Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Word


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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!


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The Best Nose in the World

Scripture for Today: I Kings 3:9a “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong…”

Photo Credit: Tim Flach

Meet the Saiga Antelope, who unfortunately is critically endangered! They are hunted for those impressive horns that are used in some Asian folk remedies in Central Asia. And their numbers have also dwindled because of disease. But one thing that is not a problem for them is the dusty air of the deserts and dry grasslands of their environment. That bizarre swollen nose that looks so comical is the best nose in the world for keeping out all that dirty air, acting as a filter.

Today’s verse is the prayer of Solomon as he stepped into his role as king. The Lord had appeared in a dream and invited Solomon to ask whatever he wanted and He would give it to him. (verse 5) Solomon asked for a discerning heart to distinguish right from wrong. The Lord gave him that (and much more) so that Solomon could filter out the evil and cling only to the good. (Rom. 12:9) And God continues to offer His wisdom as a filter for us. Those that are mature in the faith are able to distinguish good from evil. (Heb. 5:14)

The dust and dirt of a world that does not acknowledge God pollutes the air for a believer. I need the purity of God’s unchanging Word to sniff out what is truly good! God has promised that He has given me everything I need to live a godly life and escape the “corruption in the world.” (II Peter 1:4) His Word is my filter and His truth is life-giving! (Ps. 119:25)

Lord, keep me breathing in the pure air of Your Word!


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Amen Corner

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 1:20 “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”

What a funny name for a street corner! Does the pedestrian feel compelled to say “amen,” as he passes by? The phrase actually comes from a jazz song called, “Shoutin in that Amen Corner.” Although others have since used the term in naming bars, streets and even sections of the Augusta National Golf Club, its origin dates back to lower New York City in the late 1800’s. Bibles were printed there in huge quantities and sidewalk preachers and their listeners would loudly yell out, “Amen!”

Today’s verse tells believers that they can glorify God by their spoken “amen.” This word in Greek is “so be it.” By saying it we are responding with an acknowledgement of truth. By saying it we declare that His words are certain and sure. (John 17:17) The word, “amen” is also translated as “verily” and “truly.” Jesus would sometimes preface His words this way, establishing them as sure and binding.

When I say “amen,” to His promises, I am declaring my trust that His Word is true and unshakable. My amen glorifies God, pointing to His faithfulness. Because of Christ and His sacrifice for my sin, I can claim His promise of eternal life! And along with that promise are so many others that make my life meaningful: His presence, strength, help, peace, comfort, and more! AMEN!

Lord, may today be full of opportunities to speak my amen!


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By-the-Wind Sailors

Scripture for Today:Ephesians 4:14 “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.”


Photographer: Robin Wilson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A few weeks ago on the beaches of California there washed ashore millions of these By-the-Wind Sailors! It looked as if space aliens had invaded our coasts! These blue jellyfish-like creatures belong in the water but were steered off course by the wind. Their small stiff “sail” can catch that wind and wash them up on shore. They drift along and go wherever the wind takes them. But if the tide does not pull them back into the ocean, they will rot away.

Today’s verse describes the immature believer as someone who is tossed back and forth by waves and susceptible to being blown around by the winds of false teaching. By contrast, the mature believer can discern good from evil and will not be taken in by false teachers. (Heb. 5:14) We become mature by being intimately acquainted with the One who calls Himself, “Truth.” (John 14:6) Through His Word we are, “taught in Him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.” (Eph. 4:20)

The more I study the truth of God’s Word, the more I can discern something even a little bit off. The false teaching that can so destabilize me will feed my ego, propose shortcuts, appeal to my pride and most of all, deny the deity of Christ! (I John 4:3) The Deceiver would love to slowly and steadily wash me up on shore and take me out of commission. But through staying in His Word, I can remain exactly where God wants me; humble, teachable and following His course for my life!

Lord, keep me in Your truth.