Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Strength and Power


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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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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.“

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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.


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Moxie

Scripture for Today: Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

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Do you live you life with Moxie? Well, someone thinks you should as he points his finger at you! Moxie is the brand name of a bitter syrup created in 1876 called, “Moxie Nerve Food.” It was purported to prevent paralysis, softening of the brain (?) nervousness and insomnia! Later, soda water was added to make one of the earliest carbonated drinks in America. The term “moxie” has come to mean the ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage.

Today’s verse comes at a time of transition and change. Joshua was given the daunting task of leading the Israelites. He was charged with taking the territory that God had promised Moses and the people. There would be many times of fear and discouragement but God reassures Joshua of His presence. He promises to never leave or forsake Joshua (verse 5). “Be strong and courageous,” is repeated three times in four verses! Because of God’s promises, Joshua could face the future with spirit and courage!

I have this same promise and reassurance! Especially in times of transition and change, I need to be reminded that God is there. I can face my future with that moxie of spirit and courage because God has told me that He will never leave me or forsake me (Heb. 13:5). He is with me wherever I go and there is no place where He is not (Psalm 139:7-10)! His presence is my strength. His presence is my courage. His presence is my encouragement. Without Him, I would be a bowl of quivering “what if’s.”

Thank you Lord, for the courage and strength You give me!


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Cinco de Mayo

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:31 “What, then, shall we say in response to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?”

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Being from Southern California, close to our Mexican neighbors, we enjoyed the Cinco de Mayo celebrations, every 5th of May. After moving to France we did not think to mark the day. However, one year we intentionally went to a hard-to-find Mexican restaurant, early to beat the anticipated crowd. The place was deserted and after looking up information about the celebration I understood why. This day is to celebrate the Mexican victory over the French army in 1862! What was remarkable about the Battle of Puebla were the odds. Facing a better equipped and larger army, the Mexican losses were small in comparison to the French loss of life.

The odds in today’s verse are pretty remarkable too! If God is for us there is no contest! This is our response to any charge. He has declared us righteous through Christ. Because God is for us, there is not even a hint of condemnation from any quarter (Rom. 8:1). God is for us and Christ intercedes on our behalf. Nothing and no one can separate us from His love. We are not just conquerors over the enemy but “more than conquerors.”

It is not because of numbers or size or strength but because of His love that I am more than a conqueror! (verse 37) He has already won the most important battle of them all, the battle for my soul! Celebration can start today and continue into eternity! The outcome is sure and I can live in the absolute certainty of victory. There is not a single scenario imaginable that can change this truth. Because He is for me, I win!

Thank you Lord, for already securing the victory for me.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2016)


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Jolly Green Giant

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

I can still remember the days when canned and frozen foods were not so prevalent in France twenty-five years ago.  Most everything had to be made from scratch. Now, the Jolly Green Giant is everywhere.  But I have always wondered why this giant was jolly. In God’s Word, the giant, Goliath, was a mighty warrior that defied the Lord Almighty and His people. The other four giants mentioned in II Samuel 21 were not so jolly either. Each one vehemently opposed the God of the universe. None of these giants finished well having been defeated by God’s people. In each victory God gave amazing strength to square off against these impossibly large warriors. 

Today’s verse is a declaration by Paul of the strength God gives. Because of this strength, Paul was able to face a particular giant; the giant of discontent. The context speaks of learning to be content in any and every situation.  Paul could live a contented life only through the strength God gives. His contentment did not come from having lots or having little. His contentment came directly from His Creator. And his circumstances never held him back from being all that God wanted him to be.

Discontent can loom like a giant for me. Overcoming feelings of dissatisfaction can seem nearly impossible. The size of my longings for a different set of circumstances can blot out the joy of following the path the Lord has chosen for me. But with the strength God offers, I can vanquish feelings of deprivation and dissatisfaction. This is not something I can achieve on my own but only through Him. Nothing is too hard for the Lord.

Thank you Lord, for Your strength to cut down to size any discontent I may feel today!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2014)