Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Bird Images


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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!


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Wise

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 14:2-3  “The Lord looks down from heaven on humankind to see if there are any who are wise, who seek after God.  They have all gone astray, they are all alike perverse; there is no one who does good, no, not one.”

We live in an area where there are plenty of roads through forests.  Not too long ago, my husband was driving home quite late on one of these roads.  He saw a quick flash of wings and heard a sickening thump.  An owl had crashed into his windshield.  We often think of owls as wise, but somehow not this one!

I am not sure why we equate the idea of wisdom with the owl.  The French have the same idea in their thinking.  Perhaps it is because they are always asking questions!

There are so many verses in Scripture that describe wisdom in both the Old and New Testaments.  When thinking about how wisdom begins I normally think of Psalm 111:10 saying, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…”  Knowing Him and fearing Him starts us on the path of wisdom.

Our verse today talks about the very first step on that path of wisdom; to seek God.  Those who are actively seeking the God of the Bible are already showing that first glimmer of wisdom.  In contrast, Psalm 14:1 describes the fool as the one who says in his heart that there is no God.

Those who are seeking God are easy to distinguish from those who are not.  Those seeking God will allow the Lord to change their behavior.  Wisdom shows itself in right and godly living.  If I question whether I am wise, I need look no further than the way I live my life.  Ouch.

Lord, help me live wisely today.