Birds of the Bible - Vulture Eyesight

In the first Birds of the Bible - Vulture the fact that the vulture was on the "unclean list" and possible why they were on that list. Now, I would like to explore another verse:

There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen: (Job 28:7 KJV)

This is found in a passage that is talking about finding gold and silver underground, as in mining underground. In the darkness, no matter how superb their eyes are, they are ineffective in darkness.

We know that the Lord created everything and what amazing capabilities the eye has.

The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them. (Proverbs 20:12 KJV)

"The vulture has a very keen eye, and, like the eagle, can see what is on the ground, even when it is very high in the air. This is referred to in the book of Job. "There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen." It often happens in those countries that almost as soon as an ox, or a horse, or any other large animal has been killed, great multitudes of vultures will gather around, though not one could be seen in the sky before. they seem to fly down from every part of the heavens, and begin to pull and struggle for the flesh of the animal; until in the course of a few hours nothing is left but the bones. We read in Isaiah, "There shall the vultures be gathered, every one with her mate." This must have been written by one who had seen these birds coming together, as they do in great flocks or companies." (From The Vulture, Bible Study Tools)

"Vultures have keen eyesight. It is believed they are able to spot a three-foot carcass from four miles away on the open plains. In some species, when an individual sees a carcass it begins to circle above it. This draws the attention of other vultures that then join in." (From Animals Vulture)

Old World Vultures (Accipitridae) unlike the New World Vultures (Cathartidae), do not have a good sense of smell and therefore do find their carcasses by sight or watching other birds to see what they are doing and have found to eat. Some of the species eat collectively while others use "kleptoparasitism" (stealing from others).

The Lord has created all the birds and has given them fantastic abilities that has let them adapt to their role (carrion eaters) He has made for them. How well do we adapt to the ministries or jobs we have to do, even if it is only "taking out the trash?"

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. (Ecclesiastes 9:10 KJV)

Black Vulture {New World Vulture} at Circle B by Lee, Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) {Old World} by Nikhil

Adult Worker of the Year - Dorothy Malcolm

This past Saturday was our annual Worker Appreciation Breakfast. It was a unique time where the staff of FBC cooked and served breakfast for all of the volunteers who serve at FBC. At that breakfast we honored Dorothy Malcolm as our 2010 Adult Worker of the Year. Below are the remarks that I made in presenting the award to Dorothy.

In 1976, three ladies sat down to have a casual conversation. They discussed the need for a Bible-believing church in Winter Haven. Their conversation spread. Calls were made. Plans were formed. Someone mentioned a family with four children in the Winter Haven area who might be interested in helping. This family, which was at the time attending Fellowship Baptist in Lakeland, was contacted and were willing help start the church.

This is how Dorothy Malcolm began serving the Lord at FBC. Her service goes all the way back to the beginning. Nearly 34 years later, she continues to serve the Lord faithfully at Faith Baptist Church.

Let me give you a short history of FBC. In 1976, organizational meetings were held in a meeting room of the TECO building in Winter Haven. Soon after, a Bible study began to meet at the local Ramada Inn. Then, the Seventh Day Adventist Church was rented so that regular services could begin. While worshipping at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 5 ¾ acres of “cow pasture” was purchased for future development. Services moved to the Women’s Club building in Winter Haven. We are currently on that cow pasture.

I sat down with Mrs. Malcolm the other day. She grew up on a farm in Northern Indiana. She said, “We lived on the skinny side of life.” They never had much, but there was always food on the table. Sometime around the age of 10 or 12, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior.

She grew up, went to nursing school, got married, and had four children.

I asked her, “What brought you to Florida?” She replied, “Well, that was my husband’s idea.” She shared how her husband had be advised by doctors to take a break for a little while. So, he came to Florida to visit an uncle. Dorothy said, “I knew that when he returned he was going to want us to move to Florida.” Sure enough, that’s what happened. In 1972, the Malcolm clan moved to Florida. Fellowship Baptist Church in Lakeland was recommended to them as it was the only GARBC church in the area. It was four years later that they were asked to help start a GARBC church in the Winter Haven area.

It was while FBC was meeting at the Seventh Day Adventist church that Dorothy started teaching the Primary Sunday School class. 34 years later she continues to teach the same class. Imagine how many hundreds of students have sat under her teaching.

