Category: Animals

  • Birdsong – Thoughts on the complexity of the created order

    White crowned Sparrow
    White Crowned Sparrow

    I stumbled out of bed for a few minutes around 4:30 this morning. Although the sun didn’t officially rise until 6:59, it was already getting light out. I opened the door and listened for a while. As expected, I heard the wonderful sound of birds singing. It was an early morning serenade.

    The birds love greeting the day, or so it seems. Yet, there is more happening than the birds visiting. Bird calls travel further early in the morning because of differences in barometric pressure. 

    Some studies have also shown that many plants begin photosynthesis up to 30 minutes earlier if they hear bird calls. I don’t know how plants “hear” such things, but the result benefits both birds and plants. Earlier photosynthesis means earlier flowering, flower opening, and increased production. It is similar to the response to plants growing with classical music playing.

    I am always amazed at how our Creator intricately designed the systems of life. The details are often so much more complex than we see on casual observation. The systems are far too sophisticated to have randomly evolved “by chance.”

    Everyone and everything in creation is linked together in some fashion. Each impacts the other.

    The entirety of the complex systems the Lord designed eagerly awaits God’s restoration of all things. Our very home planet is harmed by the sin of mankind.

    Paul writes,

    For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. Romans 8:18-22

    That knowledge shouldn’t turn us into Earth worshippers, but help us remember to be good stewards. It should also help compel us to work to see God’s kingdom come in full

    Paul goes on to say,

    And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

    When you hear a bird sing or see a flower blooming, may it remind you of the God we serve and help steer us on the path of becoming more like Him.

    Be blessed

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

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  • Big Bucks and the Dangers of Pride

    Whitetail buck standing by the treeline on the edge of a field

    I had never seen a whitetail buck that big. He was a large, well-muscled animal with an atypical rack, much larger than the buck in this photo.

    Even though it was hunting season, he proudly strutted from the tree line across the field. He rattled his rack against a tree and snorted loudly several times before entering the clearing.

    He was big and knew he was a prime catch for all the ladies. The buck seemed intent on making an entrance and impressing the couple of does I knew were in the area.

    He knew I was there. I was upwind of him, and he stopped to catch the scents on the wind before he left the trees. He was more interested in the does than he was afraid of me.

    Fortunately for him, I wasn’t hunting. I was only passing through on my way to go fishing. This time, his hormonal focus and pride didn’t cost him his life!

    Pride is a dangerous thing. I’m not speaking of the sense of accomplishment from a job well done. I’m talking about self-focused, rebellious pride.

    Pride is at the heart of all sin. It makes us want to be gods, covet, and rebel. Pride keeps many from accepting the good news of Jesus Christ. They’re too proud to think they must humble themselves and surrender to Him.

    It’s pride that makes us think we can get by on self-righteousness. Jesus had some harsh words about self-righteousness and religious pride.

    He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14 ESV

    Sometimes, we might want to say, “That’s not fair, Lord!”  After all, this Pharisee kept all the rules, and the tax collector was a traitor, a corrupt official, and a sinner.

    Yet, the Pharisee was confident of His own righteousness and pride. He proudly stood front row, centre proclaiming to God how good he himself was. That never cuts it with God. He knows our hearts.

    The tax collector was repentant and threw himself on God’s mercy. He stood off from the temple at a distance, too ashamed to even enter into it or to even look in God’s direction. He knew that on his own merit, there was no hope. God loves a penitent sinner.

    Too often, although I know better, I have a lot of the pharisee in me. I think that somehow, my feeble efforts will impress God and forget that I am saved only by His grace. I know I am not alone in that.

    What are you counting on for your salvation? Are you counting on external religion and self-righteousness? If so, you will be disappointed on Judgment Day. Or are you humbly depending on having submitted yourself to Christ? In that case, Jesus has secured your eternity with him.

    Until next time, may you put aside the stumbling block of pride and walk in humility with Father.

    Be blessed

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

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