Post by mommadee48 on May 7, 2021 14:50:49 GMT -5
FIRST STORY; "WHAT GOD SEES" (2 Chronicles 16: 7-9).
One morning I was surprised to find a bald eagle boldly balanced on a high branch in the wilderness area behind our house, surveying the terrain as if the entire expanse belonged to him. Likely eh was regal. In 2Chronicles 16, Hanani (God's Prophet)informed a king that his actions were wrong. Then Hanani explained, " The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him" (V.9). We might get the false idea that God watches our every move so He can pounce on us. But Hanani's words focus on the positive: OUR GOD CONTINUALLY WATCHES and WAITS FOR US TO CALL ON HIM when ever we're in need.
Just like my backyard Eagle, how God's eyes be roaming our world-even now- looking to find faithfulness in one person. Could that be YOU?
SECOND STORY; "WHAT REMAINS in the EYE" (Psalm 104: 24-35).
The Hummingbird get its name from the "hum" made by its rapidly beating wings. It is known as the " flowerkisser" in Portuguese and "fly jewels" in Spanish. One of my favorite names for this bird is "biulu, "what remains in the eye" (Mexican Zapotec). Once you see a Hummingbird, you'll never forget it.
G.k. Chesterton, wrote, " The world will never starve for want of wonders, but only for want of wonder". The Hummingbird is one of those wonders. What is so fascinating about these tiny creatures? Maybe it is their small size (averaging two to three inches) or the speed of their wings, which can flap from 50-200 times per second.
The writer of Psalm 104 was captivated by nature's beauty. After describing creation's wonders like the cedars of Lebanon and wild donkeys, he sings, " May the Lord rejoice in his works" (V.31). He prays, "May my meditation be pleasing to him" (V.34). Nature has plenty of things that " remain in the eye" because of their beauty. We can observe, rejoice, and thank God as we contemplate HIS works and recapture the wonder.
THIRD STORY; " WE NEED EACH OTHER" (Colossians 3:12-17)
While on a hike with my kids, we discovered a light, springy green plant growing in small clumps on the trail. The plant is commonly called deer moss, but it's not actually a moss. It's a lichen. A lichen is a fungus and an alga growing together in a mutualistic relationship in which both organisms benefit from each other.
Paul describes how our relationships should look. We are to clothe ourselves with " compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12). We ought to forgive each other and live in peace " as members of one body" (V.15). It's not always easy to live in peace with others. BUT when the Spirit empowers us in our relationships, our love for each other points to Christ ( John 13:35) and brings glory to Jehovah God.
One morning I was surprised to find a bald eagle boldly balanced on a high branch in the wilderness area behind our house, surveying the terrain as if the entire expanse belonged to him. Likely eh was regal. In 2Chronicles 16, Hanani (God's Prophet)informed a king that his actions were wrong. Then Hanani explained, " The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him" (V.9). We might get the false idea that God watches our every move so He can pounce on us. But Hanani's words focus on the positive: OUR GOD CONTINUALLY WATCHES and WAITS FOR US TO CALL ON HIM when ever we're in need.
Just like my backyard Eagle, how God's eyes be roaming our world-even now- looking to find faithfulness in one person. Could that be YOU?
SECOND STORY; "WHAT REMAINS in the EYE" (Psalm 104: 24-35).
The Hummingbird get its name from the "hum" made by its rapidly beating wings. It is known as the " flowerkisser" in Portuguese and "fly jewels" in Spanish. One of my favorite names for this bird is "biulu, "what remains in the eye" (Mexican Zapotec). Once you see a Hummingbird, you'll never forget it.
G.k. Chesterton, wrote, " The world will never starve for want of wonders, but only for want of wonder". The Hummingbird is one of those wonders. What is so fascinating about these tiny creatures? Maybe it is their small size (averaging two to three inches) or the speed of their wings, which can flap from 50-200 times per second.
The writer of Psalm 104 was captivated by nature's beauty. After describing creation's wonders like the cedars of Lebanon and wild donkeys, he sings, " May the Lord rejoice in his works" (V.31). He prays, "May my meditation be pleasing to him" (V.34). Nature has plenty of things that " remain in the eye" because of their beauty. We can observe, rejoice, and thank God as we contemplate HIS works and recapture the wonder.
THIRD STORY; " WE NEED EACH OTHER" (Colossians 3:12-17)
While on a hike with my kids, we discovered a light, springy green plant growing in small clumps on the trail. The plant is commonly called deer moss, but it's not actually a moss. It's a lichen. A lichen is a fungus and an alga growing together in a mutualistic relationship in which both organisms benefit from each other.
Paul describes how our relationships should look. We are to clothe ourselves with " compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12). We ought to forgive each other and live in peace " as members of one body" (V.15). It's not always easy to live in peace with others. BUT when the Spirit empowers us in our relationships, our love for each other points to Christ ( John 13:35) and brings glory to Jehovah God.