Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Strength and Power


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Dump Truck

article-0-1ab54a7a00000578-797_634x406Scripture for Today: Colossians 3:8 “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips.”

This happened in front of the French Parliament building in Paris!  It was no accident but a statement of rage and frustration.  I am sure the dumping of manure was effective in drawing attention to the outrage over a recent tax hike.  Although this was dramatic, I do support the citizen’s right to peaceful protest.  However, this protestor was arrested and the clean up was a major ordeal, stinky and blocking traffic for hours.

Today’s verse lists some characteristics that could well be described as a “poop attack.!”  When we dump on each other it usually includes anger and rage.  And it often includes filthy language as well.  Perhaps we think that dumping on someone will relieve our own stress.  Maybe, we feel that we make our point better with the shock factor of a vulgar word.  Or perhaps dumping on others has just become a habit.  As God’s children we are told to take off the old self with all these negatives and put on the new self.

What a difference to be characterized by compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and love! (verses 12-14)  It is as if that dump truck were filled with beautiful fragrant flowers.  I am not sure that someone would describe me in those terms.  Too often, those who are closest to me are the very ones on the receiving end of unkind and ugly words.  It is only with His power and presence in me that I can keep from dumping on people.

My prayer today echos the words of this old hymn; “Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me!”

Look familiar?  This is a repost due to summer ministry.


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His Rule

earth-from-issScripture for Today: Psalm 66:7 “He rules forever by His power, His eyes watch the nations – let not the rebellious rise up against Him.”

If one could fly over our planet, this is the very image one would see!  The International Space Station captured a time lapse with their mounted camera as it orbited the Earth at night.  How incredible to be able to see our Earth from above!  I feel small and insignificant enough when looking through the window of an airplane.  I imagine that having this perspective would intensify those feelings.  Seeing our world from space would be such an awesome and humbling experience.

Today’s verse tells us that the Creator of our world is also our Ruler and He is all powerful.  The Maker of Heaven and Earth is the One with absolute control regardless of what nation is the largest or most influential.  He watches the nations and notes who is rebellious.  He is completely just and nothing gets past Him.  People may try to mock Him but in the end, we reap exactly what we sow (Gal. 6:7).

Regardless of what my passport says, my first and most important allegiance is to my God.  I can be proud of my country and its freedoms, and I count it a privilege to be able to vote but at the same time I acknowledge that I am a citizen of Heaven (Phil. 3:20).  He is not only the Ruler of this Earth but also of my heart.  I am to “serve the Lord with fear and celebrate His rule with trembling” (Psalm 2:11).  It is a tremendous comfort for me to know that God still reigns and no political party or politician has the last word.  He will have His will and way and will bring about His purposes.  I can experience peace having the Prince of Peace residing in me!

Lord, help me to trust completely in Your sovereign rule.

Look familiar?  This is a repost due to summer ministry.


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Elephant Feet

Scripture for Today: I Samuel 2:9  “He keeps the feet of His godly ones.  But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; For not by might shall a man prevail.”

One would think that it would take a serious problem to bring down the mighty elephant.  But in fact, the single most important ailment of the captive elephant is the foot-related problem.  With limited movement their soles and nails do not naturally wear down and need constant cutting back.  If abscesses, nail infection and arthritis are not guarded against, any of these seemingly inconsequential problems could bring down this amazingly strong animal.

Today’s verse is part of a song by Hannah.  She is leaving Samuel, her precious son, at the temple to serve as she had promised.  Surprisingly, her heart is exalting in the Lord instead of melting in sorrow at the separation!  Hannah is affirming the truth of the sovereignty of God.  She understands that God will protect her little boy.  He will be keeping the feet of His godly ones, protecting their comings and goings.  It is not the strong and mighty ones that will prevail.    The wicked can only count on stumbling around in the darkness.

It is a tremendous comfort to know that the Lord sees every step before I take it.  He makes firm the steps of those who delight in Him (Psalm 37:23).  I can even walk through the “valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4) without fear knowing He sees, He knows and He is right there beside me.  As His own, I walk in His light and will prevail through His strength.  Whatever I may face today, this truth will not change.  I can step out that front door with confidence in His loving sovereignty.

Thank you Lord, for Your intimate knowledge and care for me.

Look familiar?  This is a repost due to summer ministry.


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Molehills

Scripture for Today: Jeremiah 32:17  “Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You.”

I can easily make a mountain out of a molehill.  This expression is as old as the hills and has been around since the 16th century.  That loose soil thrown up by a small burrowing mole is pretty insignificant when compared to the height and stability of a mountain.  To make a big deal out of something small is to make too much of what is really a minor issue.  Yet I find it easy to do.  The Finnish have a similar saying, “to turn a fly into a bull.”  The Germans express this idea by saying, “to make an elephant out of a fly.”

Today’s verse corrects my perspective on those molehills.  The Lord is the God of all mankind and nothing is too hard for Him.  His power and might are obvious when looking at the the heavens and the earth.  Everything is small and insignificant when compared to His great power.  Nothing is too hard for Him to accomplish when He can speak into being an entire universe!

So why do my obstacles seem insurmountable?  I see His power in creation.  I see His power in the miracles He has done for great men of faith in the Bible.  I know He can do anything He wants.  But does He want to help me?  Will He outstretch His arm for me?  He already has.  He has outstretched two arms on that cross and used His power to save my soul.  And the same power that raised Christ from the dead daily works in my favor.  I can trust Him to tackle any problem I face.

Thank you Lord, that nothing is too hard for You!


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Pack Your Patience

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 19:11 “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”

Today we leave for France.  With long lines, security hassles, and tired feet the thrill of travel is definitely lacking!  I cannot think of a better training ground for practicing patience than when flying.  I am so careful in my packing but I am not sure I always pack patience!  Flight delays and missed connections strain my patience to the very limit.  And showing patience is especially difficult when fatigue is added to the mix.  I easily take offense at the slightest provocation, whether it be someone knocking into me or cutting in line.

Today’s verse tells us from where patience comes.  It comes from wisdom.  Showing patience is always the wiser course.  Blowing up or throwing a tantrum never changes anything.  Wisdom determines when to grin and bear it when nothing else can be done.  Overlooking that rude remark or crying baby not only is the wiser more patient response but it makes one a better person.  Any other reaction risks being “inglorious.”  Wisdom is the source of patience and the fear of the Lord is the source and beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10).

I have been told (tongue in cheek) never to actually pray for patience as it always seems to come as a result of testing (James 1:3).  But I am encouraged to learn that patience can be a by-product of wisdom as well.  Fearing and respecting God’s power and control of my circumstances calms me down and helps me keep my emotional balance.  So whether I am waiting in long lines or learning that my suitcase did not make it, I can be confident that He knows and He has my back.

Lord, make me wise today especially!