Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Bird Images


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Blind Trust

Scripture for Today: Romans 15:13  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

These tiny newborn birds have their mouths open wide in anticipation of the next morsel of food from their mother.  These little birds are so new that their eyes have not yet opened.  They cannot see their mother but they sense she is there.  They have no choice in the menu but seem confident enough to eat and swallow without question what the mother provides.  Theirs is a blind trust.

Our verse for today describes the joy and peace that is ours when we trust the One who is totally trustworthy!  When we trust His provision we overflow with hope.  This hope comes through the power of His Holy Spirit.  It may sometimes seem like a “blind trust” as we cannot understand the work of God completely (Eccl. 11:5).  We do not see the path of the wind or how the bones are formed in the mother’s womb.  There is so much we do not understand.  Like these newborn fledglings, we trust our Heavenly Father without knowing all the details.

What is reassuring about our trust is that it is not really blind.  We know the One in whom we place our trust and that makes all the difference!  When I cannot understand what He is doing, I can still trust that He will be true to His character; loving, good, faithful and true.  I can trust that He will be true to His Word.  He is never random or capricious.  I can open my mouth wide to receive whatever it is He has in store for me.

Thank you Lord, for the joy and peace that comes from trusting You.


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Proud Eagle

eagle1970647_10201741368512184_283370718_nScripture for Today: Obadiah 1:4  “‘Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,’ declares the Lord.”

There is nothing more regal looking than the proud eagle!  Its keen vision and powerful flight makes it stand out from other birds.  It symbolizes strength and independence.  Their nests are built in the top quarter of the tallest trees.  These nests are high and inaccessible and from that vantage point they can easily spot their prey.

There is something about being at a higher elevation that makes one feel strong and invincible.  Years ago we visited Adlerhorst, or Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s military command complex.  It was built in a beautiful mountainous area behind and underneath the Krarsberg Castle.  The eagle was a symbol of the Third Reich, but Eagle’s Nest, refers to the elevated position and commanding view.  Of course, the Lord brought down its proud former resident.

Our verse for today is a warning from the prophet, Obadiah, to Israel’s enemy, Edom.  They were feeling proud and secure, trusting in their own defenses.  Pride, or haughty eyes is something the Lord particularly hates (Prov. 6:16).  Pride sets itself up against God and leads to just about every other sin.  At the heart of every disobedience is the prideful feeling that I do not need God, that rules do not apply to me, or that I somehow know better than my Creator what is good for me!  No wonder He hates it!

I am so grateful to be forgiven and under no condemnation in Christ (Rom. 8:1).  Even so, my pride can get me in so much trouble!  How much grace I forgo by my lack of humility! (James 4:6)

Lord, help me recognize and confess my pride.  I do not want to miss out on your grace today!


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Birds of a Feather?

Scripture for Today: Galatians 3:28  “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Every day between four and five o’clock, an enormous flock of crows would fly “en masse” to the trees across from us.  They would congregate on the upper branches making a huge racket!  But what impresses me most is how they could stay together in what looked like effortless synchronization!

Flying together has its advantages.  Together they are more likely to spot predators.  The birds find food more quickly and they save energy by flying together with the draft they create.  One would think that there is some designated leader to organize the flock.  But in fact, their behavior is a result of each bird following some simple rules.  Researchers have discovered details on how they come together and stay together.  But no one has been able to pinpoint the source of this instinctive behavior.

Our verse for today describes a coming together that is not so natural.  Believers can achieve oneness in Jesus Christ.  Regardless of race, social status, or gender, followers of the Lord have a unity that is remarkable!  Unlike the “birds of a feather who flock together,” the body of Christ is incredibly diverse.  People that would not normally come together find themselves sharing a deep bond in our shared love of Jesus!

What a beautiful testimony to find this unity in a world that is so divided!  Love that reaches across generation, gender and race is the mark of a Christian (Mark 13:35).  It is not natural.  It is supernatural and can only happen with the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

Lord, thank you that You bring together what the world does not!


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Bird Bandits

Scripture for Today: Matthew 13:4  “and as he sowed some seeds fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate them up.”

I thought these Canadian Geese were just beautiful!  But the homeowners in a Tallahassee neighborhood were not quite so enthusiastic about them!  Instead of staying in the area of the lake, they roamed the streets and made themselves at home in the yards.  They were even so bold as to enter open garages!

For anyone planting a lawn, these geese were especially worrisome!  They considered any seeds their personal lunch buffet!  I learned that they would only go after the seeds lying on the surface.  Even just a fourth inch of topsoil covering the seed would keep them from being interested.

Our verse for today is part of the parable of the sower.  The seeds sown did not sprout and grow as they were quickly devoured by birds.  Jesus explains in verse 19 the meaning.  Those who hear the Word but do not understand it are prey to the evil one who snatches away what was sown, before it can take root.

That seed is exposed and vulnerable without the topsoil of understanding.  And understanding comes with faith.  Those that are sincere in diligently seeking Him in faith will find Him as He has promised in Hebrews 11:6.  In response to a heart of faith, He gives understanding.

I also learned that if a homeowner begins the germinating process in a plastic bag, then the sprouted seeds will not be eaten by the birds when sown.  It only takes the first sign of faith and understanding to ward off those birds.  Satan has no victory where there is faith!

Thank you, Lord, for giving me Your understanding.  In my heart, may the seed of Your Word never stop growing!


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Flying Together

Scripture for Today:  Philippians 2:1-2  “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and consolation, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”

This image of perfect synchronized flying is amazing!  These geese must have the same destination in their little bird brains!  But more than that, they are flying at the same height and speed to get there!  No one is jostling for position or lagging behind in fatigue.  Their united purpose brings them together and keeps them together.

In the verse for today, Paul seems to think that Christians can be united in spirit.  Not only that but he seems to be saying that believers can be in agreement, loving one another and intent on going in the same direction!  How does that happen?  When there is encouragement.  When there is consolation.  When there is fellowship and affection for one another.

I am going in the same direction as so many other believers.  Like them, my desire is to grow in faith and be more like Jesus.  It is a long life-time purpose.  But going it alone is not what the Lord wants.  Just as I take notice of these three geese flying in perfect harmony, so the world sits up and takes notice of believers that are showing love and unity.

Being united and showing love to one another is something supernatural.  It is what signals to the world that we are disciples of Jesus (John 13:35).  I not only need the love and encouragement of other believers to keep going, but “flying together” brings honor to Christ!  Through our unity we can keep on keeping on, together!