Issue 729 – Wood Duck Wisdom – April 29, 2022
Earlier this week, I strolled around the lake at Fishtrap Creek Park in Abbotsford. I was blessed to spend some time watching a blue heron hunt, but it wouldn’t let me close enough for a good photo from my phone.
I was also blessed to see several wood duck drakes. They were pretty timid of me, like the heron, but I did get a few photos. The images aren’t as clear as I hoped, but you can still get a sense of their beauty.
Woodies are small (about ¾ the size of mallards) but stunning perching ducks. Unlike most waterfowl, they build their nests in tree cavities close to the water. Shortly after hatching, the young drop out of the nest (often as much as 50 feet above the ground). It amazes me that they can drop from those heights safely.
I am looking forward to soon seeing this year’s brood.
After landing, the duckings quickly make their way to the water and are seldom far from their parents. They are essentially helpless and easy prey for cats and other land-based predators and hawks, eagles, and crows. Having a parent close gives them someone to protect them.
Having a place of safety is wise, and these ducklings seem to know it instinctively.
Similarly, Christians live in a hostile world.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
Walking our faith walk alone is perilous.
Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. Proverbs 18:1
Our strength is not in our own power.
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers us. Our growth in fruitfulness demonstrates that power.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
The Spirit intercedes for us.
And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:27 ESV
The Word equips us.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
The body of believers supports us.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. Hebrews 10:24
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
When we try to go it alone, we are on dangerous ground. We MUST be in fellowship, prayer, in the Word and the Spirit.
Christians who walk alone may be physically alive, but they are spiritually stunted and waning away at best.
The local assembly is not perfect. That is a good thing because if it were you or I would ruin it by attending. Still, we are called to be there.
…not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:25
Yes, we must be in the world. Our mission from God mandates that truth. Yet, remember that it is never solo work.
Turn to God’s tools to be trained, strengthened, empowered, and encouraged.
Give Him praise.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed.
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Spelling modified to Canadian English as required.
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