Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: God’s Word


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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)


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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!


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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!