Devotions By Jan

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The Great Tailed Grackle

Scripture for Today: Psalm 73:9 “Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.”

One either loves or hates the Great Tailed Grackle. Mexican legend has it that this bird stole seven songs from the sea turtle, leaving it silent. Their chatter is less like song and more like the tones of tearing sheet metal or cars crashing! This is an urbanized bird with attitude, stalking the streets as if they belonged to them. They are clever foragers, carefully combing the grilles of parked cars for dead insects. They are also nest robbers and the females will even steal nesting material from each other!

Today’s verse describes the arrogance of the wicked. They are noisy with their claims to special privilege and feel that whatever the earth has is theirs to take. With their wealth and power comes privilege to treat others with contempt. Rules are for others of less importance, leaving them “free of care.” (vs 12) In many cases the wicked do prosper, negating the old adage that, “cheaters never prosper.” The psalmist is discouraged, until he understands their final destiny and judgement. (vs 17)

I can be just as discouraged when I see others seemingly get away with thumbing their nose at God. I too can feel that it is not worth the effort to keep my heart pure (vs 13) when I have no earthly advantages for it. But this is the short view! The Lord does not promise me riches here but He does promise me Paradise that rivals anything earth has to offer! I can say with the psalmist, “as for me, it is good to be near God.” His presence is my joy, His peace my comfort and His love is the strength of my heart! (vs 26)

Thank you Lord, that being faithful to You is worth it!


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Sunrise

Scripture for Today: Psalm 49:14a “They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd but the upright will prevail over them in the morning…”

There is something so hopeful about watching the sunrise! The darkest part of the night seems to be just before that magical moment. The darkness lightens in almost imperceptible degrees. And soon, the sun peeking over the horizon, colors the sky with with warmth. The sunrise represents a new day with new beginnings. And how special it is to share that time of sunrise with the one you love!

Today’s verse talks about the morning that is coming for the upright. Those who place their trust in God can look forward to the time when He will redeem them from the dead and take them to Himself. (verse 15) But for those who trust in themselves, the outlook is not so good. (verse 13) If they have depended on their own wealth and splendor, it does not serve them well in the life to come as they cannot take it with them. (verse 17) The upright have no reason to fear evil days ahead when surrounded by the wicked. (verse 5) With the arrival of the morning, those in right standing with God will prevail!

I cannot buy my salvation. I cannot save myself. My standing in the world does not impress the Lord. He is not awed by success or riches. I may enjoy admiration from others and even have lands named after me. (verse 11) But none of that matters in light of eternity. I bring nothing to the table but a humble broken heart. In His grace and mercy He accepts me, “just as I am without one plea,” except that He died for me. And because of His saving grace, I will prevail in the morning!

Thank you Lord, for the new day coming!


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Goldfish Trauma

Scripture for Today: Genesis 1:27 “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

As a young girl, I loved my little goldfish but I wasn’t so careful about keeping the bowl clean. My sweet Grandma was just trying to help. She decided one morning to clean that bowl for me. She was quite proud of the result; a bowl sparkling clean with new clear water. But I was horrified! There was no goldfish! She had inadvertently poured that fish right down the drain!

Today’s verse may seem to have nothing to do with this story. But in fact, because mankind is made in the image of God, we all have value. Because of our rebellion, this image is tarnished in all of us. But it is there. Unlike the beasts of the fields, there is a soul in each of us that is made to commune with the Creator. And there is no one who is beyond the reach of Christ to forgive and restore to the relationship for which we are born! But we have the choice to accept His offer of salvation or reject Him and head for that drain.

I tend to write some people off. I sometimes think that an individual is too far gone in their sin to ever be changed. But God’s power far exceeds my limited understanding. He makes new what is old. He cleans what is filthy and unrecognizable. He raises to life what was dead. Because of His power and His desire to see ALL come to repentance, there is hope for every human being who turns to Him in faith. (II Peter 3:9) I am so glad God has thrown out all my dirty water without throwing me out!

Thank you Lord, for Your forgiveness.


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Guard Rooster

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

It is normal to think of guard dogs, but who ever heard of a guard rooster? A delivery man recently found out all about it! Caught on a doorbell camera video, Fred the rooster, showed just how protective he could be! The delivery man tried to take a non-threatening stance with hands up in the air, but being new, he was harassed anyway. With his delivery he also delivered the message, “Not cool,” before sprinting back to his truck with Fred in hot pursuit!

Today’s verse talks about our hearts and minds that need guarding. It is the peace that Christ Jesus provides that does the guarding. His peace stands guard against worry and fear. His peace also guards against the flight of our imaginations and all the “what if’s.” Without His peace we are vulnerable to troubling, sleep-stealing worries. But His peace surpasses any attempt at explaining it, as it is possible to have in the middle of the most worrisome circumstances. And this peace is the result of giving all our anxieties to the Lord in prayer.

I sometimes think I unwittingly shoo away this guard by neglecting to pray.  These verses encourage me to bring everything to Him, not just the big worries that I think are worthy of His notice. His love is so intimate that He cares about whatever is preoccupying me. His peace is the best answer there is to keep even the small worries from accumulating!

Thank you, Lord, that Your peace calms me down.


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Firefall

Scripture for Today: Song of Solomon 8:6b-7a “…for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away…”

Photo by Dave Soldano at https://www.flickr.com/photos/davesoldano/33147072896

The Firefall at Yosemite National Park originally referred to the nightly spectacle put on for tourists. Starting in 1872 and for almost 100 years, burning hot embers were poured from the top of Glacier Park. Now, Firefall refers to a natural phenomenon that appears annually from mid to late February. The 1,500 foot Horsetail Falls transforms itself into a natural firefall when conditions are just right with enough melted snow, a cloudless sky and the sun hitting at just the right angle. It lasts for just a few minutes appearing 5-15 minutes before sunset.

Today’s verse describes a love that is strong and jealous. It burns like fire and water cannot put it out. This beautiful depiction of love comes from a book that is full of imagery. The principle characters in this book can represent Jesus Christ and the Church, His Bride. And throughout the Old testament, Jehovah is likened to a bridegroom and Israel His chosen bride. The intimacy described is enough to make one blush! But God uses the closest human relationship to help us understand how deep and intimate His love is for us!

Of all the characteristics God has revealed about Himself, it is His incredible love that overwhelms me! His is a love that is unquenchable. (I Cor. 13:8) It is not just talk as He proved His love by dying for me. (John 15:13) Because He loves me so much, He is jealous for me and for my heart to be fully committed to Him. (II Chron. 16:9) There is no human love like it!

Thank you Lord, for Your love that will not let me go!