But that’s not all she has done. Some of the other ministries she has served in include Choir, Orchestra, Special Music, Faith's 100 Prayer Group, 5:30pm Prayer Group, VBS, Painting & Decorating, Risk Management Committee, Morning for Missions, FX Breakfast Club, as well as many more.

Most of you know that Dottie plays the violin. I asked her about how she started. Listen to what she said.

Audio Clip #1

“Someday I may lose my singing voice, but I still want to be able to serve the Lord through music.” What a testimony! What a desire to serve the Lord!

As I interviewed Dottie, I heard her mention several times how she has changed over the years. Listen to her own words.

Audio Clip #2

Can you hear the humility? The willingness to change? I heard it. As I sat in her home and listened, I heard her has changed her over the years.

Towards the end of our interview, I asked her, “What would you say to encourage others to serve the Lord faithfully?”

Audio Clip #3

When I think of Dottie I’m reminded of a quote I used to hear a lot a Bob Jones University. Bob Jones Sr., used to remind the students at Bob Jones University, “The most important light in the house is not the chandelier in the parlor. It’s that little back hall light that keeps you from breaking your neck when you go into the bathroom in the middle of the night.”

FBC has a few chandeliers. But, we have many more back hall lights. They are the ones serving in the background. They are the ones who shun the spotlight. Dorothy Malcolm is one of those individuals.

I called her the other day to talk to her about this award and to ask if I could come interview her. She tried (several times!) to talk me out of it. She does not seek recognition or applause. She only seeks to please the Lord.

Dottie, thank you for serving the Lord. Thank you for the example you have set for all of us to follow. It is our prayer that the Lord will bless Faith Baptist Church with many more Dorothy Malcolms. This morning, it is our joy and privilege to honor you for your faithful service at Faith Baptist Church. May the Lord bless you richly.

Teenage Worker of the Year - Joshua Brown

This past Saturday was our annual Worker Appreciation Breakfast. It was a unique time as the staff of FBC cooked and served breakfast for all of the volunteers who serve at FBC. At that breakfast we honored Joshua Brown as our 2010 Teenage Worker of the Year. Below are the remarks that I made in presenting the award to Josh.

Last year we began what we call “The Worker of the Year” awards. If you recall, last year we honored Virginia Peek, Viola Doyle, and Dave & Mary Pence. You may have noticed a plaque in the other building listing those names. This morning we would like to honor two individuals for their faithful service to the Lord. Today we honor one teenager and one adult.

What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘teenager?’ Often we hear that word and we sigh. We often think of words like immature, lazy, apathetic, or unreliable. Recently, I read a book entitled Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations. Unfortunately, society has very low expectations of teenagers.

Here at FBC we are blessed with many teenagers who Do Hard Things. They have rebelled against low expectations. They serve in FX. They coach Upward teams. They serve in Awana, Nursery, Junior Church, Sunday School. They are very active in our music ministries: special music, accompanying, choir, and orchestra. FBC relies on teenagers to provide valuable assistance in so many of our ministries.

So this morning, it is appropriate that we honor one of those teenagers.

When most boys are 10 years old, they are usually concerned with toys and candy and playing in the dirt. When Josh Brown was 10 years old, he was running the Awana Store. And now, almost 7 years later, Josh continues to help with the Awana Store as well as a host of other responsibilities with Awana. If you were to shadow Josh on a Wednesday night, you would leave exhausted from following him all over our church property. When I see Josh serving in Awana I see a young man who is hard-working.

Josh is also very creative. The Lord has gifted Josh with a creative mind. He excels at decorating and designing. He uses these talents to coordinate our PPT ministry. It is usually very obvious when Josh Brown has designed a PPT presentation and when I have designed it.

It was nearly a year and half ago that Josh came to me and asked if he could help me design some of the PPT announcement slides for Sundays. Again, Josh came to me. Josh is a unique teenager who oozes initiative. Initiative is a rare quality that is abundantly found in Josh Brown.

Last Spring, I had the thought of searching for some summer interns to help with the summer programs. Josh Brown was an obvious choice to fill one of those roles. I was able to witness his qualities of a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and initiative up close. He worked alongside me during VBS and Music Camp. I look forward to watching him direct VBS this coming summer.

