Christmas Cantata Highlights

Enjoy this selection from our recent Christmas Cantata.

The Mover from Valley of Vision

O Lord, I am astonished at the difference
between my receivings and my deservings,
between the state I am now in and my past gracelessness
between the heaven I am bound for and the hell I merit
(from Valley of Vision)

Birds of the Bible - Pelicans II (by Lee Dusing)

We were birdwatching at Lake Hollingsworth this week and spotted 11 American White Pelicans on the lake and also 5 Brown Pelicans hanging out with them. Over them were at least 10 or so Osprey circling hoping for some leftovers or fish to be scared up. So, this week we will revisit the "Birds of the Bible - Pelicans ."

In the first article we covered the American White Pelicans and the Brown Pelicans (our North American Pelicans), but there are six more around the world. They are the:

Australian Pelican widespread on the inland and coastal waters of Australia and New Guinea, also in Fiji, parts of Indonesia and as a vagrant to New Zealand. Medium-sized by pelican standards: 5.3-6 ft long with a wingspan of 6–8.3 ft and weighing 9–29 lb). It is predominantly white with black along the primaries of the wings. The pale, pinkish bill is enormous, even by pelican standards, and is the largest bill in the avian world. The record-sized bill was 19.5 in long.

Dalmation Pelican It breeds from southeastern Europe through Asia to China in swamps and shallow lakes. The nest is a crude heap of vegetation. The largest of the pelicans, averaging 67 inches in length, 24-33 lbs in weight and just over 10 ft in wingspan. On average, it's the world's heaviest flying species.

Peruvian Pelican The Peruvian birds are nearly twice the bulk of the Brown Pelican, averaging 15.4 lb in weight; they are also longer, measuring about 5 ft overall.

Great White Pelican Also known as the Eastern White Pelican or Great White Pelican, it breeds from southeastern Europe through Asia and in Africa in swamps and shallow lakes. The tree nest is a crude heap of vegetation. A large pelican, at 22 lbs, 63 in long and with a 110 inch wingspan. It differs from the Dalmatian Pelican, the only larger species of pelican, by its pure white, rather than greyish-white, plumage, a bare pink facial patch around the eye and pinkish legs.

Pink-backed Pelican A resident breeder in Africa, southern Arabia and Madagascar in swamps and shallow lakes. The nest is a large heap of sticks, into which 2-3 large white eggs are laid. The chicks feed by plunging their heads deep into the adult’s pouch and taking the partially digested regurgitated fish. A small pelican, but the wingspan is still around 7.9 ft with an average weight of 12 lbs. It is much smaller and duller than the Great White Pelican. The plumage is grey and white, with a pink back.

Spot-billed Pelican It breeds in southern Asia from southern Pakistan, Republic of India to Indonesia. It is a bird of large inland and coastal waters, especially shallow lakes. The nest is a heap of vegetation in a tree. A small pelican, at 49-60 in long and a weight of 9-13.2 lbs. It is mainly white, with a grey crest, hindneck and tail. Information taken from Wikipedia

The LORD will be awesome to them, For He will reduce to nothing all the gods of the earth; People shall worship Him, Each one from his place, Indeed all the shores of the nations. "You Ethiopians also, You shall be slain by My sword." And He will stretch out His hand against the north, Destroy Assyria, And make Nineveh a desolation, As dry as the wilderness. The herds shall lie down in her midst, Every beast of the nation. Both the pelican and the bittern Shall lodge on the capitals of her pillars; Their voice shall sing in the windows; Desolation shall be at the threshold; For He will lay bare the cedar work. This is the rejoicing city That dwelt securely, That said in her heart, "I am it, and there is none besides me." How has she become a desolation, A place for beasts to lie down! Everyone who passes by her Shall hiss and shake his fist. (Zep 2:11-15 NKJV)

"Judah had been taunted and mocked by the neighboring nations, Moab and Ammon, but God reminded them that he had "heard the taunts" (Zep_2:8), and that the taunters would be punished for their pride (Zep_2:10). At times the whole world seems to mock God and those who have faith in him. When you are ridiculed, remember that God hears and will answer. Eventually, in God's timing, justice will be carried out. To predict the destruction of Nineveh 10 years before it happened would be equivalent to predicting the destruction of London, Tokyo, Paris, or New York. Nineveh was the ancient Near Eastern center for culture, technology, and beauty. It had great libraries, buildings, and a vast irrigation system that created lush gardens in the city. The city wall was 60 miles long, 100 feet high, and over 30 feet wide and was fortified with 1,500 towers. Yet the entire city was destroyed so completely that its very existence was questioned until it was discovered, with great difficulty, by 19th-century archaeologists. Nineveh had indeed become as desolate and dry as the desert." (Notes from the Life Application Bible on Zephaniah 2:8-15)

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See also these links:

Interesting link to Our Daily Bread about the Pathetic Pelican.

