Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Strength and Power


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Big Bang Theory

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 11:3 “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”

It was interesting to read of all the evidence for the expansion of our universe.  The “big bang” theory says that roughly thirteen billion years ago our universe began as a concentrated single point which then expanded quickly through an explosion to what it is today.  This theory begins with a certain “something” as does the theory of macro-evolution.  With this theory everything evolves over billions of years from a single celled organism.  Both theories have difficulty in explaining how that first “building block” could ever come into existence.

Today’s verse has no such difficulty.  As an all-mighty all-powerful Creator God, He can create something from nothing.  He calls into being something visible just by His word.  He had no need to start with something that had previously existed.  Everything that has been created, visible and invisible, in heaven or on earth, has been created through Him, in Him and for Him (Col. 1:16).

No one was there at the beginning except God Himself (Gen. 1:1).  None our scientists or philosophers or poets were there to explain how our world came into being.  To believe any of the theories taught today takes faith.  And believers understand the earth’s beginnings by faith as well.

It all boils down to where I place my faith.  By science I can understand so many wonderful things.  But it is by faith that I understand that God created our world.  His creativity and attention to detail continually amazes me and prompts me to worship.  And if I can believe He created my world, than I can believe that He created me and loves me!

Thank you Lord, for being my Creator.


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Beyond the Storm

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 50:10 “Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of His servant? Let the one who walks in the dark who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God.”

With all the technology at our fingertips, we are often forewarned of a storm on its way.  Other times a storm will descend suddenly with little or no warning at all.  With our many road trips we are sometimes stuck with no option except to go through its path.  But I am not too concerned when I can see the skies clearing ahead.  Just the thought of the storm being temporary helps me calm down and get through it.

Today’s verse talks about walking in the dark with no light at all.  There is no vision of clear skies ahead.  This happens for even those that fear and obey the Lord.  When those confusing dark times come, we are to trust in His name and who He is.  We are to rely on God rather than our senses or our intelligence.  Walking by faith has nothing to do with what we can see ahead that reassures us (II Cor. 5:7).  We are given no “light at the end of the tunnel” on which to focus.

I cannot see that patch of blue ahead.  But I can remain calm in the middle of a storm.  Trusting and relying on the Creator of that storm keeps me serene.  He is trustworthy and He is in control.  I have no reason to be fearful for what the future might hold.  And the only light I really need in that darkness is the heart conviction of how good and gracious He is.

Thank you Lord for Your reassuring presence even in the dark.

 


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Emotional Support Animal

Scripture for Today: Psalm 46:1-2a “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…”

You see them more and more.  The “emotional support animal” is often a dog but can really be any animal.  They are allowed anywhere the public is but only with a doctor’s prescription.  They differ from service animals as there is no special training to do any work or task.  All that is required is that the animal provide a calming effect for the owner suffering from mental, emotional or psychiatric disabilities.  Their very presence is meant to bring comfort.

The truth of today’s verse brings a comfort far greater than any animal can give.  God Himself is our refuge and strength.  Regardless of the trouble faced, He is there to help.  His very presence is the source of protection, strength and comfort.  Realizing His presence keeps us from giving in to fear.  He is bigger and more powerful than any challenge.

When tragedy strikes someone close, I often do not know what to say.  But it is not what we say that brings comfort but the fact that we show up.  Our presence is what counts.  The person in crisis draws strength just from us being there.  How much more true is this principle with God’s presence.  Burrowing my head in an animal’s fur can only console me so much.  Crying on the shoulder of a friend or family member is important but does not go deep enough.  But when it is my Heavenly Father there, He can and does touch my soul with His loving presence.  He reassures me of His love and control.  He gives me hope.

Thank you Lord, that when troubles loom large, You are there.


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Unusual Fountain

fountain-543c3d4dccddce5081fd7b425285a310Scripture for Today: James 3:10-11 “From the same mouth come praise and cursing. These things should not be so, my brothers and sisters. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?”

We had been to this small Alsacian village many times, having coffee at the “place de la Marie” with a view of this fountain.  But on the occasion of the “Fête de Ribeauvillé” there was a happy crowd surrounding it.  The streets were full of costumed people participating in a parade.  But there seemed to be just as much interest in the fountain.  We checked it out and found to our surprise that instead of dispensing water, there was white wine flowing from those spouts!  No wonder there was a crowd and no wonder they seemed happy!

Today’s verse talks about what pours out of our mouths.  With that one opening we can curse or praise others.  The same mouth that prays piously on Sunday at church can also be a source of filth at the wheel when cut off by another driver.  James tells us not that this is impossible or never done.  He tells us that this should not be.  As believers, that uncontrollable tongue can be controlled by the indwelling Spirit.  As believers, we are to be characterized by fresh water speaking only what is helpful and good to hear (Eph. 4:29).

That bitter water pouring out is a sign that something is not right in my heart (Matt. 12:34).  Even if no one hears those ugly bitter words, it reveals a problem needing to be resolved.  I cannot control this tongue on my own.  It is impossible without Him.  But with His help my mouth can always be a blessing to those listening.

Lord, I need You to control my mouth today!


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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.