Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Bird Images


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Flying Like An Eagle

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 40:31 “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.”

The eagle in flight is beautiful to see.  One of my brother’s favorite things to do is eagle watching.  Up and down the Skagit River Valley in northwest Washington one can see these beautiful majestic birds perched atop tall evergreens.  But what takes my breath away is to see them soar high above me!

It takes a tremendous amount of energy for the eagle to flap his very long and large wings.  Of course, to soar or glide takes much less energy.  The eagle can reach very high altitudes by soaring on the warm thermal air.  That same warm air keeps the eagle aloft so that he can go long distances without tiring.

Our verse for today promises new strength for those who wait and hope expectantly for the Lord.  Taking things into my own hands is like frantically flapping my wings twenty-four/seven.  I may gain some height but I will tire quickly.  Waiting with faith for the Lord to work is like allowing that thermal air to lift me up!  New heights are reached!  Long distances are maintained with minimal effort!  Trusting Him is a restful gliding experience.

Faith and trust are not tiring!  My own efforts certainly are.  My discouragement and fatigue are sure signs that somewhere I am doing things in my own strength.  There is nothing positive in crashing and burning out for Him.  He wants me to soar in His power.  His unlimited source of strength is always available when I trust Him for it.  Help me Lord, to wait in faith for You today!


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Gaby

Scripture for Today: I Thessalonians 1:7-7a  “You also became imitators of us and the Lord, having received the Word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers…”

For twenty years we enjoyed our African Grey, Gaby.  She filled our home with whistling and chatter both in English and in French!  We were so sorry to lose her early as their average life span is forty years or more!

We would have to be so very careful of what was said in her presence as she imitated everything!  It was sweet when she would say, “bravo!” as I played piano or answer the phone before we did!  She would often declare her love or say she was sorry.  That was the good imitating.  Bad imitating was the impolite bodily noises or the expressions of frustration!!

Our verse for today encourages us to be imitators.  Paul, Silvanus and Timothy, as well as Christ Himself are to be our examples.  Those addressed were living through hard times as a result of their faith.  Not only were they staying the course, they were experiencing joy in their suffering.  They in turn became examples to other believers.

Today, I not only have the example of Christ and early believers, but I have modern-day examples.  I will never forget the courage of a friend going through cancer treatments.  Her concern was always for the others in the room and their pain.  She faced hers with a supernatural joy from God’s Spirit.  Visitors would be encouraged in their own faith when intending to bolster hers!

How amazing that joy in suffering is even possible!  The example of others shows me that faith is real.  Whatever comes in my life, may I be an example as well!


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Wings

 

Scripture for Today: Psalm 57:1  “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in You I take refuge.  I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings until the disaster is passed.”

Hens are known for being especially protective of their baby chicks.  In fact, in entering a chicken coop, it is best to wear protective clothing to avoid being pecked by a mother hen when approaching their young!  At the first sign of danger, the mother hen will gather her chicks under her wings.  There the chicks find refuge and safety.

The verse for today makes reference to the time when David was fleeing the murderous intentions of King Saul.  David was on the run for his life and found refuge in a cave.  God protected him there and David praises Him with this psalm.  He extols Him for sending His love and faithfulness in the form of deliverance.

I do not have a murderous king chasing me down.  Living in first world countries with freedom of religion, I do not face these same dangers.  However, I do have enemies.  Ephesians 6:12 describes my enemies as being the dark forces of this world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  There is a time for standing firm with the full armor of God.  There is also a time for renewal and retreat under His protective wings.

Many times I am unaware of the activity of my enemies.  As they are unseen it is easy to think that I am doing quite well on my own.  But disaster is always close by.  How much better it is to be in that place of refuge; the shadow of His wings!  Thank you, Lord, that Your love and faithfulness will protect me today.


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Storks

Scripture for Today:  Jeremiah 8:7  “Even the stork in the sky knows when it is time to move on.  The turtledove, swallow and the crane recognize the normal times for their migration.  But My people pay no attention to what I, the Lord, require of them.”

I am fortunate to live in an area known for its stork population.  I so enjoy watching them fly past our windows.  The cranes around here are almost as big but do not have the same “wow” effect for me.  I am anxious to see them return with the warmer weather.  They winter in Sub-Saharan Africa, something I wish I could do!  They often will return to the exact same nest.

Our verse for today talks about four different kinds of birds but with one thing in common; they all migrate.  Their little bird brains know instinctively when it is time to move on so as to avoid the freezing temperatures.  Jeremiah mentions these birds as a contrast to the Israelites.  The people prided themselves in possessing the Law of God.  But they continually turned to their own individual course, rather than following God’s way.  The Law, instead of being written in their hearts, became a mere code or outward ceremony.

I wish obeying God was as instinctive for me as migration is for the birds.  But then it would not mean as much.  God wants my obedience to be an intentional choice.  Knowing what God expects of me is a good thing.  But I do not want to make the same mistake as the Israelites.  The point is not how many Bible verses I can recite by heart.  He is more interested in how many I obey!  Help me, Lord, to be obedient.


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Proud as a Peacock

Scripture for Today:  II Corinthians 10:17  “But let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

It seems that the peacock has a right to pride!  His plumage is gorgeous and of course he knows it!  After all, he knows instinctively to strut his stuff in attracting the pea hen!

We once stayed at Casa De Fruta near San Jose, CA. and the peacocks had the run of the grounds.  They were beautiful but the cry they made was like a cat being strangled!  They would have been more attractive to me had they kept their beaks shut.  But then, I am not a pea hen.

Boasting according to Scripture is allowed, but only in a very limited way; only in the Lord.  The only boasting that makes any sense is to boast in the Lord.  HE is the source of anything we have to boast about.  I Cor. 4:7 says, “…What do you have that you did not receive?  And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not.”

It is easy for me to slip into an attitude of boasting.  Anytime I take credit for something, whether in my thoughts or in front of others, then I am boasting in myself.  Paul preferred to boast in his weaknesses so that others would recognize that any and all strength in his life came from the Lord.

God has gifted me with different talents.  I am often in front of groups of people and it is important to do and be the best I can.  Just as the peacock should not hide his feathers, neither does Christ want me to hide my God-given gifts.  But I never want to be guilty of boasting for something He has given.

May ALL glory and praise go to You, Lord!