Birds of the Bible - Pelicans

Pelicans Page with Pictures and Videos

We are Not Mushrooms, but Oaks (John Newton)

“Remember, the growth of a believer is not like a mushroom—but like an oak, which increases slowly indeed—but surely. Many suns, showers, and frosts, pass upon it before it comes to perfection. And in winter, when it seems to be dead—it is gathering strength at the root.  Be humble, watchful, and diligent in the means, and endeavor to look through all, and fix your eye upon Jesus—and all shall be well."
—John Newton, Letters of John Newton

His Eye Is On The Sparrow (by Lee Dusing)

Based on Matthew 10:29-31

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Words: Civilla D. Martin, 1905.
Music: Charles H. Gabriel

"Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourneying in Elmira, New York. We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle—true saints of God. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nigh twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel him self to and from his business in a wheel chair. Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inpiration and comfort to all who knew them. One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hope fullness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle’s reply was simple: 'His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.' The beauty of this simple expression of bound less faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and me. The hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” was the outcome of that experience."

Civilla Martin
"The next day she mailed the poem to Charles Gabriel, who supplied the music. Singer Ethel Waters so loved this song that she used its name as the title for her autobiography."
(Quotes from Cyberhymnal)

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.


“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

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Grasshopper Sparrow and Savannah Sparrow photos with permission of Ray's Wildlife Photography

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Birds of the Bible - Review (by Lee Dusing)

But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; And the birds of the air, and they will tell you; Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; And the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among all these does not know That the hand of the LORD has done this, In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind? (Job 12:7-10 NKJV)

Since February, the different birds of the Bible were presented in random order. Here is a list of those birds, with their links, in alphabetical order. Hope this helps you find a particular bird easier. If this is being used as a review, try to visualize the bird before you click on the link. (Always the teacher)

Birds of the Bible - Introduction

Bittern

Cranes

Cormorant

Cuckoo

Dove and Turtle-Dove

Eagles    Eagles II

Falcons

Glede and Kite

Hawks   Hawk Migration

Hen and Rooster

Herons

Hoopoe

Lapwing

Nighthawk     Nighthawk II

Osprey
Ossifrage
Ostrich
Owls
Partridge
Peacocks

Pelicans
Quail
Raven
Sparrow I    Sparrow II
Storks
Swan
Vulture

Other Articles and Videos about Birds
Bird Feeder I
Clean vs Unclean
God's Care For Birds
Under His Wing

The Sands of Time Are Sinking (by Stephen Simpson)

Last night, I played an offertory on the piano that may not have been familiar to many of you. It was an arrangement that combined the second movement of Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata with the hymn The Sands of Time Are Sinking. This is one of my favorite hymns, both for its text and for its memorable melody. Take some time to read through the words of this great hymn. The four stanzas usually sung are taken from the original 19 written by Anne Ross Cousin. You can read all 19 stanzas and listen to the melody at CyberHymnal.org.

The sands of time are sinking, the dawn of Heaven breaks;
The summer morn I’ve sighed for—the fair, sweet morn awakes:
Dark, dark hath been the midnight, but dayspring is at hand,
And glory, glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.

O Christ, He is the fountain, the deep, sweet well of love!
The streams of earth I’ve tasted more deep I’ll drink above:
There to an ocean fullness His mercy doth expand,
And glory, glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.

With mercy and with judgment my web of time He wove,
And aye, the dews of sorrow were lustered with His love;
I’ll bless the hand that guided, I’ll bless the heart that planned
When throned where glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.

The Bride eyes not her garment, but her dear Bridegroom’s face;
I will not gaze at glory but on my King of grace.
Not at the crown He giveth but on His pierced hand;
The Lamb is all the glory of Immanuel’s land.

