Devotions By Jan


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Lame Duck

Scripture for Today: Psalm 71:18 “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”

It is an odd expression. “Lame duck” refers to sitting presidents or congress members finishing out their term while the newly elected ones prepare to take office. Originally in the eighteenth century, it was a term in the British stock exchange, a slang for someone who defaulted. Since crossing the Pond, this expression has had several meanings, including “old slow ship” in a naval context. We have used this expression in the political arena since Calvin Coolidge. However, in nature, a lame duck can continue to swim and fly.

Today’s verse is an encouragement to anyone who may feel like a lame duck, marginalized because of age or loss of position. King David, with advancing age and with the constant threat of enemies, prays to God for a continued influence. Even if all responsibilities are stripped away, David sees purpose to his life. His role may change but it is just as important to declare to the next generation all he has seen the Lord do in his life.

As a believer, there can be times I may feel like a lame duck. I may not have the same role as I previously had. Perhaps my service to the Lord is less visible or public. But whatever the changes might be, a lame duck can still swim and fly! My testimony to the next generation is so much more powerful when I can recount all He has done over the years! Speaking of God’s faithfulness and grace becomes that much more credible with my personal examples.

Make me bold, Lord, to speak of You and Your power!


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Why Celebrate?

Scripture for Today: Psalm 2:10-11 “Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.”

We just finished bringing in the New Year with lots of noise, toasts and and celebration. It was a happy time of saying goodbye to a difficult year and welcoming the clean slate of the new. There was hope for peace, good health and prosperity. The celebrations seemed a bit short-lived this time around as we see the political unrest in our world. Talking about celebration appears to be completely off-subject compared to the somber mood of today.

Today’s verse is a warning to the rulers of the earth. Regardless of the amount and extent of the power held in one’s hands, they are to acknowledge and serve the Lord with fear and trembling. Wise ruling on their part can only happen as they recognize that the Lord has the ultimate rule and not them. It is God that reigns over ALL the nations. He is seated on His holy throne. (Psalm 47:8) His powerful rule is forever. (Psalm 66:7) The rulers and the ruled can celebrate this truth as His rule is righteous and just.

Regardless of the political turmoil, I can continue to serve the Lord. And as incongruous as it sounds, I can continue to celebrate His rule, being assured of His control! My God continues to reign despite chaos. He has already revealed the end plan in Revelation and His plans are never thwarted. (Psalm 33:10-11) No, I am not wearing the party hat anymore. But I can have deep-seated joy and confidence in God’s hand moving world events to bring about the future He has in mind. I can celebrate His power, His plan and His control!

Thank you Lord, for reassuring and lifting my heart!


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Chaos!

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.”

The contrast is a stark one noted on this sign, and recently in our lives as well with the current unrest. There is a theory called, “Chaos Theory,” that attempts to explain the unpredictable. Rather than traditional science that deals with the predictable, as in gravity or certain chemical reactions, Chaos Theory teaches us to expect the unexpected. It is a science of surprises that are impossible to predict or control. Categorizing what we cannot control as “chaos,” does not do much to reassure me!

Today’s verse does reassure me. 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. In contrast to chaos, and despite chaos, 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 a large or personal scale. 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. He never says, “uh-oh,” nor does He wring His hands. He has the world in those hands and because He does, I can have rest in the middle of unrest.

Thank you Lord, that Your plans stand firm.


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“Flocking”

Scripture for Today: I Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

I have often heard the phrase, “flock of sheep.” But I never considered the word, “flock” as a verb. But in fact, this is an instinctive behavior for sheep. Normally, sheep will graze in loose bunches but they will form a tight flock when they feel threatened. Flocking is their main defense and they will form that tight group very quickly. This makes a predator’s chance of singling out and nabbing a sheep much more difficult.

Today’s verse speaks of a predator in our lives who looks to nab and devour the believer. The devil is described as a stealthy and hungry lion who is on the prowl for that isolated sheep. When distanced from the rest of the flock, this believer is vulnerable to attack. We are told to be alert to this danger and sober minded to recognize the risk. We are not to give up meeting together as believers as is the habit of some. (Heb. 10:24-25) Instead, we are to be together, encouraging one another, loving on each other and motivating each other to a life of service to God.

I need to be flocking. I need to feel the warmth and closeness of other believers. I need to draw strength and encouragement from the faith of others as others do from me. No man can be an island and expect to escape the notice of the one one who looks to destroy with doubts and discouragement. I am fooling myself to think I can go indefinitely without the physical presence of my brothers and sisters in Christ. It is together that we fight off the enemy and stay strong in our faith.

Lord, keep me in Your flock.


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Kneeling Cows

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 45:23 “By myself I have sworn , my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked; Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.”

It seems this cow has an audience to his ungainly rise! Unlike other farm animals, cattle will get up and lie down by kneeling on their front legs. Their clumsy movements can look comical but it is this change of position which possibly gave rise to an old folklore. It says that when the bells sound at midnight on Christmas Eve, all the cattle bow in homage to the baby Jesus.

In today’s verse, God swears. He swears by Himself as there is no one higher than Him. Of course, everything God says is true and trustworthy. But here, added weight is given to His words. What He says cannot be disputed. There is no human knee every created that will NOT bow to God. There is no human tongue that will NOT swear, confess or agree with God as to who He is! This acknowledgement takes place when we give an account of ourselves to God. (Rom. 14:11-12) What a sobering thought for the ones who have mocked and denied Him their whole lives!

Because I have acknowledged Jesus here on earth, bowing before Him will be a joyful worshipful experience. I am not worthy in the least. But because of receiving His righteousness through faith (Rom. 4:5) I am “in Christ” and not condemned. (Rom. 8:1) However, there is bowing here on earth as well. Bending the knee is bending my will to conform to His. This is my daily struggle as a subject of the King. I want to want what He wants, but my own silly selfish desires are oh so strong!

Lord, help me submit to what You want today.