The Sharp-shinned Hawk

 www.utahbirds.org

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. II Timothy 3:16,17

I heard the call the sharp-shinned hawk this morning. The kids ran out on the deck to look for it. They watched as the hawk called from the top of a tall poplar. Then they suddenly ran back into the house. “What’s wrong?” I asked.

“We heard something way off that sounded weird.”

“Maybe it was the mate calling.”

“No, it was different.”

“Well, sometimes the call of the female sounds a little different.” They went back outside. This time there were two hawks in the top of the tree, watching the open ground and woods around them. The kids watched until the hawks flew off together. Then they needed to know more. They searched their bird book to find when hawks nested. They wanted to know if they were just here for the winter or were they permanent residents. The more they learned the more they wanted to know.

Who would have thought that listening and watching hawks on a cold Saturday morning would have caused so much interest in learning? I don’t know how the knowledge the kids gained from researching hawks will help them, but if nothing else it helped research skills and it was fun. I often find that listening and watching for what God is doing will cause me to search the scriptures to find words of comfort, of peace and instruction.

Lord Jesus, may my eyes be open to the things You are doing in my life, my church, and my community. May it cause me to search the scriptures to know more about You and how I fit into Your plan. Help me to be obedient to those things You are willing to show me. In Your name I pray. Amen.

In Need of Directions?

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5

While taking the scenic route up the Old Red One through south Georgia, the sun began to get low and weary travelers wanted to find the interstate home. One suggested that we find a sign to Savannah because the interstate ran near the coast. Strike that idea. We were so off track there were no signs for Savannah, just signs for small towns totally unknown to us. Then one of the group suggested we use the sun. “Use the sun?”

           

“Yes. Savannah is near the coast. The coast is east of here. The sun is setting in the west. If we keep the sun to our backs we will eventually reach the coast and the interstate.” Our friend wisely advised.

“Oh, I’ll turn right at the next major intersection,” answered our driver. Keeping the sun at our backs we reached the interstate just before dark.

How often I find my life off track. I should have sought the Son’s wisdom long before I got this far off track. Instead, I muddle along thinking it will all work out. Keeping the Son in my vision and seeking His wisdom and guidance would help me avoid a lot of mistakes.

Dear Lord, help me to remember to seek Your wisdom from Your Word every day so when my life begins to take the world’s scenic route, I can look to You to guide me on my way.

In the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Filling a Hope Chest

      

For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: Isaiah 28:10

Let’s see what’s in here; a potholder I made when I was 8; a pillowcase I made when I was 12; a crochet doily from Grandma. When I finish this piece I’ll add it to the others.

I may go buy that set of dishes.

That’s pretty much the way it goes for a young girl preparing years in advance for her wedding and future home. Add a little here and a little there with no one special in mind, just a hope that one day she will marry and start a home. But, how are we preparing spiritually for our homes? As wives and mothers it is our job to nurture the children God will give us. II Timothy tells us Timothy’s mother and grandmother provided him with a spiritual upbringing as will as a physical home. Are we preparing spiritually for our future family? Our children are the only real hope for the future. They are the only thing we can take with us into eternity. But how do we prepare?

Line upon line and precept upon precept. We fill our lives with the things of God so that we may bring those things our of our hearts and give them to our children. Are we making time to read God’s Word every day? Do we have a prayer time? Do we have a Christian friend to help me grow and hold me accountable? Are we memorizing scripture? Are we attending a church that will help me grow? If we already have children are we doing those things with and for them?

Encourage one another. Won’t you share your ideas for your spiritual Hope Chest?