When I think of Josh Brown, I see a unique desire to serve. I see a young man who enjoys helping people. Several people described Josh to me as a ‘People Pleaser.’ Josh does not strike me at the kind of person who comes to church seeking to be served. He comes to church seeking to serve others.

And so, this morning, we are honoring you, Josh. But I also have a challenge for you. It is the same challenge that the Apostle Paul gave to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Josh, I challenge you to continue to set an example for all of us to follow. You are young, but you are not too young.

• Set an example with your speech. Be mindful of the words that you use. Words are very powerful. Remember, “a soft answer turneth away wrath.” When you are serving the Lord, people will get mad at you. Respond to them with kind words.
• Set an example with your conduct. Do things that a Christian should do. Yes, Josh, that means Obey Your Parents. Honor them and honor Christ. Don’t do anything with your body that might bring dishonor to Christ.
• Set an example of love. Josh, I challenge you to love people. Serving the Lord involves serving people. Serving people requires that you love them.
• Set an example of faith. Stay faithful. We read all the time that young people are leaving the church and abandoning the church. Josh, don’t be normal. Make a commitment that you will stay in church. Look around you Josh. These are the faces of men and women who have faithfully followed the Lord for many years. Purpose in your heart that you will follow in your footsteps.
• Set an example of purity. Josh, you are a young man. Be pure in your thoughts and in your actions. Don’t allow yourself to think that you can hide your sin from God. Keep short sin-accounts. Stay pure.

Josh, you have the potential to bring much glory and honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Lord willing, you have many years ahead of you. Continue to serve Him faithfully for the rest of your life. This morning, we honor you today with a plaque and a gift card, symbols of our gratitude for your faithful service.

Birds of the Bible - Johannesburg, South Africa

Since I have written about the Birds of the Bible that our missionaries in Niami, Niger, WA and Paraiba, Brazil, it is now time to see what our missionary down in Johannesburg, SA might possible see.

Checking the internet for the birds in that area, I was able to get a list of sorts. Since all birds were created by the Lord, I decided to show more than just the named ones.

So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth." And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. (Genesis 1:21-23 ESV)

So they have been multiplying and here are some of those in the Johannesburg area.

Con Joubert Bird Park
The Con Joubert Bird Park can be found on Desert Road in residential Randfontein and contains a permanent pan with a good bird hide. One can walk around the pan on the inside of the perimeter fence (1/2hr). Species to be seen include, Maccoa Duck, Black-necked Grebe, Little Grebe, Cape Shoveler, African Purple Swamphen, Red-knobbed Coot and Common Moorhen. Lesser Swamp-Warbler, African Reed-Warbler and African Reed-Warbler may be seen in the reedbeds and sometimes Ruff, Wood Sandpiper and Little Stint occur in summer.

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Northern Farm (Diepsloot)
This nature reserve is one of Johannesburg’s best kept secrets, with over 300 recorded species.

Yellow Wagtail, Goliath Heron, Little Bittern, Cape Longclaw, Red-capped Lark, African Fish-Eagle, African Goshawk, Osprey, African Purple Swamphen, Green-backed Heron, African Black Duck, Black-winged Pratincole and African Spoonbill. African Snipe, Red-chested Flufftail, Bar-throated Apalis, Lesser Striped Swallow, Black Crake, Chestnut-backed Sparrowlark, Maccoa Duck, Cape Shoveler and Southern Pochard are found as well. There are several other species that are hard to find in urban Johannesburg like the Orange-breasted Waxbill. Giant Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher and Brown-hooded Kingfisher are also resident in the reserve. The summer migrants also include Sedge Warbler, Great Reed-Warbler, African Reed-Warbler, Amur Falcon and Steppe Buzzard. White Stork are also seen over wintering in the reserve too.

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Korsman Bird Sanctuary

This sanctuary is often prolific with a variety of waterfowl. The hides are no longer accessible, but good views are available from "The Drive", a 2km circular road which surrounds the pan. A spotting scope is recommended, as the area is fenced. Notable visitors are Black Heron, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo and Great Crested Grebe. There are several active heronries with Goliath Heron, African Spoonbill, Black-headed Heron, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Reed Cormorant and Little Bittern. The reedbeds and their edges should be actively searched for African Purple Swamphen, Black Crake, African Rail, Little Bittern and roosting Black-crowned Night-Heron. The open stretches of the pan almost always have Spur-winged Goose, Red-billed Teal, and numbers of Egyptian Goose and Yellow-billed Duck. A central island supports a colony of White-breasted Cormorant. The shore edges often hide Glossy Ibis, Hadeda Ibis and African Sacred Ibis. Black-winged Stilt and Pied Avocet are regulars and during the wader migration there are sometimes irregular visits from Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper and Eurasian Curlew sandpiper. Spotted Thick-knee hide in the surrounding grasslands.

