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Listen while you read: "Tell Me The Stories Of Jesus"1 (Lyrics) |
A buzzing blur zoomed toward the hummingbird feeder outside our kitchen window. Wings beating about 52 times per second, the ruby-throated hummingbird hovered near the food site, snatching only short sips of the sweetened water.
Hover and sip… Hover… Hover and sip… Hover…
Repeat… Repeat…Repeat…
Not once did the little wings stop. Not once did the wee jewel settle on the perch. I felt tired watching it.
O, please, I thought, find the perch!
Another ruby-throat zoomed in, hovered, and sipped. Once, twice, three times.
Then, something wonderful happened. That bird realized that it could pause. It could put its full weight on the perch that my husband had lovingly added to the feeder. It could rest.
I watched the hummingbird fold its wings and take leisurely drinks of life-sustaining sweetness. Sometimes, it looked around. Sometimes, it chose to simply be. Ah, rest. I could almost hear it sigh with delight.
"Dear child," the Holy Spirit asked me, "what can you learn from the birds?"
Much.
Too hasty at the Fountain of Life.
Quick sips of Scripture. Small snatches of prayer.
I miss the perch … unmindful it's there.
I waste energy by striving when I could be resting.
Matthew 11:28-29 – Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (NLT)
Resting. Drinking long and deep from Living Waters. Resting. Taking in the beauties of His realms both seen and unseen. Resting. Simply being in His life-giving presence. Ah, sweet rest. And then we fly, together.
What about you, dear heart? Are you weary? Exhausted? Too scheduled to breathe? Jesus invites you to come and drink. Come, learn from Him. Come, be refreshed by the Living Water.
And don't forget the perch. The Spirit of God will easily bear your full weight. Just rest a while with Him. Then fly.
Prayer: We thank You, Lord of all the earth, that we are of more value to You than many sparrows. Enable us to be still in Your presence and find there the rest and refreshing that we so desperately need. In the name of Jesus our Saviour and friend, we pray. Amen.
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Saturday, May 18, 2024 – In North Africa — Living in North Africa we get so used to hearing the call to prayer it becomes like background noise and sometimes I don't hear it anymore. I am challenged by the fact that some Muslims are so committed to pray that they go to the mosque 5 times a day. Would you consider, with me, setting your alarm to go off at 3:00 every day and pray for these three things: 5 families to come to know Christ, 3 people for us to read scripture with,1 new church plant.
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That was beautiful. Thank you.
Good to see you on PCC Debbie.
Lovely, Debbie. Thank you for the message.
I needed this! Thanks,
(BC Canada)
Dear Debbie
Just what I needed this morning, thank you.
Thanks Debbie for such a wonderful devotion. Many of us need that advice!
We hope you will keep writing.
Debbie
Thanks for your wonderful message. You used the right bird to explain what your message was saying to most of us or someone we know.
Hi Debbie,
You are so right. We all need rest at times, spiritual rest as well bodily rest.
Also, I’m sure you know that the humming bird is the only bird which can fly backwards.
I really enjoyed your devotional this morning.
Blessings.
Hi Debbie:
I loved this. These precious hummingbirds – such a great analogy for “Rest”. We so often forget that we need to be replenished and refreshed in His presence. I know I’m guilty of that, but how sweet when we remember to come to Him, to “be still and know….”
Thanks so much for this.
Dear Debbie
Just what I needed this morning, thank you.
AND, your devotional certainly answered a “desperately needed” reminder of what is important in life and how much I need to slow down.
Thanks for writing
(Texas)
How beautifully said! Thank you for reminding us at the start of this new week that we need to pause and be refreshed by our Lord, both in His Word and in His Presence. Our days fill up quickly as we respond to the needs of family and community. Thank you for reminding us that we must stop and refuel, then just stop and rest in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
(Canada)
Dear Debbie,
I loved your very beautiful and poetic devotion that captured the frenzied pace we often live … and that ‘aha’ moment when we actually take God’s word at face value and rest in his love. Hummingbirds come by my study window to drink from the flowers in a handing basket. Now whenever I see them, I will recall your devotion and fine the perch for myself.
Thank you and God bless.
Thank you for your beautiful message. It doesn’t pertain to me any longer, but so true.
“You know the secret of resting in God”. No, I have not really found the answer. God is just telling me to stop. I am 87 years old and now no longer able to do many things.
I was there when I was younger. Lived on farm, 5 living children, Baked, cooked, garden, canned sewed all the kids’ clothes and also help with the animals and some farming. When needed. Loved it. I began working when our youngest one was 5. Worked at the same hospital for over 40 years in various department after the nurse’s aides were no longer able to work. Decided, I needed to retire at 80. Now I am just waiting to “graduate.” But I guess I am not finished here yet? Just don’t like being a burden to the kids.
I am always glad to see someone from the United States, write for this site.
(Iowa)
Thank you Debbie for your very precious Devotional today. It Truly blessed my heart.
Enjoy your day in His presence.
A beautiful analogy and Bible lesson! Enjoyable reading.
Thank you so much for your devotional. This one spoke to me, especially after the hustle and bustle of daily life. I will be saving it to read over and over, as my life picks up its usual hectic pace.
Blessings.