Blog Archives
Consider the Birds of the Air …
I just finished my devotions and prayer time and looked up at the clear, blue sky. There floating were two turkey vultures (not my favorite bird by any means), but they were carelessly floating on the air currents. They were circling up in a spiral without flapping their wings, just soaring on the wind. Then they must have come to an airstream they liked and off they continued gliding along, never flapping a wing.
How amazing God’s handiwork in creating a way for a bird to relax and fly, soaring effortlessly. As the sun heats the earth, the thermals rise just like a tornado. The vultures were obviously enjoying the air currents lifting them higher and higher. No worries, no cares, no work, just rest and freedom.
It was a beautiful picture of TRUST and God’s PROVIDING. When God created the world, He created weather and wind. When He created the birds, He wired into their instincts how to travel – flap wings or soar and glide. When God created us, He made us to live in perfect relationship with Him. The choice to sin changed all that.
And yet, God continually draws us to Him, calling us to REST in His love. He continues to provide His loving care for each of us. All we need to do is SURRENDER to the air current of God’s promises and TRUST Him to provide for all our needs.
“Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
God says to Job, “Does the eagle soar at your command and build its nest on high? It dwells on a cliff and stays there at night; a rocky crag is its stronghold. From there it looks for food; its eyes detect it from afar.” Job 39:27-29
Photo courtesy Vecteezy: Gabriel Rojo
How Can I Keep from Singing Your Praise?
It’s Spring in Iowa. Actually one might even think it’s been Summer with temperatures in the 70s and 80s for over a week instead of 30s and 40s. All of the plants and trees have been budding and bursting forth their beauty. I’ve been working in a garden center and am blessed that the owners allow me pretty much free reign of the property to take photos. Every where I turn something else seems to herald its praises to God. 
When I see how God has blessed me throughout my life, how can I keep from shouting His praise? Funny, as I’m writing this, Chris Tomlin’s How Can I Keep from Singing? is playing in the background. God’s timing is so incredible. I turned on Chris Tomlin’s CD this afternoon after I needed a spiritual remake and a lifting up of my spirits. I ran into some people who pretty much are able to only see the glass of life as half empty. They’ve had many difficulties in life, but after talking with them I just felt so sad and sorry for them. When I got home, I knew I could wallow in their self-pity or I could crank up the music and praise God for all He has given to me. These friends have been stuck in the past dreading the changes life offers. Now I don’t like change either, especially when it comes with trials – chronic illnesses, infertility, floods, tornadoes, broken water pipes, health concerns, etc. 
But then I look at these beautiful plants and flowering trees. They’ve been hibernating over the Winter after dying off in the Fall just to be able to withstand the harsh winds, snow and ice. Then when the sun comes out, temperatures warm and the Spring rains come, they burst for their glorious color and intricate beauty. Look at this Magnolia blossom, it’s beautiful before it even opens. The white, pinks and purples all gracefully coming out of the base of the bud. There’s not even leaves of the tree when the bud is showing off it’s glory. It doesn’t care if the sky is cloudy and overcast, it’s ready to praise its Maker. It’s not worried about any possibility of weather changes and even the “danger” of frost. It just obeys God’s command to glorify Him.
My heart grieves for these friends who are struggling to see God’s beauty in their lives. I am so grateful to be deeply content in You alone, for You have been there for me through all of the trials and blessings of life. Help me to keep these words in my heart and mind:
How can I keep from singing Your praise? How can I ever say enough, how amazing is Your love? How can I keep from shouting Your name? I know I am loved by the King and it makes my heart want to sing! ~ Chris Tomlin
So abundantly grateful for the blessing of being able to give praise and glory to God! ~ Faye
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God's Abundant Blessings! 