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Florence Bloom bird Sanctuary
Florence Bloom Bird Sanctuary is found within Delta Park, with the entrance at the intersection of Road No.3 and Road No.5 in Victory Park. Species to be seen on the dam include African Black Duck, Little Grebe, Red-knobbed Coot and Common Moorhen. The surrounding reeds and trees is host to Willow Warbler, Great Reed-Warbler, Little Rush-Warbler and Tawny-flanked Prinia. Little Sparrowhawk, European Bee-eater, Red-throated Wryneck and African Palm-Swift have also been spotted.

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Krugersdorp Game Reserve
The habitat is mainly grassveld with small dams and reedbeds at the northern-most end. The vast areas of open grassland in the reserve provide the visitor the opportunity to observe many of the grassland species of Gauteng. A densely wooded valley runs through the reserve and includes a selection of bushveld birds. Approximately 200 species have been recorded. There is a good network of roads and walking is not permitted, so one has to bird from the car.

Birding
1) Grassveld areas include most of the reserve and the following species may occur; Wing-snapping Cisticola, Cloud Cisticola, Desert Cisticola, and Zitting Cisticola, Rufous-naped Lark, Ant-eating Chat and African Pipit. Several pairs of Southern Black Korhaan can be seen while the more secretive Kurrichane Buttonquail also occur. In summer Montagu's Harrier have been recorded quartering over the grasslands.
2) The reedbeds house Southern Red Bishop, White-winged Widowbird, Red-collared Widowbird and Cape Grassbird.
3) The dam usually has Black-headed Heron, Cattle Egret, Glossy Ibis and African Sacred Ibis around it, with Yellow-billed Duck, White-faced Duck, Red-knobbed Coot and Egyptian Goose.
4) An exiting new feature is a large walk through aviary which boasts a wide variety of species. The aviary is built into an old quarry and provides natural vegetation for the birds.

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Rondebult Bird Sanctuary, Germiston (Too numerous to list.)

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Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is an outstanding birding locality close to the urban centre of Johannesburg. The relatively small area, virtually surrounded by urban development, is managed by the National Botanical Institute (NBI) and includes a diverse array of habitat types which ranges from steep cliffs surrounding a magnificent waterfall to open scrubland and riverine woodland. Several short walks run through the garden and the surrounding natural areas. The JCI Geological Trail has recently been developed and gives visitors the opportunity to not only walk along the Roodekrans Ridge and in the Nature Reserve portion of the garden, but also to learn something about the fascinating geology of the area. Guided tours can be arranged for groups. Information brochures, a map and a bird list are available at the gate or NBI office. A morning's birding in the garden during summer can easily produce a list of 70 species. A total of 230 species have been recorded in the garden.
Birding
1) The Verreauxs' Eagle is an icon of the area and attract visitors from all over. Generations of Verreauxs' Eagle have bred on the steep cliff face next to the waterfall for many years. This is definitely one of the best sites in the country to view these masters of the african skies.

Photos: Maccoa Duck (Oxyura maccoa) by Ian, Brown-hooded Kingfisher (Halcyon albiventris) by Africaddict, Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis) by Daves BirdingPix, Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis) by Nikhil, Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) by Africaddict

Click link to see photos that were taken by John Kormendy on trips to Johannesburg and Cape Town. Fantastic shots.  http://chandra.as.utexas.edu/~kormendy/southafricabirds.html

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Why Does God Ordain That There Be Evil?

Recently, I have been thinking/meditating on the issue of why God allows/ordains bad things to happen. For example, why would God allow an earthquake to strike Haiti? Or, why would God allow tragedy to strike a Christian family?

Nicki and I came across an Appendix in John Piper's Desiring God entitled "Is God Less Glorious Because He Ordained That Evil Be?" In that Appendix, Piper wrestles with these questions. He shares an extended quote from Jonathan Edwards that I would like to share with all of you. Take the time to read and think through it.

