Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Word


by Leave a comment

A Margin of Error

Scripture for Today: Ecclesiastes 7:20 “Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.”

It is complicated to calculate margin of error, at least to those who do not have strong math skills! This concept in statistics expresses the amount of random variation underlying a survey’s results. In principle, the larger the sample is, the smaller the margin of error is. The other important factor is the confidence level, whether 90, 95 or 99%. There are also other sources of error that come into play; bias in the questions, excluding groups that could not be contacted, people refusing to respond, people lying or miscounting.

In today’s verse there is absolutely no margin of error! The sample is the largest it can be: earth’s entire population. Added to this fact is the veracity of God’s Word. Paul affirms this statement when quoting Psalm 14:1-3, “There is no one righteous, not even one.” (Rom. 3:11) God’s standards of righteousness are well above man’s. God looks down from Heaven on all mankind. (Ps. 53:1-3) And if it were not for the grace He showed when taking on Himself the punishment of our sins on the cross, there would be no hope of forgiveness or of eternal life with Him.

No. There is no error at all in what God declares is true. I have a confidence level of 100% because God said it. There is not a person on this planet (myself included) that can merit eternal life. No one can slide in as part of some forgotten percentage. God does not grade on a curve. His standard is holiness and I am woefully short. Thankfully, He has given me not only abundant grace but also the righteousness of His Son! (Rom. 5:17)

Thank you Lord, that there are no margins of error needed in what You say!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2020)


by Leave a comment

Trying to Eat Light

Scripture for Today:  Hebrews 5:13-14  “For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.  But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.”

The other day we went out to dinner with another couple. Ignoring the inviting aromas of pizza and pasta, I decided I would eat “light.” The holidays were coming and there would be too many occasions to overindulge. I honestly thought I was being “good” to order a salad. My mistake was not to have asked more questions of our waitress! Between the toasts, the cheese and the lardons fumés, there was nothing light about my salad. And yes, I thoroughly enjoyed it anyway!

There are times in approaching God’s Word that I just want something “light.” Maybe I feel rushed. Or maybe I am feeling pretty good about myself. No conviction today, please. Perhaps I just want a message for someone else but not for myself. A promise would make me feel good. I am sometimes not sure I want to look up any cross references or dig at all. A little light reading of something I am already familiar with would be just the thing.

Today’s verse is in no way discounting “milk.” It is necessary and foundational for the new christian.  There are times when even a mature believer will go “light” and only have what is basic or a reminder in Scripture reading. The problem comes when one has ONLY milk and does not progress at all to “solid food.” Always eating “light” does not allow for good spiritual growth. Too much light eating will result in a failure to distinguish between good and evil.

Lord, help me not to go “light” on Your Word today.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2012)


by Leave a comment

A Green Bean Tree

Scripture for Today: Job 34:3-4 “For the ear tests words as the tongue tests food. Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.”

It looked so odd. I had to get a closer look at this strange tree growing in Epinal, France. No, of course these are not green beans but I bet I could have convinced my young grandsons that they were! It is called a Catalpa Tree and is sometimes referred to as an Indian Bean Tree or Cigar Tree. The burning question is always whether these pods can be eaten. I am glad I did not try as the answer is, no!

Today’s verse records the advice of one of Job’s three friends. Elihu was eager to help Job discover the reason for his troubles. He had a lot to say but it was off the mark. Certainly, we are to test what we hear and listen with discernment. Just as we taste food to see if it has a pleasing flavor, so we “taste” what we hear to decide if it rings true. The problem is that we all have differing taste buds! What seems right and good to one can seem wrong and sour to another. Our subjectivity can get in the way of finding absolute truth.

There was absolute truth in the answer to the question, “Are these pods edible?” And God’s absolute truth does not depend on our subjective senses or how I feel on a given day. Jesus calls Himself, “Truth.” (John 14:6) Absolute unchanging truth is found in the Person of Jesus Christ, and is not affected by my perception or belief. What a comfort in a world where truth is relative and up for grabs! I do not have to discern for myself what is right or true but instead look to Christ!

Thank you Lord, for the truth I find in You.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2018)


by Leave a comment

Wayfarers Chapel Slipping Away

Scripture for Today: Psalm 94:18 “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.”

This beautiful chapel, dedicated in 1951, sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Constructed of stone and glass, it nestles among the surrounding redwoods of Rancho Palos Verdes. It has long been the site of many baptisms, memorials and weddings. This incredible airy structure is also called the “Glass Church.” Unfortunately, it has now closed due to increasingly shifting ground. The structure will be dismantled and moved elsewhere because the earth has been so unstable. Those continuing landslides put the chapel at risk of slipping away.

Today’s verse has the author feeling as if he were slipping. Standing up against the wicked is exhausting and continuous. The wicked are even boasting that the Lord does not see or take notice. The psalmist is waiting for the Lord to execute His righteous judgement against them. But in the meantime he cries out for the Lord’s help (verse 17). God’s response is to reassure him of His unfailing love and presence. This knowledge holds him up and allows him to stand firm.

The shifting values of today’s world make the ground feel very unsteady under the feet. The greed and manipulation of world leaders affect entire populations. Like the psalmist I can feel like it takes more and more effort to stand firm in my faith in God’s righteous coming judgement. But His love is unfailing and holds me up. My foot does not slip when as my Rock He gives me a firm place to stand. (Ps. 40:2) And I stand on the truth of His Word and His promises!.

Thank you Lord, that Your unfailing love holds me up!


by Leave a comment

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!