Devotions By Jan

Scripture for Today: Psalm 139:16b “…all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

At first glance this bird could be mistaken for a magpie. The Pied Crow is a 20 inch-tall-resident of Ghana. Called “pied” for having two colors, he is smart with the cognitive equivalent of a 5-7 year old! It is considered bad luck when he and his friends gather on someone’s roof. The myth says that someone inside will soon die!

Today’s verse reminds us that the number of days we live on this earth is not a random number. Before our eyes ever saw the light of day, the length of our lives was already ordained by our Creator. The number of days is even written down, assuring us not only that God is in control but that He is not capricious. He has a plan and purpose in all He does.

How wonderful to know that my homegoing is a planned event that He considers “precious!” (Ps. 116:15) I can live without worry or fear about what the end of days may look like. Just as He has been faithful throughout my life, so He will be faithful in that last step over the threshold of Heaven!

Thank you Lord that I can live life with confidence in Your plan!

Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 4:17 “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

These tough-coated seeds seem to be a humble beginning for such a beautiful flower! The Morning Glory, once it germinates, puts on a colorful display. But the seeds benefit from “scarifying.” The tough seed coat when nicked with a knife allows water and air to penetrate so the germinating process can begin.

Today’s verse promises the believer that an eternal glory awaits! What a comfort this must have been to those early believers being cruelly persecuted. What is so surprising is Paul calling their troubles “light” and “momentary”! And yet compared to the glory of Heaven and our eternal destiny, our problems seem fleeting and less significant.

I often need to change my perspective with this reality check! Of course, what I face in this fallen world can be devastating. But I can move through it with the Lord’s help, strength, and this hope. And what He allows in my life that can be so hard penetrates my hard shell and is used to grow my faith. “It Will Be Worth It All” an old hymn, states that life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ!

Thank you Lord for the hope of a future with You that will never end!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 16:8 “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

“Shaken not stirred” is the famous line that seems to be included in every James Bond movie! Whether I care or not, I know his preference for how his martini is prepared. But the consensus among many bartenders is that stirred is better than shaken! That shaking produces a watered down cloudier version.

Today’s verse is a declaration from David that he will not be shaken as long as he has the Lord at his right hand and he keeps his eyes on Him. It is the Lord who takes hold of his right hand, the strong hand for battle. And as He does, He says not to fear and He promises His help. (Isaiah 41:13) As mighty and powerful as David was, he had his moments of fear and uncertainty.

The shaking in my life makes my spiritual sight clouded and my faith diluted. Abrupt change, loss, and the unexpected can unsettle me. But I am reassured when I tear my eyes away from circumstances out of my control and redirect my gaze to the One who has all the control. He is my Rock and my stability.

Lord, keep my eyes on You today.

Scripture for Today: James 1:23-24 “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”

I cannot help but notice that chattering flash of black and white through the trees! The magpie’s calls and coloring easily draw attention. For centuries he has been surrounded by legends and superstition. Tipping your hat to the magpie for good luck used to be an English tradition. The magpie today is considered very intelligent as he passes the “mirror test.” It is rare for an animal to recognize that the image in a mirror is his own!

Today’s verse describes someone recognizing himself in a mirror but then forgetting his image. Forgetting allows him to avoid any effort at making a needed change. The mirror is God’s Word and it shows us the truth of who we really are in God’s eyes. This revelation is meant to motivate change rather than forgetful complacency.

I’m much more comfortable with leaving my faults and weaknesses as they are rather than admitting them. Comparing myself to selected others can put me in a much better light! But God’s view of me is what matters. He is gentle and patient with me. And not only does He show me truth but He makes His help and power available to make changes!

Thank you Lord for showing me who You want me to be through the mirror of Your Word.