Devotionals

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Music is nearly as consistent in my life as breathing. George Beverly Shea sings the classic, “His eye is on the sparrow” like no one else! It is a song of faith, encouragement, and hope. We can not survive without all three. Missing out on that strength cripples us and life can become meaningless.

Jesus' teachings using parables are such a blessing! He knows our deepest needs and keenly used the best way to get His points across. Simple stories directed the attention of His listeners to hidden truths about the kingdom of God. His story about the birds contains pearls of great price, “Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather in barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they ( Matthew 6:26)”? Amen and Amen! It is such a tender illustration of God's provision for His winged creatures and mankind as well. Creation was not the end of His work. He now sustains all life. We securely rest in the best of hands!

When I was a young girl a long dirt and gravel road ran through our small neighborhood. The Gulf Road was kind of dark and mysterious because the trees along the sides kept it well shaded. It became one of many places for curious children to take walks and explore. We usually walked barely past the entrance from the busy main road.

My best friend, Carol and I often went there on a special mission. We carefully made a clearing on a side of the roadway hillside and with small hands made a birds cemetery. When ever we discovered dead birds we would bring them to the burial place and give them their funerals. We carefully placed wild flowers upon their graves. I do not know of the scientific classification for those flowers, but to us they were called “Jack in the pulpit.” Large drooping white blossoms were appropriate. If you gently lifted the petals to peer inside, you saw a small section erect in the center, like a preacher standing in his pulpit! The flowers made the solemn services complete. Jesus may have been smiling down on two girlfriends who cared for His lifeless birds.

As a part of my current morning prayer times I read hymns. For several years I have been gathering a collection of old church hymnals. The oldest classic publishing date is listed as 1896! Beautiful verses of praise set the mood for prayer and worship. I check dates when pieces were published or written and it amazes me to read how long these great hymns have been preserved and handed down to our generation. Some were written in the 1600's; their messages are fresh and meaningful in our times. As I read hymns penned by Martin Luther, Fanny Crosby or Charles Wesley I feel like I am standing on holy ground.

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