Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Strength and Power


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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!


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Fainting Goats

Scripture for Today: Psalm 20:7-8 “They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.”

There is nothing wrong with this goat but he is only doing what comes naturally to his breed, called Myotonic Goats. They are also called Tennessee Fainting Goats, Stiff-Legged Goats, or Wooden-Legged Goats. When startled, frightened or excited that adrenaline rush causes their muscles to lock up and they keel over! When this happens they don’t lose consciousness. It only last 10-15 seconds and they get back up as if nothing had happened!

Today’s verse and context make a clear contrast between those who trust in themselves and those who trust in the God of the Bible. The ones who are brought to their knees and fall are those who trust in their horses and chariots, or in other words, in their own resources. But those whose trust is in the Lord will rise up and stand firm. In our spiritual battle there is always the chance of a surprise attack. With God’s armor provided we are to stand firm with an absolute trust in Him. (Eph. 6:10,13-14)

Becoming immobilized with fear is entirely possible if I were to dwell too long on the “what if’s” of this tenuous earthly life. But my mind does not have to go there. Trusting my Savior, who has already secured my eternal life, means I can trust Him for this one. I can stand firm in my faith despite ALL of the unexpected. Nothing can separate me from His love (Rom. 8:38-39) and nothing can snatch me from His hand! (John 10:29)

Thank you Lord, that You are totally trustworthy.


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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!


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Lion’s Mane

Scripture for Today: I Chronicles 16:11-12 “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles and the judgements He pronounced.”

This very bizarre-looking fungus is aptly nicknamed, “Lion’s mane.” You can find it in many damp shaded places, feeding off a dead log. This photo was taken near Mosquito Falls in Michigan. Its thick white stalk will have several branches covered by white clusters, bringing to mind a lion’s mane or icicles. Recent studies with mice show some promising discoveries using compounds from this mushroom. Already used in Asian countries, studies continue to explore potential effects on memory.

Today’s verse asks the believer to look to the Lord and His strength. We seek His face when we remember what He has done. When we forget His wonders, His miracles and His judgements, we are more likely to forget Him! But when we are reminded of His incredible power we are more likely to seek Him out and the strength He offers. Seeking His face is not a “one-and-done” exercise but a lifestyle of depending on Him.

My self-absorbed and independent mindset is definitely at odds with always seeking His face! But when I remember His miracles in my life or in the lives of others, I am motivated to come to Him for help and strength. He always welcomes me without the reproach of, “Where have you been??” And often what reminds me of His power is His Word. This is my “Lion’s Mane,” that helps me remember! (Psalm 111:4)

Lord, remind me to seek You and Your strength today!