Birds of the Bible - Hen and Rooster (by Lee Dusing)

This week's Birds of the Bible brings us to the end of the specifically named birds of the Bible. Since February, I have tried to present a different bird each week. I have been given the privilege to continue on with non-specific named birds and to repeat birds with different facts.

Our Hen and the Rooster or Cock are domesticated and most have seen and heard them. So, since they are so diverse, I am only going to cover the verses that relate to them. The hen or female chicken is very protective when she has her young about her. Under her wings she provides warmth, security, and love. Christ made reference to that fact when He had been talking to the "scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" in Matthew 23 when He said:

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! (Mat 23:37 NKJV)

The Lord wants to protect us and take care of us, and what a blessing it is when we let Him provide. Unfortunately, many did not let Him then nor now provide the shelter and care only He can give.

These chicks are still trying to be protected even though they are more mature.

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Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." (Mat 26:34 NKJV)
Then he began to curse and swear, saying, "I do not know the Man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So he went out and wept bitterly. (Mat 26:74-75 NKJV)

Most of us know the story of how Peter was so sure he would never fail the Lord and deny Him, but Christ knew that before that very night was over by the time the rooster would wake up and crow, what would take place. Peter repented and went on to be a great apostle the rest of his life. Did he ever slip and fall again, I'm sure he did, like those of us who are saved by grace. Just maybe, Peter remembered the Lord's illustration of the Hen protecting her chicks and sought the protection, security, and love only Christ can provide.

Also see the post: Under His Wing

    

Unknown Bird - Gary or Halloween Bird? (by Lee Dusing)

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Col 3:17

Last Friday evening (Halloween) our church, Faith Baptist Church, had a Fall Festival. They had "Trunk or Treat" for the kids to get goodies from. We went to see the activities and being a true birdwatcher, always on the lookout for birds, I came across an unknown bird. So, we got its picture. Now it could be a Gary Bird or a Halloween Bird, I am not sure. After looking through my many bird books at home, I could not find one like it. If anyone knows, please leave a comment.

It really was a great evening. We had other activities besides the trunks. One of our pastors, Pastor Pete, managed to get himself dunked many times.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1Co 10:31)
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (Col 3:23)

Sinners and Jonathan Edwards (by Peter Brock)

I have just recently begun reading Jonathan Edward's sermon, "Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God", for the first time. I'm only two pages into the sermon and have already been deeply challenged. By all accounts, when Edwards preached the sermon on July 8, 1741 his delivery was careful and controlled so as to appeal to the minds of the hearers and not their emotions. His text was Deut. 32:35. Below is just a portion of the sermon. Hopefully it will whet your appetite to read more of the sermon from Edwards.

"There is nothing that keeps wicked men at any one moment out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God. By the mere pleasure of God, I mean his sovereign pleasure, which is not hindered or restrained by anything. It is only the sovereign will of God that preserves the life of the wicked person. Nothing else preserves the wicked for one moment except God's mere will."

Birds of the Bible - Osprey (by Lee Dusing)

And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the osprey,

(Lev 11:13 KJV)
But these are they of which ye shall not eat: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the osprey,
(Deu 14:12 KJV)

The Osprey is another bird on the "Do Not Eat" list. Here in central Florida, we see Ospreys quite frequently. Their nest are usually noticeable on platforms placed for them. On a road between Eagle Lake and Bartow, (which I have renamed "Osprey Road") there is a nest in the V structure of almost every power distribution pole. There are at least 15-20 nests in about a mile or so. The Ospreys will show up after the first of the year and stay for about 4 months while they breed and raise their young.

The Osprey is in a family by itself. They widely distributed around the world. They are closely related to the Hawk and the Falcon. They are 21-24 inches long with a wingspan of 54-72 inches. The females are slightly larger and both look alike. Their diet is almost entirely fish, but they do eat small rodents and birds. When fishing, they fly 30 to 100 feet above the water and will hover when they find a fish. They will plunge into the water with their feet under them to catch the fish. "Rises from water with fish gripped in both feet, pauses in midair to shake water from plumage, and to arrange fish with head pointed forward, which reduces its resistance to air, flies with it to" perch or nest to feed young. Can carry up to four or more pounds.

