Devotions By Jan

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Smoky Skies

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood; but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

With these fires enveloping so much of Washington, Oregon and California, the skies have become dark and somber with the ash.  Midday can seem like early evening and the sun has trouble piercing the gloom.  A pall of dark smoke hangs over land far away from the actual fire.  The lack of normal light is a constant reminder of our fire-beleaguered world here in the west.

There is a dark world in today’s verse, and it is our world.  Making it dark are unseen rulers, authorities, and powers that are in direct opposition to the Light of Jesus and to His “children of light.”  No, we do not see these spiritual forces of evil, but we know they are there as we see their effect.  Thankfully, we are not without recourse.  Because of God’s armor, we can stand firm against this dark world.  Believers have God’s truth, not only as our first line of defense (belt of truth verse 14) but also as our only and best offense. (sword of the Spirit, the Word of God verse 17)

I have no courage to stand.  Who am I to plant myself firmly against such an array of opposition?  But God tells me that my strength is in the Lord and in His mighty power. (verse 10)  He has given me truth and the truth is that the battle belongs to the Lord.  I am on the winning side!  Although this world is dark, following Jesus means I will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life! (John 8:12)

Thank you Lord, for being my strength and my light.

 


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The Napoleon Fish

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 16:13 “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

The large face and fleshy lips of the Napoleon Fish give this gentle giant creature a peculiar look.  That knob on his forehead gives him his name, resembling Napoleon’s cap.  This coral reef fish living in the Indio Pacific region grows to over six feet and can weigh 418 pounds!  Each scale is as big as an adult’s palm.  Encountering him may seem frightening, but they are friendly, curious and easy to approach.

Today’s verse encourages the believer to be courageous and strong.  When we stand firm in our faith and are on our guard, we can experience this confident courage.  Part of being on our guard is understanding who the real enemy is and not allowing appearances to deceive us.  Sometimes an obstacle can seem threatening and elicit fear when in fact, its size is not the problem.  More problematic is the size of our faith!  Like the Israelites, we can cower before giants and fail to believe God’s promises of victory!  Believers are not to give in to fear as fear of man can prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. (Prov.29:25)

There are many potential dangers to life and limb.  But more importantly, there are dangers that can weaken our faith.  It is our faith that keeps us from a debilitating cycle of fear and worry.  God has promised me a sure and certain future with Him.  No one can snatch me from His hand (John 10:28) and nothing can separate me from His love. (Romans 8:38-39)  The One who resides in me is greater than my already-defeated foe who is in the world. (I John 4:4)

Thank you Lord, that regardless of scary circumstances I can remain strong and courageous in You.

 


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The Majestic Kea

Scripture for Today: Psalm 79:13 “Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will proclaim your praise.”

Meet the majestic Kea, the only alpine parrot in the world!  Residing in New Zealand, this olive green bird is a flash of scarlet color when in flight and is considered highly intelligent.  They have adapted well to hikers, learning how to get into windows and doors and undo packs to steal food.  They even attack the rubber on cars.  But more concerning are their attacks on sheep!

There is an attack on sheep referred to in today’s verse.  Neighboring nations were hurling contempt at God and His people. (verse 12)  Much like scoffers would do later (II Peter 3:3-4 ) they were asking, “Where is your God?” (verse 10)  The cry of this psalm is that God would avenge them and protect His name from this mockery.  Then, as His sheep, they would praise Him forever, proclaiming His praise to the current generation and the ones to follow.

The attacks on God’s own occur in every generation.  Mockers belittle the God of the universe and do their best to ridicule His people.  It would seem that as sheep, I am exposed and defenseless.  But in fact, God will not be mocked.  The God of the universe is also my Shepherd who shepherds the flock with justice. (Ezekiel 34:16)  He is also the Shepherd who judges. (verse 17)  That means that He will deal with those who attack with mockery, false rumors or anything else.  What reassurance to know that God will take care of every injustice!  And what a comfort to know that at the name of Jesus EVERY knee will bow and give Him the praise that is due Him!

Thank you Lord, that You see and take care of every worldly attack!


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The Baobab Tree

Scripture for Today: Psalm 1:3 “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.”

The Baobab tree growing in Madagascar, India, Ceylon and Australia is remarkable for its size.  Some boast a girth of over 100 feet!  It is also remarkable for its age as carbon testing results indicate it can live to be 3000 years old!  This hardy tree cannot be easily killed even when burned or stripped of bark as it responds by growing new bark.  But what impresses me most is its ability to store massive amounts of water, up to 1,189 gallons!

The tree described in today’s verse is a picture of the one who delights in the law of the Lord, making it the subject of meditation day and night. (verse 2)  In contrast to the wicked who are pictured as chaff (verse 4) this person thrives.  Water is never an issue because of where he is planted.  Rather than being planted in the soil of this world’s ideas of right and wrong, this person enjoys God’s blessing because of his love and obedience to God’s objective truth.  He is planted in the right place and can enjoy growth, fruit, and significance!

To delight one’s self in laws and commandments seems a strange concept.  But when meditating on the good purpose behind God’s laws and also on the Giver of law, then I can at least come to appreciate what others see as restrictive.  He gives His laws to me to show me the best way and least painful way to live.  It is out of His protective love for me that He gives me His standards.  When I follow what He says is right and wrong, there is blessing.

Lord, keep me strong, fruitful and following You.

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Nicobar Pigeon

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 2:14 “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”

The iridescent colors of the Nicobar pigeon are remarkable!  The long black and purple “hackles” flowing down from his neck reach a back of green and blue.  The wings are a combination of green, rust red, blue and coppery orange.  Unfortunately, this bird living on islands in Southeast Asia is classed, “near threatened.”  One factor is that he is hunted for his “gizzard stone” used in jewelry making!  That stone helps him digest hard nuts and seeds by grinding them down.

Today’s verse explains that the person without the discernment coming from God’s Spirit will not be able to accept, understand or “digest” God’s Word.  The Bible is considered “foolishness” by those who do not have the Spirit.  Without the help of God’s Spirit, no one is able to grasp spiritual truth!  It is His Spirit that opens up hearts and minds.  The Source of wisdom, knowledge and understanding is the Holy Spirit.  He breaks down infinite profound truth so that it can be discerned by even the simple!

Knowing this truth should help me understand why non-believers so easily dismiss God’s Word.  All they can see is foolishness.  The rich treasure of God’s truth can only be recognized and appreciated by the help of God’s Spirit.  Every time I open His Word, I can delve deeper because of His help.  How incredible it is to have new insights shown me in a passage I thought I had exhausted!  I am so grateful for every glimmer of truth He shows me as it brings me closer to Him!

Thank you Lord, for helping me digest Your Word.