Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Strength and Power


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Chocolate Iris?

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 2:4-5 “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom but on God’s power.”

This is a surprising color for an iris! And its name reflects the color: “Dutch Chocolate.” But in fact, the iris comes in an array of different colors, including a deep purple that looks black. The wide diversity of colors makes sense as the word, “iris” originally meant “rainbow” in Greek. In the language of flowers, the iris symbolizes eloquence. And its three petal segments are said to represent faith, wisdom, and valor.

There is faith and wisdom in today’s verse as well as courage to speak the truth. There is not however any eloquence. Wise sounding words can be empty. Persuasive words can be negated by hypocrisy.  But Paul explains that his message did not need either as his words were a demonstration of the power of the Spirit. Paul never claimed to be eloquent in his speech. Because he spoke simply, God’s power was evident. And he resisted the temptation to speak only what “itchy ears” wanted to hear (II Tim. 4:3).

My faith does not rest on a fancy discourse or the latest fad or book. Human wisdom can never replace the power of God’s Words. It is not what exact words are used but God’s Spirit who helps me understand (verse 12). He is the One that explains spiritual realities to me (verse 13). And His Spirit uses my words of testimony even when I am not eloquent. I may not feel strong or confident in sharing the Gospel. But thankfully, His power does not depend on my word choice!  His power is evident not because of me but in spite of me!

Thank you Lord, that my faith rests on Your power.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2020)


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Watch Out for Splinters!

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 36:6 “Look, I know you are depending on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces the hand of anyone who leans on it! Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who depend on him.”


I do not suppose that this lizard worries about getting splinters from the rough surface of this door!  With his thick, tough reptile skin he can move all over that weathered wood and never be bothered. I, on the other hand, would not want to push or lean on that wood for fear of splinters piercing my skin! I still have memories of my childhood and that painful process of splinter removal!

Today’s verse describes a hand that leans on a flimsy splintered reed of a staff and so is pierced. The King of Assyria was absolutely right to say that leaning on Egypt for help against his attack would be no help at all for King Hezekiah and the Israelites. But then he goes on to insult their dependence on the Lord God! (verse 7) King Hezekiah turns to the Lord in His temple and to the prophet, Isaiah. He prays that God will vindicate His name. And the Lord does, delivering them with a miraculous victory!

Who do I depend on in a crisis? My first thought needs to be His help. He may direct me to all kinds of good sources of aid, but I want my trust and dependence to be firmly placed first and foremost on Him and His power to work. Putting my weight on any other kind of support may just give me those “splinters.” But He will always answer my cries. Nothing is beyond His strength. And when He answers, His name is once again vindicated in my life and in the eyes of all who are watching!

Lord, keep me leaning and depending on You!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2020)


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The Moeraki Boulders

Scripture for Today: I Samuel 2:2 “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one beside You; there is no Rock like our God.”

These strange spherical boulders on the Koekohe Beach in New Zealand have fired the imagination for years. The varied names given them include: eel pots, hooligan gallstones, giant gobstoppers, alien brains, bowling balls of the giants and dinosaur eggs! There are over fifty of them and the biggest one weighs seven tons! Their strange appearance makes for a unique landscape. They are made of mud, fine silt and clay, cemented together by calcite, layer upon layer over many years.

Today’s verse is part of Hannah’s prayer as she dedicates her young son, Samuel, to full-time service in the temple. This is the child she had prayed for so ardently, being barren and snubbed. Although she was giving up Samuel, her heart rejoiced being vindicated before her enemies (verse 1). She felt delight at God’s deliverance and praises Him for being her holy and unique Rock. Throughout Scripture our God is pictured as a Rock. What an image of His strength and permanence! Layer upon layer of faithfulness to His Word makes for a sure foundation.

I never need to worry whether my Rock will be there tomorrow or the day after. He is immoveable and unchanging. He is my strength, and my refuge. Being my Rock, He is a place of strength and refreshment for my flagging spirit. The surface of this rock has a cool touch when I am too warm from stress and anxiety. But that same rock surface is warm from the sun and comforting when I am feeling cool and indifferent. I know He is faithful to meet my every need as He has proved Himself over and over!

Lord, be my Rock today.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2020)


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Hang On!!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 63:8 “I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.”


The koala, although a marsupial, looks like a cute cuddly teddy bear. He can hold on to those smooth-barked gum trees and even sleep there 18-20 hours a day without any worry of falling off. That is because he has two opposable thumbs on his fore paws that allow a sure grip. He also has big toes that are set at an angle to the foot, giving him a vise-like hold. They cling so well to the tree that they leave scratches on the bark.

Today’s verse tells us that we can cling to the Lord because He upholds us with His right hand. David writes this psalm while in the desert of Judah. He remembers and thinks on his bed, not about his enemies but about God’s love that he considers better than life! (verse 3) He clings to the truth that God is his help. (verse 7) David is confident of the end his enemies face. He may be in a clinging position now, but he knows that they will be destroyed and he will rejoice! They, as liars, will be silenced but he will glory in the Lord. (verse 11)

I feel as if I am barely hanging on when surrounded by those who oppose Jesus Christ and when surrounded by liars. But what I am clinging to makes all the difference! The piece of wood to which I cling is the cross! Jesus, by His death on the cross, has won the victory over every enemy! I cling to Him as He is the THE truth in a world full of liars. (John 14:6) His Word is eternal. His promises are true. He is the One who holds me up when I cling to Him.

Lord, keep me hanging on to You.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2021)


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The Carabiner

Scripture for Today: Psalm 37:23-24 “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”

The carabiner may look like a relatively small piece of rock climbing equipment. But in fact, its role is essential as safety absolutely depends on it! This strong metal snap-link made of aluminum or steel is used to connect all the different parts of the climbing safety system together. It attaches the climber to the rope, the rope to a harness, and the climber to an anchor. That connection allows the climber to firmly plant his feet with confidence!

There is another safety system in today’s verse. And to walk with confidence, we need a sure connection! This psalm talks about the Lord upholding the righteous (verse 17) in contrast to the many troubles the wicked will suffer. God does not forsake His faithful ones (verse 28). And for those who have His law in their hearts, their feet do not slip (verse 31). When we delight in knowing and following God’s way, then we can be sure that our connection to Him is sure and He will hold us up!

There is always the possibility of stumbling. I love Him and His law but that does not mean I follow it perfectly. Especially when the way is rocky, uphill and difficult, I can easily compromise. Some part of me thinks that loving Him means the way should be smooth and easy. But if it were, would I need to trust Him? Does my obedience mean anything if it is never tested? Stumbling is part of every believer’s walk of faith but thankfully, so is His grace and forgiveness which keeps me from hitting the ground!

Thank you Lord, for holding me up today!