God has designed the Osprey with several interesting features. Their feet have four equal length toes with "long, strong claws, curved about one third of a circle, and completely round." "The lower surface, or pads, of the toes are covered with spicules, which help it hold slippery fishes; also, it is the only hawk that has outer toe reversible as in owls; this enables it to grasp it prey with two toes in front, tow in back. Its plumage is compact, which helps blunt its impact and reduces wetting when it plunges in the water."

All quotes from (The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American Birds) and photos by Dan.

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Packer on Peace

Read the following words from J.I. Packer at least twice, they're that good.

What does the Gospel of God offer to us? If we say ‘the peace of God’, none will demur – but will everyone understand? The use of right words does not guarantee right thoughts! Too often the peace of God is thought of as if it were essentially a feeling of inner tranquility, happy and carefree, springing from knowledge that God will shield one from life’s hardest knocks. But this is a misrepresentation, for, on the one hand, God does not feather-bed His children in this way, and anyone who thinks He does is in for a shock, and, on the other hand, that which is basic and essential to the real peace of God does not come into this concept at all. The truths after which this account of God’s peace is feeling (though it misrepresents them, as we said) are that God’s peace brings both power to face, and live with, one’s own badness and failings, and also contentment under ‘the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune’ (for which the Christian name is God’s wise providence). The truth which this account ignores is that the basic pardon and acceptance into covenant – that is, adoption into God’s family. But where this change of relationship with God – out of hostility into friendship, out of wrath into the fullness of love, out of condemnation into justification – is not set forth, the gospel of peace is not truly set forth either. The peace of God is first and foremost peace with God; it is the state of affairs in which God, instead of being against us, is for us. No account of God’s peace which does not start here can do other than mislead. One of the miserable ironies of our time is that whereas liberal and ‘radical’ theologians believe themselves to be re-stating the gospel for today, they have for the most part rejected the categories of wrath, guilt, condemnation, and the enmity of God, and so have made it impossible for themselves ever to present the gospel at all, for they cannot now state the basic problem which the gospel of peace solves.

J.I. Packer, Knowing God, Chapter 18, The Heart of the Gospel, section VIII, p. 176.

Birds of the Bible - The Bird Feeder I (by Lee Dusing)

While thinking about bird feeders and how birds approach them to eat, I started comparing that to how we approach the Word of God.

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (1Pe 2:2)

Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it. (Psa 119:140)
I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. (Psa 119:162)
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psa 119:105)
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Psa 119:103)

Here are some of my thought about birds at my feeders:

Hummingbird Feeders (Hummingbirds and Orioles)

• Defend It - could be protictive of the Word or keep chasing off others and become distracted.
• Share It (sometimes) - Found nutrition and wants to share it
• Drink on the Wing - In a hurry, made that way
• Sit Sometimes - Enjoy it and reflect
• Keep Returning Often - Can't get enough, or realzes that it's worth returning to often, needs it to live.
• Deep Drink or Sip In-and-out - Long reading or get 'N' go)

Suet Feeders (Woodpeckers, Titmice, Nuthatches, etc 

• Cling to it - (no landing perch) Hangs on to it
  
• Hang On It - even upside down - From different angles, study word, checking all verses

Regular Feeders (Most birds)

• Some eat until stuffed (Doves)
• Some take one piece and fly off
• Some stuff seed in crop and go feed others
• Some chase others away - even if not eating themselves
• Some crowd in and push others away
• Some pick and choose - just want part of Word or sermons
• Some throw seed to the ground in their search
• Some wait underneath to get scraps (ground feeders) - Consider it "food from Above"

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. (Psa 19:7-11 KJV)

All pictures taken by Dan.

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Birds of the Bible - God's Care For Birds (by Lee Dusing)

But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: (Job 12:7 KJV) Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven? (Job 35:11 KJV)

God has promised that He will watch over the birds of the air to see that they are fed.

Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat. (Job 38:41 KJV)
He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. (Psa 147:9 KJV)
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Luk 12:6-7 KJV)

Let the "Birds of the Air" teach us to put our trust in the Lord especially with the difficult times that are facing us today. With the economy, finances, jobs, problems, health, and other pressures pressing on us, look to the Lord, our Saviour, King, Ruler, Creator, and the All Mighty God who cares about every aspect of our lives and wants to provide all for us. He loves the birds, but He loves and cares so much more about us.