It is a proper and excellent thing for infinite glory to shine forth; and for the same reason, it is proper that the shining forth of God's glory should be complete; that is, that all parts of his glory should shine forth, that every beauty should be proportionably effulgent, that the beholder may have a proper notion of God. It is not proper that one glory should be exceedingly manifested, and another not at all...

Thus it is necessary, that God's awful majesty, his authority and dreadful greatness, justice, and holiness, should be manifested. But this could not be, unless sin and punishment had been decreed; so that the shining forth of God's glory would be very imperfect, both because these parts of divine glory would not shine forth as the others do, and also the glory of his goodness, love, and holiness would be faint without them; nay, they could scarcely shine forth at all.

If it were not right that God should decree and permit and punish sin, there could be no manifestation of God's holiness in hatred of sin, or in showing any preference, in his providence, of godliness before it. There would be no manifestation of God's grace or true goodness, if there was no sin to be pardoned, no misery to be saved from. How much happiness soever he bestowed, his goodness would not be so much prized and admired...

So evil is necessary, in order to the highest happiness of the creature, and the completeness of that communication of God, for which he made the world; because the creature's happiness consists in the knowledge of God, and the sense of his love. And if the knowledge of him be imperfect, the happiness of the creature mush be proportionably imperfect." (Jonathan Edwards, quoted from Desiring God by John Piper, p. 350)

As I read through this, I came to understand that we cannot fully appreciate or understand God without his ordaining that evil be. Bad things happen so that we might more fully fathom the mercies of God. They happen so that we might better understand the grace of God. Without pain or suffering, our understanding of God would be incomplete. It would be shallow.

Let us praise God for good and evil.

Praising God on Abi's 3rd Birthday

Today is Abi's (my oldest daughter) 3rd birthday. As I think about that I am reminded of the goodness of God.

Three years ago January 18th fell on a Thursday. Nicki was in the 32nd week of her pregnancy. That night, we went to a "Preparing for Childbirth" class at the Regency Medical Center, which was where we were to deliver. This was a multi-week class that we were looking forward to going through in the weeks leading up to our delivery. That first class was mostly an introduction concerning the things that would be taught in the class. There was only one thing that stuck out to us from that class. The teacher stressed that we could call the Regency at any time, day or night, and speak with a nurse if we ever had any questions. So, we left the class and drove home, not knowing that we would not make it to any more of the classes.

Later that night, there were some complications and we didn't know what to do. But, we remembered what the teacher had said about calling the Regency. So, we called and they advised us to come up to the Regency. When we got to the Regency, they hooked Nicki up to the monitors and we realized that she was having some pretty substantial contractions.

I will never forget the nurse we had that night. She stayed at the foot of Nicki's bed talking with us and observing Nicki. I believe that it was the mercy of God that ordered things just so that she would be there that night to take care of Nicki.

The scariest part of that night was when, without warning, 5-6 nurses came running into Nicki's room. One of the monitors had set off an alarm indicating that the baby's heart-rate had dropped. They rushed Nicki off to the operating room for an emergency c-section. I was not allowed in the operating room and had to wait alone in the hallway.

By the grace of God, Abigail Marie Simpson was delivered early Friday morning, January 19th, 2007. She weighed 4 pounds, 8 ounces. Because she was premature, Abi had to stay at the Regency in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) for two weeks. She just needed some extra time to grow and develop before coming home.

One of the hardest days was when Nicki was released from the hospital and we had to go home without our child. No mother should ever have to do that. In our minds we had planned it out much differently. So, we left the hospital only to return a few hours later so that we could visit Abi.

Once Abi came home, our doctor told us to keep her at home for 3-6 months. He encouraged us to be extremely cautious because it would have so easy for her to get sick. Imagine how difficult it is for a church staff member to leave their family at home every Sunday for weeks and months. It was not much fun! In the end, we 'cheated' a little bit and brought her to church for the first time on Easter Sunday. What a day that was!!

So, Abi turns three today. She is healthy. She has rarely been sick. She is intelligent. She displays no signs of being born prematurely. She truly is a gift from God. It is my prayer that Abi will grow up to love the Lord and to serve Him with all of her life.

