Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Word


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Sword Knot

Scripture for Today: Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

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I don’t imagine that this sword was quite so pretty when worn in the Revolution of 1772 by Gustave lll of Sweden! Besides the fact that it is so ornamental, it has a very practical feature; the sword knot. This lanyard attaches to the hilt of the sword and is worn around the wrist, giving the soldier a firmer grip. The sword knot prevents the weapon from being dropped in the heat of battle and frees the hands. Its only function today is purely for ceremonial use.

In today’s verse the writer of Hebrews used the image of the sword to describe the piercing convicting nature of God’s Word. His Word is like no other book as it is living and active. God’s Spirit uses it to show us what we cannot see on our own; our secret motives and deepest desires. Dividing soul from spirit and joints from marrow is a graphic image. And yet, it is the kind of action needed to get through to our deceitful hearts. (Jer.17:9). The Word exposes what to us is comfortably hidden. But His Word does not leave us bruised and bleeding. His Word gives endurance, encouragement and hope! (Rom. 15:4) 

I need that sword knot to keep God’s Word at the ready. Its truth does not change with the times. His promises never fail. His Word gives clarity on what is right and what is not. The revelation of who God is and who I am DAILY reassures my heart! I am encouraged to endure opposition and temptation in the ongoing conflict. But I know when my grip on His Word has weakened. Thankfully, the Author reveals the problem and invites me back to Himself and a place of strength and hope.

Lord, keep me holding fast to Your Word today.


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Does It Get Any Sweeter?

Scripture for Today: Psalm 19:10 “They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.”

Photo by J. Pellgen https://www.flickr.com/photos/jpellgen/30666337884/in/photostream/

I will admit to having a weakness for ice cream. But this “ogon” or golden ice cream in Kanazawa, Japan elevates this vanilla soft serve to a whole new level! The gold draped over it is edible gold leaf. I have never visited Japan, but my interest has suddenly been piqued! This area of the country is known for its gold leaf. In fact, they produce ninety-nine percent of it for their country, using it in arts, crafts and yes, for decorating their food.

Today’s verse describes the incredible worth of God’s precepts for living. They are more precious than pure gold. Not only that, these words of God are sweeter than honey from the honeycomb. God’s words are both golden and sweet. In a vision, the prophet Ezekiel was commanded to eat God’s word and he found it sweet as honey in his mouth (Ezekiel 3:3). This image of God’s word being edible helps us relate what is spiritual to the physical world. His word is sweet for so many reasons but for Ezekiel it was because of the warnings that save lives! When He warns us about the consequences of going our own way, it is done with love.

How do I view the Bible? Do I see His commandments as negative and restrictive, or do I recognize the love behind the warnings? The sweetness of His love for me is there in its pages. The assurance of His care and control is pure gold and a reminder that is sweet to taste. Psalms 34:8 says to taste and see that the Lord, He is good! I sometimes complain that I have too much of a “sweet tooth” but when it comes to reading God’s Word, that’s a good thing!

Thank you Lord, for the incredible worth of Your Word!


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“Expect the Unexpected”

Scripture for Today: Psalm 33:10-11 “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”

If there were ever a piece of advice for the beginning of a New Year, this would fit the bill! This quote to expect the unexpected has been attributed to Bear Bryant, that iconic football coach with his black and white houndstooth hat. He is considered one of the greats with his legendary run of 6 national championships as coach of University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide. Although he was known for holding his rolled-up game plan while on the side lines, he obviously had to disregard it in the face of the unexpected.

Today’s verse reassures me, not only at the beginning of a New Year, but every day. There may be political unrest or chaos in our world but the Lord has plans that are never frustrated or foiled. His sovereignty is absolute. He allows and He blocks the plans of men. He is not random or capricious but always has a design of His own that will supersede our own plans. His unseen plans will never be thwarted by man as they stand firm and forever. I can be assured that there is an ordered objective to what God is allowing.

This truth gives me tremendous comfort when my world seems to be spinning out of control, whether on the world stage or in my personal life. Nothing takes the God of the universe by surprise. He has no need to modify or change His plans as He knows the end from the beginning. Nothing is ever “unexpected” for Him! And because this is true, I have no cause for fear. In the middle of the unexpected, I can expect the Lord to keep His Word and promises to me!

Thank you Lord, that Your plans stand firm.


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Forget Where You Were Going?

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 4:5 “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.”

If you see an ostrich walking aimlessly or in circles, it may be that he has forgotten where he is going! The short term memory of an ostrich is only about 10 seconds. That means that he can be running away from a predator and if distracted could suddenly slow down, forgetting why he was in such a hurry! I can relate to this bird, walking into a room and forgetting what I came in for!

Today’s verse is a proverb from a father to his sons, admonishing them not to forget his words or turn away from them. Wisdom and understanding come from keeping commands (verse 4), keeping your foot from evil (verse 27) and staying in that path of righteousness (verse 18). In the same way, God’s children or those who have placed their trust in Him are not to forget His Words. Remembering and obeying His commands is a challenge when continually distracted by our own contrary desires. But when we forget we are not wise and live without understanding, without the purpose He intended.

When surrounded by a culture that encourages self indulgence, it is easy for me to forget God’s higher purpose for me. I am easily distracted by the baubles the world offers. And yet, I am prey for that “roaring lion” that seeks to devour! (I Peter 5:8) I dare not forget to heed and obey God’s word. When I remember, I can gain wisdom and understanding! God’s words are life and health (verse 22) and keep me focused. I remember why I am here and where I am going!

Lord, don’t let me forget or turn away from Your Word.


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All Directions?

Scripture for Today: Joshua 1:7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law My servant Moses gave you.; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.”

These signs are common in France. Apparently, everywhere I want to go is to the left! “All Directions” is actually a helpful indication when trying to change course. It helps to know how to change direction when confused. Details come later. This sign at least points toward major streets from which one can exit the area. By following it, one can avoid going around in circles and getting tied up in a maze of one-way streets.

Today’s verse calls for strength and courage. This is the charge the Lord gave directly to Joshua as he took over as leader of the Israelites. The law came through Moses but was not to be considered invalid at his death. Obedience to the law was to continue. And following it would bring blessing and success.  But there was plenty of temptation to turn away from it. A few steps to the left or to the right would be detrimental. The verse warns us to be careful not to turn away from what God had said.

There are signs everywhere encouraging me to turn off with promises of an easier route. The sign, “All Directions” is everywhere. Surely, there is more than one way. Try this route, or maybe that one is just as valid with less trouble. There are roads that are narrow that lead to life or there are roads that are wide that lead to destruction (Matt 7:13-14). All directions? No, only one way leads to the destination I want. How important it is for me to choose God’s way!

Give me strength and courage Lord, to carefully follow Your way!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2015)