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (Mat 6:25-34 KJV

God Will Take Care of You

Be not dismayed whate'er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.

Refrain:
God will take care of you,
Thro' ev'ry day, O'er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.

All you may need He will provide,
God will take care of you;
Trust Him, and you will be satisfied,
God will take care of you.

No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon His breast,
God will take care of you.

Psalm 63:7
Author: Civilla D. Martin, 1869-1948
Musician: W. Stillman Martin, 1862-1935

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Birds of the Bible - Hawks (by Lee Dusing)

Hawks are roughly divided into two groups: Buteos and Accipiters. The "Buteos are chunky hawks with broad wings and short, wide tails. They may soar for hours...with hardly a flap of their wings, and often perch in the open." "Accipiters are slim hawks with relatively short rounded wings and long tails. They are in the woods, and "pursue prey with stealth and agility." Quotes from p.108, Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America.

And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, (Lev 11:16 and Deu 14:15 KJVR)

"Large hawks were numerous in Palestine. The largest were 2 ft. long, have flat heads, hooked beaks, strong talons and eyes appearing the keenest and most comprehensive of any bird. They can sail the length or breadth of the Holy Land many times a day. It is a fact worth knowing that mist and clouds interfere with the vision of birds and they hide, and hungry and silent wait for fair weather, so you will see them sailing and soaring on clear days only. These large hawks and the glede are of eagle-like nature, nesting on Carmel and on the hills of Galilee, in large trees and on mountain crags. They flock near Beersheba, and live in untold numbers in the wilderness of the Dead Sea." (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

The Buteos in North America are:Red-tailed Hawk (19", wingspan 50", with a red tail)
Rough-legged Hawk (21", wingspan 53")
Ferruginous Hawk (23", wingspan 56", our largest buteo)
Broad-winged Hawk (16", wingspan 34", crow-sized, soars with wings flat)

Red-shouldered Hawk (17", wingspan 40", red shoulders and chest)

Gray Hawk (17", wingspan 36" )
Swainson's Hawk (19", wingspan 51", brown chest-band)
White-tailed Hawk (20", wingspan 51", soars with wings in a V)
Short-tailed Hawk (16", wingspan 36", small with big-headed look)
Harris Hawk (21", wingspan 46", black tail with white base and tip)
Zone-tailed Hawk (20", wingspan 51", broad white band on tail)
Common Black Hawk (20", wingspan 50", very broad wings)
Accipiters ('built for agility and burst of speed") are:
Sharp-shinned Hawk (12", wingspan 25")
Cooper's Hawk (18", wingspan 32")
Northern Goshawk (22", wingspan 43")

For more pictures see Birds of the Bible Hawks on my blog.

Titus 2:11-14 (by Peter Brock)

I love the truths in these verses. They begin with grace. They then move to Christ's past work in salvation, how we are to magnify Christ with our lives today, and then they point us toward our future hope.

11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,

12training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Birds of the Bible - Vulture (by Lee Dusing)

But these you shall not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the buzzard, (Deu 14:12 NKJV)
And the vulture, and the kite after his kind; (Lev 11:14 KJV)

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Job 28 tells of the wealth of earth that is hidden and must be mined; Gold, silver, brass, iron, precious stones such as sapphires, and gold dust. It is buried where the eyes of the birds mentioned have never seen them.

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

So, let's find out some about the vulture. Vultures are good-sized birds that eat carrion (dead things). They help keep our country side clean of things that have died or been attacked by other birds or mammals. I think they are ugly looking, but what makes them look that way is the lack of feathers around the face. This helps them eat without messing up their feathers and having them soaked with blood and other dead stuff. The Lord made them the way they are and given them the task mentioned. I imagine the Lord does not consider them ugly.
In the New World we have the Andean Condor, Black Vulture, California Condor(the larges in North America-47" with a 10' wingspan), Greater Yellow Headed Vulture, King Vulture, Lesser Yellow Headed Vulture, and the Turkey Vulture. In the Old World Vulture family we get the African White-backed, Asian White-backed, Bearded, Cape Giffon, Cinereous, Egyptian, Eurasian Griffon, Himalayan Griffon, Hooded, Lappet Faced, Long Billed, Palm Nut, Red-headed, Ruppells Griffon, and White Headed Vultures. A good reference to these Vultures is at these websites:
The Vultures of the World
Vulture Wikipedia
Nature Photographers Online Magazine - Vultures

Regeneration - Take Full Possession and Reign Supreme (Valley of Vision)

Below is another prayer from The Valley of Vision entitled Regeneration. Don't let the length intimidate you. Great theology with convicting application.

