Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Faith and Trust


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Smiling Horse?

I Samuel 2:1 “My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.” (NKJV)

This horse completely ignored me as I passed by him. It’s not as if I wasn’t friendly. I made my voice gentle and clicked my tongue at him. But he would have none of it. How did he know that I did not have a carrot after all? (I didn’t!) But as I passed by the same path on my return, he became interested and flashed what looked to be a smile! Don’t tell me it did not mean anything! It made me feel better about my morning!

Today’s verse has Hannah smiling. For years she had suffered under the constant goading of Peninnah, her husband’s other wife. She was constantly reminded of her barrenness while Peninnah bore many children. The Lord listened to her cries and gave her Samuel. In gratitude and to fulfill her vow, she gave Samuel back to the Lord, to live in the temple and serve Him. Hannah could rejoice and be delighted, even at the moment of separation. She could smile at her enemies as she was vindicated. And God’s blessing continued with the birth of many other children.

One day I know I can smile at my enemies! One day I will be completely vindicated for anything I have suffered at their hands. God has the last word and His justice will prevail. He will even prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies! (Ps. 23:5) I don’t fret about the wicked as God promises to vindicate the righteous (Ps. 37:6). I don’t want to waste mental energy or indignant emotions on the wicked. The Lord will take care of it.

Thank you Lord, for the peace I have with You.


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Covered by His Shadow

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 51:16 “I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand – I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, ‘You are my people.'”

The shadow of a person can evoke a variety of emotions. When one thinks of a shadow, it can sometimes be in a context of fear! If the presence is menacing than it follows that the shadow of that presence is as well. But a shadow can be reassuring and even comforting when it comes from a loving presence.

Although God is spirit, today’s verse uses the image of the shadow of His hand. It is a powerful hand that has established the heavens and the earth. This passage describes how His hand is able to loose chains and set captives free. Because He covers us with the shadow of His hand, there is no reason to be fearful of man (verse 12). What can man do?  God’s power and presence gives comfort rather than fear to those who belong to Him.

The shadow of His hand reassures me of His love and protection. I sense that divine shadow when a Biblical truth will come to mind at the exact moment when needed! His shadow reminds me that I belong to Him and not to this worldly kingdom. His shadow is evidence that He is at work in my life. And His daily care and blessing are shadows of His loving presence!

Thank you, Lord, for helping me sense Your loving shadow.

(Look familiar? This is based on a post from 2015)


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No Footsteps!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 77:19  “Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footsteps were not seen.”

We live in an age of amazing technology! Underwater robots plunge the depths of the oceans and bring up all kinds of new information. Their unmanned exploration has been used in a variety of ways. Some are able to do repairs on oil rigs. Some can predict the magnitude of an approaching hurricane. Others can locate, map and sometimes raise the wreckage of a downed airplane! Their discoveries have increased our appreciation of God’s creation! But there is one thing these underwater robots will never find on the ocean floor; God’s footprints!

We do not see His footsteps but we do see the evidence of His creative work and His mighty deeds. Today’s verse uses the images of the sea and the mighty waters to represent the unseen reasons for the hard times in life. The author begins this psalm feeling rejected and forgotten by God. He decides to meditate on all God’s miracles of the past. He reaffirms God’s mighty power and ends with trust. Even though he does not see God’s “footprints” he responds with faith.

I sometimes feel that I am “out of my depth” with why God allows hard things to happen. But in doing so He is leading me into deep waters. It can sometimes feel so deep that I cannot find my footing. I do not see His footsteps or any evidence at all of His being there in that moment of distress. But I know He is.  I am not navigating those deep waters by sight, but by faith (II Cor. 5:7).

Help me Lord to trust You, even when I don’t understand.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2014.)


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Amen Corner

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 1:20 “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”

What a funny name for a street corner! Does the pedestrian feel compelled to say “amen,” as he passes by? The phrase actually comes from a jazz song called, “Shoutin in that Amen Corner.” Although others have since used the term in naming bars, streets and even sections of the Augusta National Golf Club, its origin dates back to lower New York City in the late 1800’s. Bibles were printed there in huge quantities and sidewalk preachers and their listeners would loudly yell out, “Amen!”

Today’s verse tells believers that they can glorify God by their spoken “amen.” This word in Greek is “so be it.” By saying it we are responding with an acknowledgement of truth. By saying it we declare that His words are certain and sure. (John 17:17) The word, “amen” is also translated as “verily” and “truly.” Jesus would sometimes preface His words this way, establishing them as sure and binding.

When I say “amen,” to His promises, I am declaring my trust that His Word is true and unshakable. My amen glorifies God, pointing to His faithfulness. Because of Christ and His sacrifice for my sin, I can claim His promise of eternal life! And along with that promise are so many others that make my life meaningful: His presence, strength, help, peace, comfort, and more! AMEN!

Lord, may today be full of opportunities to speak my amen!


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Remembering….

Scripture for Today: Psalm 111:4 “He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate.”

Photo by Peter Lee https://www.flickr.com/photos/oldpatterns/5784607734/in/photostream/

This week, North Americans remember on Memorial Day those soldiers who have fallen to secure our freedom. We need these special days to remember. Memories fade without them or without a physical memento to remind us. These dog tags hang in the Old North Memorial Garden near the Old North Church in Boston, MA. They commemorate those who have lost their lives in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Today we can identify remains through DNA. Even so, dog tags are still issued. They serve as an important reminder of sacrifice.

And we need important reminders. Today’s verse teaches us one of the many ways the Lord shows us His grace and compassion. He helps us remember. He knows that we are forgetful. We continually need His reminders of the wonders He has done. He brings them to mind at the most opportune time; when we are depressed and our soul is downcast (Ps. 42:6) and when we are on our bed and all is quiet. (Ps. 63:6) We find comfort when we remember His Word. (Ps. 119:52)

My tendency is to forget what I have studied in His Word, what I have seen and experienced of His wonders. Over time, they fade from my heart. (Deut. 4:9) if I am not careful and watch myself closely. It seems to be my default setting. But when I forget, I will need to learn it all over and over again, rather than growing in my faith! I may not have dog tags, but I have His many reminders through His Word and His personal reassurances of His faithfulness in the past!

Thank you Lord, for Your reminders.