Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Strength and Power


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Smoky Skies

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood; but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

With these fires enveloping so much of Washington, Oregon and California, the skies have become dark and somber with the ash.  Midday can seem like early evening and the sun has trouble piercing the gloom.  A pall of dark smoke hangs over land far away from the actual fire.  The lack of normal light is a constant reminder of our fire-beleaguered world here in the west.

There is a dark world in today’s verse, and it is our world.  Making it dark are unseen rulers, authorities, and powers that are in direct opposition to the Light of Jesus and to His “children of light.”  No, we do not see these spiritual forces of evil, but we know they are there as we see their effect.  Thankfully, we are not without recourse.  Because of God’s armor, we can stand firm against this dark world.  Believers have God’s truth, not only as our first line of defense (belt of truth verse 14) but also as our only and best offense. (sword of the Spirit, the Word of God verse 17)

I have no courage to stand.  Who am I to plant myself firmly against such an array of opposition?  But God tells me that my strength is in the Lord and in His mighty power. (verse 10)  He has given me truth and the truth is that the battle belongs to the Lord.  I am on the winning side!  Although this world is dark, following Jesus means I will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life! (John 8:12)

Thank you Lord, for being my strength and my light.

 


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The Napoleon Fish

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 16:13 “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

The large face and fleshy lips of the Napoleon Fish give this gentle giant creature a peculiar look.  That knob on his forehead gives him his name, resembling Napoleon’s cap.  This coral reef fish living in the Indio Pacific region grows to over six feet and can weigh 418 pounds!  Each scale is as big as an adult’s palm.  Encountering him may seem frightening, but they are friendly, curious and easy to approach.

Today’s verse encourages the believer to be courageous and strong.  When we stand firm in our faith and are on our guard, we can experience this confident courage.  Part of being on our guard is understanding who the real enemy is and not allowing appearances to deceive us.  Sometimes an obstacle can seem threatening and elicit fear when in fact, its size is not the problem.  More problematic is the size of our faith!  Like the Israelites, we can cower before giants and fail to believe God’s promises of victory!  Believers are not to give in to fear as fear of man can prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. (Prov.29:25)

There are many potential dangers to life and limb.  But more importantly, there are dangers that can weaken our faith.  It is our faith that keeps us from a debilitating cycle of fear and worry.  God has promised me a sure and certain future with Him.  No one can snatch me from His hand (John 10:28) and nothing can separate me from His love. (Romans 8:38-39)  The One who resides in me is greater than my already-defeated foe who is in the world. (I John 4:4)

Thank you Lord, that regardless of scary circumstances I can remain strong and courageous in You.

 


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In the Gap

Scripture for Today: Ezekiel 22:30 “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.”

I am not often in England, but when I am, two warning signs have proved very important: “Look Right,” and “Mind The Gap.”  When crossing a street it is automatic for me to look left for oncoming traffic.  As the British drive on the other side, I need to remember to check the opposite direction!  The sign, “Mind The Gap” warns the rail passenger to watch their step.  It is too easy to fall into that space between the station platform and the train.

There is another gap in today’s verse that is much more serious.  It is the gap between God’s righteous wrath and the wicked.  The Sovereign Lord looks for those who are willing to stand in this gap and by their prayers be an intercessor on behalf of their land.  We are told to make petition and prayer, intercession and thanksgiving for all people, including the wicked who are in authority. (I Tim. 2:1-2)

God’s wrath is sure to come on all who reject Him.  For now He stays His hand as He is not willing that any perish but that all come to repentance. (II Peter 3:9)  Of all the roles I could take to affect change, the most important is to stand in that gap with prayers for our leaders.  I feel powerless to change things or stem the tide of wickedness because I am powerless!  But I have the ear of the One with all the power!  Praying for our leaders, wicked or not, is a responsibility He asks of me.

Lord, keep me faithful in prayer.


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Night Sky Petunia

Scripture for Today: Psalm 8:3-4 “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars which You have set in place, what is mankind that You are mindful of them, human beings that You care for them?”

The night sky is not only seen by looking up!  The name of this deep purple petunia comes from their unique markings that call to mind the overhead sky.  With their petals sprinkled with white, they are sometimes called the “galaxy flower.”  As the season progresses and the temperatures become cooler, more white spots appear.  Just as the night sky does, these amazing trumpet-shaped flowers declare God’s glory!

Today’s verse expresses what so many humans feel as they gaze up into the night sky.  How is it that the Creator of the universe, the One with such power and creativity would ever think of me?  The moon and the stars in the heavens are just simple finger work for our God.  He spreads the heavens out like a tent over us. (Isaiah 40:22)  He even names each of those stars. (Ps. 147:4)   But He also cares for each individual.  Yes, our Maker stretches out the heavens but He also forms us in the womb. (Isaiah 44:24)  His power is seen on both a grand and small scale.

It is difficult sometimes to wrap my head around God’s infinite power.  Even so, it is easy and logical for me to believe in “intelligent design.”  What seems harder to believe is that this God cares and that He is mindful of me!  He has chosen to use His power to establish a relationship with me that lasts into eternity!  And He continues to use His creative power to change my heart to live for Him!

Thank you Lord, for the reminder in creation of Your infinite power and care!


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The Grace Building

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 3:10 “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it.  But each one should build with care”

Built by the Grace brothers in the 1920’s as their premiere retail store, this building in Sydney, Australia epitomized the optimism of that period.  But with the Great Depression of 1930, it did not live up to expectations.  In 1943 it was used as a headquarters by General MacArthur.  It remained in the possession of the government until purchased and transformed into a hotel.  There is grace in this building’s past in it being repurposed over and over again!

Today’s verse likens a believer’s life to a building.  This is also a “grace building” as the foundation is Christ Jesus Himself. (verse 11)  Each believer builds his life with care, making sure that one has the sure and strong foundation of the grace and forgiveness of the Lord.  Any other foundation will cause a building to topple.  This building can withstand any damaging storm.  A life built on Christ can experience all kinds of setbacks but there is always His grace with which He rebuilds and repurposes!

My foundation is not always visible to others.  But when the storms hit, (and they seem to be sweeping through quite often) I know I will not be shaken.  Christ keeps my life stable.  Even if mountains are shaken and hills removed, His unfailing love is my foundation and I will not be shaken! (Isaiah 54:10)  Building my life on Christ and His incredible grace means I can face tomorrow and the next day with confidence!  No other foundation can compare and He has proved faithful over and over!

Thank you Lord, that because of You and Your grace, I can stay standing.