I have written this testimony to give praise to God. The birth of a child is always a miracle. Always! Nicki and I praise the Lord for all of our children. Our pregnancies have brought much difficulty and pain, but they have also brought evidences of God's grace into our lives. People often ask, "Why does God allow bad things to happen?" I believe He brings difficult situations into our lives so that we may more fully comprehend and appreciate His attributes. I can honestly say that the birth of Abi caused my faith to grow. It caused my reliance upon God to grow. It caused me to appreciate God's mercy more and more. It reminded me of my utter inability.

I encourage you to remember the hard times in your life. Recognize them as from the Lord. Praise Him for them. Thank Him for them. Draw closer to Him.

Birds of the Bible - God's Property

For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine. "If I were hungry, I would not tell you; For the world is Mine, and all its fullness. (Psalms 50:10-12 NKJV)

Not only are all the birds and critters God's, but He also provides for their needs as does He for ours. Psalm 104 is loaded with God's provisions, but only Psalm 104:10-17 is quoted here.

He sends the springs into the valleys; They flow among the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field; The wild donkeys quench their thirst. By them the birds of the heavens have their home; They sing among the branches. He waters the hills from His upper chambers; The earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works. He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, And vegetation for the service of man, That he may bring forth food from the earth, And wine that makes glad the heart of man, Oil to make his face shine, And bread which strengthens man's heart. The trees of the LORD are full of sap, The cedars of Lebanon which He planted, Where the birds make their nests; The stork has her home in the fir trees. (Psalms 104:10-17 NKJV)

Thought you might enjoy viewing some of God's birds from around the world.

The pictures below are only 150+, yet there at least 10,340 known named bird species currently.

Real Men are Kind - Tip #3

Tip #3

Use a Soft Answer - "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1. I have experienced the truth of this verse many times. How I respond to a situation is often much more important than the actual words that I use. Real Men are kind and demonstrate that kindness by using a soft answer. Men, take time to do some self-evaluation.

• When you disagree with your wife, does your voice get louder and louder?
• Do you ever yell at your wife?
• When you discipline your children, do you yell at them?
  
• What kinds of words do you use in your home? Are they gentle? Are they soft? Or, are they harsh? Are they grievous?

Remember, harsh words are easy. They come naturally. They are sinful and our bodies are naturally inclined towards them. Soft words are difficult. They often require a deep breath and a moment of thought. They require patience. But, soft words are kind. They demonstrate love and respect.

Real men give a soft answer. Real men are kind. Be a real man.

• Tip #1 - Wash the Dishes
• Tip #2 - Change a Diaper
• Tip #3 - Use a Soft Answer
  

May thy Fear be My Awe - A New Year's Prayer

O Lord,

Length of days does not profit me except the days are passed in Thy presence, in Thy service, to Thy glory.

Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour, that I may not be one moment apart from Thee, but may rely on Thy Spirit to supply every thought,
     speak in every word,
     direct every step,
     prosper every work,
     build up every mote of faith,
     and give me a desire to show forth Thy praise;
     testify Thy love,
     advance Thy kingdom.

I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,
     with Thee, O Father as my harbour,
     Thee, O Son, at my helm,
     Thee O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.

Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,
     my lamp burning,
     my ear open to Thy calls,
     my heart full of love,
     my soul free.

Give me Thy grace to sanctify me,
     Thy comforts to cheer,
     Thy wisdom to teach,
     Thy right hand to guide,
     Thy counsel to instruct,
     Thy law to judge,
     Thy presence to stabilize.

May Thy fear by my awe,
     Thy triumphs my joy.


The Valley of Vision

Birds of the Bible - Mother and Her Chicks

If a bird's nest happens to be before you along the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, with the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young; you shall surely let the mother go, and take the young for yourself, that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days. (Deuteronomy 22:6-7 NKJV)

Also in the with the animals, the Bible says,

Whether it is a cow or ewe, do not kill both her and her young on the same day. (Leviticus 22:28 NKJV)

In Deuteronomy, the Israelites were being given some rules of things to do or not do. This passage about the mother bird and her chicks or eggs is among those commands. Notice that if they did this, it would be well with them and help prolong their days. There are many good characteristics for us to learn from this command. Below are some of the thoughts from the commentators.