O God of the highest heaven,occupy the throne of my heart,

take full possession and reign supreme,

lay low every rebel lust,let no vile passion resist thy holy war;

manifest thy mighty power,and make me thine forever.

Thou art worthy to be praised with my every breath,

loved with my every faculty of soul,

served with my every act of life.

Thou hast loved me, espoused me, received me, purchased, washed, favored, clothed, adorned me,when I was a worthless, vile soiled, polluted.

I was dead in iniquities,having no eyes to see thee,

no ears to hear thee,

no taste to relish thy joys,

no intelligence to know thee;

But thy Spirit has quickened me,

has brought me into a new world as a new creature,

has given me spiritual perception,

has opened to me thy Word as light, guide, solace, joy.

Thy presence is to me a treasure of unending peace;

No provocation can part me from thy sympathy,

for thou hast drawn me with cords of love,and dost forgive me daily, hourly.

O help me then to walk worthy of thy love,of my hopes, and my vocation.

Keep me, for I cannot keep myself;

Protect me that no evil befall me;

Let me lay aside every sin admired of many;

Help me to walk by thy side,

lean on thy arm,

hold converse with thee,

That I may be salt of the earth and a blessing to all.

Preach the Gospel today! (by Stephen Simpson)

I Corinthians 9:16b "For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel."

In meditating on this verse recently, I thought of some consequences of failing to preach the Gospel.

When I fail to preach the Gospel...

1. I fail to give the Gospel a voice. The Gospel will not be heard.
2. I fail to denounce sin. Preaching the Gospel brings conviction.
3. I violate my own conscience.
4. I minimize the work of Christ in my own life.
5. I am overwhelmed with shame and guilt.
6. I end up preaching a different Gospel. Often it is the Gospel of Apathy, the Gospel that says "I don't care."

Here's a practical challenge. Say this to yourself today, "Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel today."

Think about it.

Birds of the Bible - Hawk Migration (by Lee Dusing)

Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the South? (Job 39:26 KJV)

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Through God's wisdom (omniscience), the Hawks He created have a built-in instinct to fly south for the winter and how to accomplish that feat. There is much studied and observed about this phenomenon. People watch them as they fly over by the hundreds and thousands. Wings on the Wind has a very good article about how they ride the thermals or catch updrafts to carry them along on their journey. Right now, between August and December is the Fall migration time.

The verse quoted at the top is found in a set of questions started in Job 38:

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. (Job 38:1-3 KJV)

Some other interesting translations of Job 39:26 are:
"Is it through your knowledge that the hawk takes his flight, stretching out his wings to the south?" (BBE)
"Did you teach hawks to fly south for the winter?" (CEV)
"Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars and spreads his wings toward the south?" (ESV)
"Does your understanding make a bird of prey fly and spread its wings toward the south?" (GW)
"Was it through your know how that the hawk learned to fly, soaring effortlessly on thermal updrafts?" (MSG)
"Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars, Stretching his wings toward the south?" (NASB)

When we think we have "all the answers" to life's questions and are feeling like we do not need God our Creator or a relationship with Him; read Job 38-42. "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." (Rev 4:11 KJV)
The Creator's Gift of Intelligence

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Information about Hawk Migration:

Wings on the Wind

Hawk Migration Association of NA

Hawk Migration ID Chart

Places to View:Blue Ridge Parkway
Hawkwatch Sites
Watching Migrating Hawks
Militia Hill Hawk Watch

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Birds of the Bible - Nighthawk II (by Lee Dusing)

Last week after I published Nighthawk I, I started looking for more photos and videos to supplement the article. I kept running into other usages of the word "nighthawk." So, here is more on the topic.

In the two references: Lev 11:16, Deu 14:15 See Nighthawk the word nighthawk is from "H8464 - תּחמס
tachmâs (takh-mawce') is from H2554; a species of unclean bird (from its violence), perhaps an owl: - night hawk."

