Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Bird Images


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The Laughing Gull

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 31:25 “She is clothed with strength and dignity: she can laugh at the days to come.”

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Assateague_laughing_gull_MD1.jpg

I am no stranger to all kinds of sea gulls in our area of the California coast. But I have never seen or heard this guy! That’s because the Laughing Gull makes its home on the Atlantic Coast. His dark black hood, red bill and legs and his white eye arcs give him a recognizable look. But what is most distinctive is his hysterical raucous call resembling laughter! It begins with a stuttering ha-ha-ha-ha and follows with a longer more drawn-out hash-hash-hash! He laughs when excited by courtship or defending his territory.

There is laughter in today’s verse. It is part of the description of a woman whose qualities raise what seems to be an impossible standard for others! This picture of the perfect wife and mother was given by the Queen Mother to her son, King Lemuel. The passage describes a woman of “noble character” fit for royalty (verse 10). After an extensive list of characteristics the conclusion is that charm and beauty are less important than fearing the Lord (verse 30). Fearing the Lord makes it possible to “laugh at the days to come.” There is a light heart even when facing the unknown future.

Of all the qualities listed for this perfect woman, this ability to laugh at the days to come has got to be the most difficult! It is a litmus test of my faith in God and His plan for me. To laugh at the days to come does not mean I do not prepare for them. But it does mean that I can trust Him for the unexpected! I can trust Him for what is around that blind curve. Whatever He allows to happen, He will carry me through it. Instead of fear and anxiety, He makes possible a light heart. Whatever the challenge of the days to come, He is enough.

Thank you Lord, for the confidence I can have in You!


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The Fearless Harpy!

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 22:4 “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”

This strange-looking eagle knows no fear. And there is good reason. The Harpy is among the largest and most powerful eagles with rear talons as big as a grizzly bear’s claws. Its legs are as thick as a person’s arm and its wing span can reach up to six and a half feet. This powerful eagle has no natural predators, so it is surprising that it is on the decline.The reason for this is its lack of fear. The Harpy will confidently sit on a perch and allow humans to approach and in consequence is shot!

Today’s verse points out the blessings of fearing the Lord. They are riches, honor and life itself. But the fear of the Lord is not possible without humility. Fearing the Lord is understanding just how big He is and just how small we are. Fearing Him is having a healthy respect for His power over our lives. Fearing Him is giving Him the awe and recognition He deserves. This attitude is lacking in the one who thinks too much of himself and his own prowess. Pride in our own strength or talent to the exclusion of the Giver of those gifts will rob us of the riches, honor and life with which He wants to bless us.

My perspective often needs changing. I can start to feel capable, strong and in control with no thought of Him. Fearing Him is an act of humility and involves seeing myself as totally dependent on Him, for my next breath, my next heartbeat and my next lucid thought! I need to be reminded through His Word of just how incredible He is! My fear of Him intensifies my worship and He is gracious to respond with blessing!  My life is richer for fearing Him for the awesome God He is!

Lord, keep me humble and fearing You.

(Look familiar? This is a re-post from 2020)


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Forget Where You Were Going?

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 4:5 “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.”

If you see an ostrich walking aimlessly or in circles, it may be that he has forgotten where he is going! The short term memory of an ostrich is only about 10 seconds. That means that he can be running away from a predator and if distracted could suddenly slow down, forgetting why he was in such a hurry! I can relate to this bird, walking into a room and forgetting what I came in for!

Today’s verse is a proverb from a father to his sons, admonishing them not to forget his words or turn away from them. Wisdom and understanding come from keeping commands (verse 4), keeping your foot from evil (verse 27) and staying in that path of righteousness (verse 18). In the same way, God’s children or those who have placed their trust in Him are not to forget His Words. Remembering and obeying His commands is a challenge when continually distracted by our own contrary desires. But when we forget we are not wise and live without understanding, without the purpose He intended.

When surrounded by a culture that encourages self indulgence, it is easy for me to forget God’s higher purpose for me. I am easily distracted by the baubles the world offers. And yet, I am prey for that “roaring lion” that seeks to devour! (I Peter 5:8) I dare not forget to heed and obey God’s word. When I remember, I can gain wisdom and understanding! God’s words are life and health (verse 22) and keep me focused. I remember why I am here and where I am going!

Lord, don’t let me forget or turn away from Your Word.


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Butterflies or Hummingbirds?

Scripture for Today: Romans 3:29-30 “Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.”

When our landscaper planted our Buddleia flowering plants, I referred to them as “butterfly bushes.” He however referred to them as “hummingbird bushes.” Regardless of the name, I was happy that both were true. Both butterflies and hummingbirds swarm those flowers so rich in nectar and honey scented! Flying through the yard flashing their beautiful colors, they land on those bushes, taking turns and being nourished at the same source.

Today’s verse affirms that there is only one God. He is not God of only one group of people and not another. Both the Jew and the Gentile (or non-Jew) are justified through their faith in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. As different as the circumcised and the uncircumcised may be, there is only one Source of forgiveness and redemption for both groups. And it is not found in following Law or in our own good works, but only by faith in Christ’s perfect sacrifice for sin.

The truth that there is only One Source of salvation brings a unique unity among believers that is found nowhere else. We are called together to one hope (Eph. 4:4). My differences with a people group on the other side of the world will be of no consequence as we kneel together at the feet of Christ. One day when He rules this world, sin and pride will no longer divide us. In the meantime, I am to strive to keep the unity that He makes possible through His Spirit.

Lord, help me to see others as You do.


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Suddenly Sightless!

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:18 “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.”

I can just imagine the surprise this pigeon must have felt! He’s minding his own business when all of a sudden he can’t see a thing. As I am not a fan of pigeons I can’t feel too sorry for him. But he must have felt a bit lost and disorientated. With his little bird brain I wonder how long it took for him to figure it all out. Maybe he panicked and just waited for the next gust of wind to clear his vision.

Today’s verse is a prayer that God would open the eyes to see what is wonderful in God’s law. Our eyes can miss what is positive in God’s commandments. Those wonders can easily escape us. We need God’s Spirit to clear our vision to see God’s law differently. This entire psalm goes on to extol and praise His law. The author’s eyes have been opened to see a long list of wonderful things: blessing, purity, delight, strength, understanding, knowledge, good judgement, freedom and comfort, to name just a few! God answered the author’s prayer.

I do not often feel this way about God’s law. Instead of seeing “wonderful things,” in His law, I sometimes see it as negative and restrictive. There is a rebel inside of me that doesn’t like to be told what to do and what not to do. My eyes need to be opened! I want to see those same wonders in His law, especially the comfort and blessing! God’s law is given with love and with a desire to make life work for me. I need my eyes open to explore and discover how God wants me to live and to see it as wonderful!

Open my eyes today, Lord.