Matthew Henry's Commentary was the longest, but much insight. "II. In taking a bird's-nest, the dam must be let go, Deu_22:6, Deu_22:7. The Jews say, “This is the least of all the commandments of the law of Moses,” and yet the same promise is here made to the observance of it that is made to the keeping of the fifth commandment, which is one of the greatest, that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days; for, as disobedience in a small matter shows a very great contempt of the law, so obedience in a small matter shows a very great regard to it. He that let go a bird out of his hand (which was worth two in the bush) purely because God bade him, in that made it to appear that he esteemed all God's precepts concerning all things to be right, and that he could deny himself rather than sin against God. But doth God take care for birds? 1Co_9:9. Yes, certainly; and perhaps to this law our Saviour alludes. Luk_12:6, Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? This law, 1. Forbids us to be cruel to the brute-creatures, or to take a pleasure in destroying them. Though God has made us wiser than the fowls of heaven, and given us dominion over them, yet we must not abuse them nor rule them with rigour. Let go the dam to breed again; destroy it not, for a blessing is in it, Isa_65:8. 2. It teaches us compassion to those of our own kind, and to abhor the thought of every thing that looks barbarous, and cruel, and ill-natured, especially towards those of the weaker and tender sex, which always ought to be treated with the utmost respect, in consideration of the sorrows wherein they bring forth children... It further intimates that we must not take advantage against any, from their natural affection and the tenderness of their disposition, to do them an injury. The dam could not have been taken if her concern for her eggs or young (unlike to the ostrich) had not detained her upon the next when otherwise she could easily have secured herself by flight. Now, since it is a thousand pities that she should fare the worse for that which is her praise, the law takes care that she shall be let go. The remembrance of this may perhaps, some time or other, keep us from doing a hard or unkind thing to those whom we have at our mercy." (Matthew Henry's Commentary)

"If a bird’s nest chance to be before thee — This is a beautiful instance of the humanizing spirit of the Mosaic law, in checking a tendency to wanton destructiveness and encouraging a spirit of kind and compassionate tenderness to the tiniest creatures. But there was wisdom as well as humanity in the precept; for, as birds are well known to serve important uses in the economy of nature, the extirpation of a species, whether of edible or ravenous birds, must in any country be productive of serious evils. But Palestine, in particular, was situated in a climate which produced poisonous snakes and scorpions; and the deserts and mountains would have been overrun with them as well as immense swarms of flies, locusts, mice, and vermin of various kinds if the birds which fed upon them were extirpated [Michaelis]. Accordingly, the counsel given in this passage was wise as well as humane, to leave the hen undisturbed for the propagation of the species, while the taking of the brood occasionally was permitted as a check to too rapid an increase." (Jamieson, Faucett, and Brown Commentary)

"If God detests cruelty done to little birds, how much more to man, made according to his image?" (Geneva Bible Translation Notes)

"..this law was made partly to preserve the species of birds, and prevent the decrease of them; for a dam let go might breed again, and to this purpose are the verses ascribed to Phocylides (y), which contain the substance of this law, and this reason of it: and partly, as Maimonides observes (z), that the dam might not be afflicted at the sight of the spoil of her young; for this law does not prohibit the taking of her in any other place but in her nest, nor after her young are taken, but not together; and, as the same writer remarks, if the law would have such care taken of beasts and birds, that they might be freed from sorrow and distress, how much more of man? Wherefore the intention of this law is to teach humanity, compassion, and pity in men to one another, and to forbid cruelty, covetousness, and such like vices; as also to instruct in the doctrine of Providence, which has a respect to birds; and our Lord may be thought to have this law in view, Luke 12:6." (John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible)

"The affectionate relation of parents to their young, which God had established even in the animal world, was also to be kept just as sacred. If any one found a bird's nest by the road upon a tree, or upon the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the mother sitting upon them, he was not to take the mother with the young ones, but to let the mother fly, and only take the young. נִקְרָא for נִקְרָה, as in Exo_5:3. The command is related to the one in Lev_22:28 and Exo_23:19, and is placed upon a par with the commandment relating to parents, by the fact that obedience is urged upon the people by the same promise in both instances (vid., Deu_5:16; Exo_20:12)." (K & D Commentary on OT)

Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens) at nest©USFWS,  Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) at Nest by Anthony747, Redwing Blackbird feeding young at Lake Hollingsworth, The Young

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