Tachmas cannot be identified with any certainty. Here is how it is interpreted:

night-hawk - ASV, BBE, JPS, YLT

nighthawk - ESV, GW, MSG, Webster
night hawk - KJV, RV
nighthauke - KJV 1611
nyght Crowe - Bishops
night crowe - Geneva
female ostrich and the male ostrich - Darby
short-eared owl - HCSB, NKJV
great owl - LITV, MKJV
screech owl - WEB, NRSV, NIV

Needless to say, this "has caused great controversies among commentators. Some scholars of the Hebrew language have thought that the male ostrich was signified by tachmas, the word bath-haya'anah being supposed by them to signify the female ostrich. It is hardly probable, however, that the sacred writer should have mentioned separately the sexes of the same species, and we must therefore look for some other interpretation.
Going to the opposite extreme of size, some scholars have translated tachmas as Swallow. This again is not a very probable rendering, as the swallow would be too small a bird to be specially named in the prohibitory list. 'I'he balance of probability seems, to lie between two interpretations - namely, that which considers the word tachmas to signify the Night-hawk, and that which translates it as Owl. For both of these interpretations much is to be said, and it cannot be denied that of the two the latter is perhaps preferable. If so, the White or Barn Owl is probably the particular species to which reference is made.
However, many commentators think that the Night-hawk or Nightjar is the bird which is signified by the word tachmas, and as owls seem to have been signified by alternative words, the rendering of the Authorized Version seems an acceptable translation. Moreover, the Jewish Bible follows the same translation, and renders tachmas as Night-hawk, but affixes the mark of doubt. " (From The Nightjar or Night Hawk in the Bible on Wonder of Birds website)

I said all of that to say, I don't know for any certainty which bird it is. Therefore, I am adding pictures of the other birds mentioned beside the ones I posted last week. Only the Lord know for certain which birds were indicated. I'll leave it at that.

Birds of the Bible - Nighthawk (by Lee Dusing)

The Night Hawk is part of the Chordeilinae family which are nightjars. Here in North America, the Lesser, Common, and Antillean Nighthawks, are joined by the Common Pauraque, Common Poorwill, Chuck-Will's Widow, and the Whip-Poor-Will to round out the family. They have long wings, short legs, and very small bills. All of these are late evening, early morning, and night hunters of insects. God created them with coloration that helps them blend in with the tree or leaves around them and most perch horizontal to the limbs instead of across them like most birds. This also helps hide them in the daytime. Even though they have the name "Hawk", they do not resemble what most would think of hawks. The term is more of the fact of 'hawking or catching" insects while in flight. Most fly low over the ground in search the moths and large flying insects. They range from 7 to 13 inches long with wingspans from 11 to 24 inches.

All Nighthawks listed in the New World are the Band-tailed Nighthawk, Plain-tailed Nighthawk, Nacunda Nighthawk, Rufous-bellied Nighthawk, Short-tailed Nighthawk, Antillean Nighthawk, Lesser Nighthawk, Common Nighthawk, Least Nighthawk, Sand-colored Nighthawk

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UPDATE: AUG 30, 2008: Upon further investigation, the night hawk mentioned in the verses is most likely a type of owl that feeds at night. I will make a new article soon. Enjoy this anyway. (Lee)

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They are again in our list of birds that are "unclean." Both verses are identical in the KJV.

And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckoo, and the hawk after his kind, (Lev 11:16)
And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckoo, and the hawk after his kind, (Deu 14:15)

See Nighthawks for more information.

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Empty Things (by Stephen Simpson)

In 1 Samuel 12 the prophet Samuel is addressing the nation of Israel. Towards the end of the chapter he warns them to not turn aside from the following the Lord. In verse 21 Samuel says, "And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty." (ESV) This verse was such a rebuke to me as I read it because there are so many 'empty things' that I turn aside after, empty things that have no lasting value.

For example, I will gladly stay up late watching the most meaningless Olympic events. Yet, I never stay up late for some extra Bible study time or for extra time in prayer. When you stop and think about it, who really cares who won the semifinal of the men's 200m race? Talk about something that does not "profit or deliver!"

So, examine your life. Are there some 'empty things' that are demanding your time and energy? Let's all work diligently at identifying those things in our life which are empty and replace them with things that are full of value and worth.

