Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Bird Images


by 2 Comments

Roadrunner Tracks

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 20:24 “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?”

The roadrunner is in the cuckoo family but he doesn’t say, “cuckoo” or “beep beep.”  This long-legged bird is built for speed and can even outrun humans!  The roadrunner is believed to have special powers to make the listener feel tired when hearing his call!  Some Indian tribes believe he can protect against evil spirits.  Their distinctive “X” tracks supposedly confuse the spirits as to which direction they are taking!  I wonder if the roadrunner is himself confused when seeing his own tracks?

Today’s verse acknowledges that the Lord directs the steps of those who belong to Him.  But often, the one directed has no idea of His direction!  The question expresses what is often felt:  How can anyone understand their own way?  It often is puzzling.  We do not have the same vantage point and we can never understand it all.  We are told in any case not to lean on our own understanding but to acknowledge Him so that He can direct us (Prov. 3:5-6).

Because I cannot see what lies ahead, I need to trust the One who is already there and knows the way.  If I were to wait until I understood the reasons behind every directive, I would be at a standstill and make no progress!  But I can be confident of my direction even without full understanding.  That is because I trust Him.  His eyes are always on me and the twists and turns are not random.  He has a loving purpose for me in every change of course.  And His direction is always towards a more loving relationship with Himself!

Lord, help me to trust You completely!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from 2020)


by 2 Comments

The Grackle

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

Photo Credit: Kenneth Cole Schneider https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosyfinch/5619454311/in/photostream/

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!


by 1 Comment

Where Are You Looking?

Scripture for Today: Psalm 147:5 “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.”

https://www.flickr.com/photos/hedera_baltica/29107323717/in/photostream/

This Long Eared Owl can turn his head every which way. Because his head is connected with just one socket pivot instead of our two, he can turn his head almost 360 degrees. It may be that many of us are turning our heads to look behind us, being that this is the last week of the year. The excitement of Christmas day is passed and the hoopla of the New Year’s celebration is ahead of us. What a perfect time to slow it down and reflect on this last year and the changes it has brought. We remember both the good and not so good. And hopefully, in looking back we gain wisdom.

Today’s verse reveals that God never needs to look back to gain wisdom. He is great and mighty in power. And there are no limits to His understanding. He does not need to look back over 2022 to make plans for 2023! He never wishes He could change an action taken in the past as all His ways are perfect. (Deut. 32:4) He would never regret His own perfect decisions nor would He be surprised at their outcomes. There is no need for God to look back to improve His understanding of events. He is all-knowing and eternal, seeing all from outside the confines of time.

What a mighty God I serve! There is nothing He does not understand. He is aware of every thought, every motive and every circumstance. How deep are the riches of His wisdom and knowledge! (Rom. 11:33) And this is why I can trust Him for 2023. He not only completely understands what I cannot about the past but He already sees what is ahead. There is a plan already in place, globally and personally. (Jer. 29:11) My understanding will always be limited. But I can trust my All-Knowing Father, looking back with gratitude and facing the future with confidence.

Thank you Lord, for understanding my past and my future.


by Leave a comment

Our Bald Eagle

Scripture for Today: Psalm 103:5 “who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

The majestic Bald Eagle has been our National Bird since being placed on our official national seal in 1782 by congress. As we were still embroiled in war with England until the following year, this bird was a fitting choice, looking strong and fierce! In fact, the eagle has been used as a symbol of strength in many different countries throughout the centuries. It was even used by the Roman Legions as their standard.

Today’s verse is a call to praise the Lord for all of His benefits. David then lists several, ending with this amazing declaration. God satisfies our desires so that even our youth is renewed like the eagle’s!  Rather than constantly flapping our wings, we ride that thermal air current, soaring in His power. To be like the eagle means gaining new heights and flying long distances with minimal effort. Regardless of our age, renewal gives new impetus and energy! Satisfaction with what God gives allows us to experience new strength!

Looking to the Lord to take care of each desire is an exercise in renewal. No longer is there an energy drain fussing about what I do not have or pining away for what I wish I had. I am freed from discontent when I hand over my desires to Him. He knows what I really want. He knows what it is I truly need. He sees what complications can come from some of my wants. He only gives to me what is good. I want to relinquish every desire to Him and not be dragged down from the heights where I can be soaring! Satisfaction with Him is energizing!

Thank you Lord, for the renewal You offer me today.


by 2 Comments

The Least Bittern

Scripture for Today: Luke 9:48 “…Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you who is the greatest.”

Photo Credit: Jerry Hammond

This beautiful bird is one of the smallest and lightest of the herons. Rather than wade in the water like the other herons he will hide in the reeds and cattails of the marshes. With his long toes gripping the reeds, he picks off his prey from the water’s surface. Being smaller and more vulnerable, he will hide from danger by freezing in place with his bill pointing up. And to further blend, in he will sway with the wind-blown reeds.

Today’s verse describes someone else who is smaller and more vulnerable. The disciples had been arguing among themselves as to who between them would be the greatest. Jesus corrects their thinking by presenting them a small child. It is the least among you who is in fact the greatest. Those that exalt themselves will be humbled but those who humble themselves will be exalted! (Luke 18:14) The little children were not to be kept away from Him as, “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Luke 18:16)

This is so opposite from how I would normally think of greatness. The child is usually considered unimportant, without influence and in a humbled position. Yet, God exalts the child in His Kingdom. When I exalt myself, I am taking honor away from Whom it belongs. It is when I take the humble position, giving place and importance to others, that my Father is honored. I may feel slighted by others for doing this. But that’s okay. I’d rather have the favor He promises! (James 4:6)

Lord, keep me humble.