord, help me to keep my eyes fixed on You and all that awaits!


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Leap Year

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 5:7 “For we live by faith, not by sight.”

What are you doing with your extra day this week? Being leap year, we have this extra day in February every four years, thanks to Julius Caesar. His version of the calendar was in use until the 1500’s. Pope Gregory XIII then created our Gregorian calendar, also coining the term, “leap year.” And this term reminds me of another leap in the term, “leap of faith,” meaning to believe or accept something not on the basis of reason. Is this what Christians do?

Today’s verse tells us that we live our lives on the basis of faith and not by what we see. However, that does not mean there is no reason or logic to our faith. Creation itself shouts to us that there is intelligent design. In fact, when denying God, one’s thinking becomes futile and the heart is darkened (Rom. 1:21) Understanding is darkened when separated from the life of God. (Eph. 4:18) But part of the transformation that faith in Jesus brings is a renewal of the mind. (Rom. 12:2)

I do not throw my mind out the window to believe that God exists and to accept His revelation of Himself in His Word, the Bible. No longer do I have to do mental gymnastics to discount His very obvious existence. It is no leap of faith to believe in Him as He brings sense to what is senseless without Him. My faith is firmly placed in the All-Knowing One who through His Spirit gives wisdom and understanding. (Col. 1:9) He even makes wise this simple one! (Ps. 19:7)

Thank you Lord, that faith in You makes sense!!


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Crystal Ball

Scripture for Today: Psalm 147:5 “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.”

Do you sometimes wish there were a crystal ball to tell you what lies ahead? Gazing into the orb is supposed to give a vision of the future (visible of course only to the one charging a fee). This fortune- telling practice has a long history. The Druids in ancient Celtic cultures used clear water surfaces, glass and later balls to see ahead. Also, glass balls have been found in tombs dating back to the 5th century and St. Augustine, living in that same period, condemned their use.

Today’s verse reveals that God never needs to look ahead to gain wisdom. He is great and mighty in power. And there are no limits to His understanding. He does not need to look back over 2023 to make plans for 2024! He never wishes He could change an action taken in the past as all His ways are perfect. (Deut. 32:4) He would never regret His own perfect decisions nor would He be surprised at their outcomes. There is no need for God to look ahead to improve His understanding of events. He is all-knowing and eternal, seeing all from outside the confines of time.

What a mighty God I serve! There is nothing He does not understand. He is aware of every thought, every motive and every circumstance. How deep are the riches of His wisdom and knowledge! (Rom. 11:33) And this is why I can trust Him for 2024. He not only completely understands what I cannot about the past but He already sees what lies ahead. There is a plan already in place, globally and personally. (Jer. 29:11) My understanding will always be limited. But I can trust my All-Knowing Father. When I look ahead, He is already there and I can face the future with confidence.

Thank you Lord, for the unknown future. I am so grateful that it is not unknown to You!


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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!