Birds of the Bible - Hoopoe (by Lee Dusing)

The Hoopoe is mentioned in the list of "unclean" things not to eat in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. I am sort of revisiting my Birds of the Bible - Lapwing which uses the same references. Depending on which copy of Scripture one uses it is translated Lapwing in some and Hoopoe in others. The Hoopoe is an interesting and pretty bird, so I will describe it in today's blog.

the stork, the heron after its kind, the hoopoe, and the bat. (Lev 11:19 NKJV)
the stork, the heron after its kind, and the hoopoe and the bat. (Deu 14:18 NKJV)

• The Hoopoe is in the same order as Bee-eaters, Rollers, and
  
  Kingfishers.
• 
  
  They are found in Asia, Europe, and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar.
• They migrate to the tropics in the winter.
• In 2008, the Long-Billed Hoopoe became the national bird of Israel. See Article in Jerusalem Post.
• Their diet consists of mostly worms and insects, which they find while spending most of their time on the ground.
• "The nest is in a hole in a tree or wall. Like those of its relatives, the kingfishers, the nest tends to contain copious amounts of faeces and smell very foul as a protection against predators^[2]."(Wikipedia)
• "The song is a trisyllabic "oop-oop-oop", which gives rise to its English and scientific names."(Wikipedia)

Links to check out:

Wikipedia - Hoopoe

Bird Families of the World - Hoopoes

William Kwong's Gallery (Photos used with his Permission)
Hoopoe - Photos & Videos

It Has Always Been the Soldier

Here's the video that we showed in church on July 6th. Enjoy.

Birds of the Bible - Falcons (by Lee Dusing)

Today we introduce another bird family that has been worderfully created by God. The Falcon is in the Family "Falconidae" which are birds of prey. Worldwide there are over 60 species in the family. Falcons, Caracara, Forest-Falcons, Kestrels, Falconets, Pygmy-Falcons, and Hobbies make up the family. For an interesting list of the birds and videos of them, see Internet Bird Collection. These are the birds seen in North America according to Thayer’s Birding software:

• Aplomado Falcon (15-16.5” with 40-48” wingspan) Mexico to Central and South America, TX
• Gyrfalcon (20-25” with 50-64” wingspan – largest of the falcons) - Arctic tundra-winter seen in upper Midwest, Dakotas, Montana, Idaho and Washington – Flies close to the ground.
• Peregrine Falcon (16-20” with 36-44” wingspan – large falcon)
• Prairie Falcon (15.5-19.5” with 35-43” wingspan)
• Merlin (12” with 25” wingspan)
• Collared Forest-Falcon (21-25” with 30-37” wingspan) (Accidental-South Texas)
• American Kestrel (10.5” with 23” wingspan - Smallest falcon)
• Eurasian Kestrel (13.5”with 29” wingspan Hovers) – Mass, NJ, N Brunswick and Aleutian Islands of Alaska
• Prairie Falcon by DanCrested Caracara (23” with 50” wingspan) - TX and FL, Prairie region of central FL, open arid and semiarid scrublands, grassland w/ few trees, ranchland
• Eurasian Hobby (11-13” with 28-33” wingspan) - Europe and Asia, Africa (winters) very rare in North America Captures prey in the air.

A good article about the Falconidae Family is at the Handbook of the Birds of the World website. The Wikipedia had these comments:

"Falcons and caracaras are carnivores, feeding on birds, small mammals, reptiles, insects and carrion.",

"They have strongly hooked bills, sharply curved talons and excellent eyesight. The plumage is usually composed of browns, whites, chestnut, black and grey, often with barring of patterning. "

"They differ from other Falconiformes (Hawks, Eagles, Falcons, etc.) in killing with their beaks instead of their feet. They have a "tooth" on the side of their beak for the purpose."

The Falcon is another bird on the “unclean” list.

And these you shall regard as an abomination among the birds; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, the vulture, the buzzard, the kite, and the falcon after its kind (Leviticus 11:13-14 NKJV)

the red kite, the falcon, and the kite after their kinds; (Deuteronomy 14:13 NKJV)
You shall fall upon the mountains of Israel, you and all your troops and the peoples who are with you; I will give you to birds of prey of every sort and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. (Ezekiel 39:4 NKJV)

Photos top to bottom: American Kestrel by AestheticPhotos, Praire Falcon by Dan, Peregrine Falcon by Jim Fenton

Click for the Falcons Photos and Videos pages.