Devotions By Jan


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Is It KAOS or CONTROL?

Scripture for Today: Romans 6:20 “When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.”

The old television series, “Get Smart” ran from 1965-1970. KAOS (not an acronym) was a international organization of evil. It was the job  of Maxwell Smart and Agent 99 to thwart their sinister threats to the world. Their organization was called CONTROL (also not an acronym) and was a secret government counterintelligence agency. It makes sense to me that the evil ones were KAOS or chaos, while the good guys were CONTROL or under control!

This week we mark an infamous day when the chaos of evil reared its ugly head. And today’s verse talks about what happens when we are not under the control of righteousness. Being a slave to sin is the condition of anyone without God’s freeing power. Sin enslaves and creates all kinds of chaos and complications to a life. But because of the grace of God, we can be taught to say “No” to ungodliness and live self-controlled godly lives (Titus 2:12). Rather than be controlled by sin, we can be controlled by righteousness, leading to holiness and eternal life (Romans 6:22). And self-control is an evidence of the presence of God’s Spirit in the believer (Gal. 5:22-23).

It is obvious to those around me when I am out of control! There is chaos in my thoughts, emotions and behavior. But when I am submitted to the Lord and filled with His Spirit, there is a measure of self-control that was not there previously. He brings order from disorder. There is a sense of calm and peace when I allow Christ to have His way. That illusive self-control is really just allowing Him to have the full control that is His right.

Lord, please be the One in control of my day.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2019)


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Covered by His Shadow

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 51:16 “I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand – I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, ‘You are my people.'”

The shadow of a person can evoke a variety of emotions. When one thinks of a shadow, it can sometimes be in a context of fear! If the presence is menacing than it follows that the shadow of that presence is as well. But a shadow can be reassuring and even comforting when it comes from a loving presence.

Although God is spirit, today’s verse uses the image of the shadow of His hand. It is a powerful hand that has established the heavens and the earth. This passage describes how His hand is able to loose chains and set captives free. Because He covers us with the shadow of His hand, there is no reason to be fearful of man (verse 12). What can man do?  God’s power and presence gives comfort rather than fear to those who belong to Him.

The shadow of His hand reassures me of His love and protection. I sense that divine shadow when a Biblical truth will come to mind at the exact moment when needed! His shadow reminds me that I belong to Him and not to this worldly kingdom. His shadow is evidence that He is at work in my life. And His daily care and blessing are shadows of His loving presence!

Thank you, Lord, for helping me sense Your loving shadow.

(Look familiar? This is based on a post from 2015)


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No Footsteps!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 77:19  “Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footsteps were not seen.”

We live in an age of amazing technology! Underwater robots plunge the depths of the oceans and bring up all kinds of new information. Their unmanned exploration has been used in a variety of ways. Some are able to do repairs on oil rigs. Some can predict the magnitude of an approaching hurricane. Others can locate, map and sometimes raise the wreckage of a downed airplane! Their discoveries have increased our appreciation of God’s creation! But there is one thing these underwater robots will never find on the ocean floor; God’s footprints!

We do not see His footsteps but we do see the evidence of His creative work and His mighty deeds. Today’s verse uses the images of the sea and the mighty waters to represent the unseen reasons for the hard times in life. The author begins this psalm feeling rejected and forgotten by God. He decides to meditate on all God’s miracles of the past. He reaffirms God’s mighty power and ends with trust. Even though he does not see God’s “footprints” he responds with faith.

I sometimes feel that I am “out of my depth” with why God allows hard things to happen. But in doing so He is leading me into deep waters. It can sometimes feel so deep that I cannot find my footing. I do not see His footsteps or any evidence at all of His being there in that moment of distress. But I know He is.  I am not navigating those deep waters by sight, but by faith (II Cor. 5:7).

Help me Lord to trust You, even when I don’t understand.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2014.)


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The Forget-Me-Not

Scripture for Today: Psalm 103:2 “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”

This sweet blue flower was described by Henry Thoreau as “unpretending” and “modest.” Their name is said to come from an old German legend where God named all the plants. But this tiny one cried out, “Forget me not, O Lord!” So God replied, “That shall be your name.” They are small being only one centimeter or less in diameter. King Henry IV used this flower as a symbol during his exile in 1398. And ladies in medieval times wore this flower as a sign of faithful love.

Today’s verse tells us to “forget not” all His benefits. This passage goes on to list just a few including forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, compassion and satisfaction. David is reminding his soul to praise the Lord for what He has done for him and to remember. David knew of God’s ways with Moses and His miraculous deeds with the people of Israel. But he also experienced God’s grace in his own life.  And like so many of us, his soul was forgetful and needed reminding.

How could I forget these incredible benefits in my own life? It is really very easy. I forget His forgiveness when I am plagued with guilt. I forget His healing when doubt clouds my prayers. When I feel worthless I forget that He thought enough of me to redeem my soul. I forget His love when I beat myself up. When I wonder if He cares what I am going through I am forgetting His compassion. I forget that only He satisfies the deepest longings of my soul when I look for that satisfaction elsewhere.

Lord, do not let me forget today!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2019)


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My Favorite Flavor

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 4:26-27 “Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil.”

It was 1929 and the country was in the midst of the Great Depression when this ice cream was invented. This innovative flavor was thought to have originated with William Dryer. One day he used his wife’s sewing scissors to cut up walnuts and marshmallows to add to his chocolate ice cream. He gave it the name , “Rocky Road,” as the financial landscape was so bleak.

Today’s verse tells us to be thoughtful about what path we choose. We do this by being steadfast and resolute to follow a path of righteousness. We are warned not to turn off this path to the right or to the left. It may be tempting to turn off our narrow path on to a wider one. We may feel that another path has fewer rocks or obstacles. It would be tempting to change paths to one that goes downhill rather than uphill. But the way of the wicked leads only to destruction. (Psalm 1:6)

It is more effort to follow a rocky road. Living a life following God’s commandments will not always be smooth. It is challenging and requires steadfast commitment to Him as the other path choices can seem easier. But His way leads to life. He knows when to lead me to still waters and green pastures. He knows when to restore my soul so I can keep going. His presence and help keep me from falling into a trap of compromise. I would rather have a rocky road with Him than a smooth easy road without Him!

Lord, keep me steadfast and determined to obey.

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2020)