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Psalm 48:14 – For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. (KJV)
While glancing out my large bay window this morning to check on the weather, and hoping to catch a glimpse of what the squirrels were up to, I was amazed at the sight of a large wave of starlings soaring overhead. They seemed to be performing a kind of dance as they wheeled together back and forth several times, as if they were programmed to follow a specific pattern of flight. I was absolutely awestruck, as I had never seen anything like it before. After what seemed like several minutes, they broke apart, and flew off in different directions, many choosing to land in the tall tree where the squirrels live.
I was so captivated by this amazing display that I continued to search the sky for several minutes, hoping that I might see a repeat performance. However, it was just wishful thinking on my part. The wheeling flock never returned.
I immediately turned on my computer to see if I could find an explanation for this strange phenomenon. I discovered something that I had never heard of before: this patterning is called a "murmuration of starlings". Since I had worked as a teacher in outdoor education for many years and had never heard of this term, I knew that I had to continue to explore the reason behind this fascinating phenomenon. Apparently, this form of flying is not unique to starlings, but different flocks of birds fly in a variety of patterns. I was further puzzled to read that this usually took place in August or September, while this was only April.
Once again, it gave me just the tiniest, mind-boggling glimpse of our Creator's glory. He created mankind in His image with the many different traits, abilities, physical forms, and appearances unique to man. These are depicted in the countless races inhabiting this globe that humans call earth. But that He took the time to create such amazing details unique to each of the countless species and sub-species living on this planet caused me once again to whisper in awe from the depth of my heart, "O my God, how great You are and Your ways past finding out."
All I could do was to bow my head and once again breathe out my personalized version of today's verse, which thrilled my soul: "And this God is my God forever and ever, and He will be my God even until death", and I added the words, "and for all eternity", because of the glorious gift of salvation granted to all who give their lives to Jesus.
Prayer: Father God, once again, we give You thanks for Your amazing love which caused You to send Jesus, Your only begotten Son, to all mankind to offer us the precious gift of eternal life. We ask that You would open the ears of the millions who have not yet chosen to ask You for this gift. May You be glorified by the many who do choose to ask and receive. Amen.
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Friday, April 19, 2024 – In Middle East — Thank you for praying for our Bible Study. We are having great times of fellowship and growing in His Word. Pray for God to make disciples who will be sensitive to His leading to share with others who will also trust in Him and share Him.
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Thank you.
Amen, Sharon.
Beautiful reminder of God’s wonder. Thank you and God bless, Sharon!
Dear Sharon Greer,
Once again you have blessed us with your words of truth.
Keep writing.
A former minister, who is deceased now, never let a Sunday go by without reminding us “God is in control”. That gives me peace.
Thank you, Sharon. Since moving to Arizona with its awesome variety of scenery, I am even more aware of God’s awesomeness and the truth of the hymn How Great Thou Art.
Hello Sheron,
I was pleased to see your devotional, “Forever and Ever” on PresbyCan today.
God bless you as you continue to write for Him!
God’s creation is amazing.
A few years ago, I witnessed hundreds of gulls fly in and sit in rows as if they were filing into a church or stadium. All sitting facing the same way. Sat there for a long time!
Shalom.
Good morning Sharon,
I saw that as well a few weeks ago and I did not know the reason for it either. Thank you for looking that up, I’ll see if I can remember that word “Murmuration” (Our computer does not like this word) I’ll mention it to my grandson, he is very knowledgeable about a lot of things related to nature. God’s nature is great indeed.
Blessings.
Hi Sharon:
Thank you for this wonderful glimpse again into our amazing Creator. I love watching the starlings perform this dance. I didn’t know that they were not all the same though. In fact, I thought it was random.
To God be all the glory now and forever.
May He bless you with safety and good health.
Greetings Sharon,
Thanks for this devotional. Yes, it is truly amazing the variety of creatures and their many different traits that our God has created. There are so many things to marvel about in our world and the great reassurance that we have when we receive Jesus in our life, gives us that joy of eternal life.
Enjoyed this writing you submitted.
(B.C.)
Hello,
I appreciated you sharing what you saw and linking this to the revelation of God!
I wanted to say that many times through my life I have witnessed this beautifully coordinated type of flight:
AND type of swimming among schools of fish!!!
How blessed we are!!!
“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard” …… search
Thanks for your devotional today, Sharon!
I too love watching birds and observing their habits. Now you’ve kicked it up a notch and motivated me to research next time I see something that I’ve just admired but not necessarily questioned before. What an awesome God we serve! He created such varieties of species with unique characteristics and behaviours.
I really thought you were spot on when you added “and for all eternity!”
I join you in your prayer.
Amen!
Hello Sharon
Thank you for your devotional today. I too am amazed at how so many; many birds can swarm together like that and never seem to hit each other and know exactly which way to go and when.
Another thing that amazes me it the different colors and shapes of flowers and birds. Only God could create such beauty.
God is faithful and I am so thankful I accepted Jesus Christ! The best thing I did in my whole life.
God bless.
I grew up on a farm and we saw that Murmuration of Starling spring and fall. They don’t all go south but they seem to be having a party before they separate (we did not know there was a name for it). We could see others come along and join the group or in the spring break apart. You could see when they got to our farm a group would drop off. The rest would swoop on. This was like they were saying goodbye for now, see you in the fall. Then in the fall it was like they were waiting for the bus you would see them gathering in the trees and when a bigger group swooped by, we knew winter was on the way. The birds in the spring, maybe April, coming from the south better than any news report.
Interesting devotional.
(ON)
What a wonderful reality on which to focus this scripture today, helpful to me and all who read your inspired writing. Thank you.
Dear Sharon,
Thank you for the positive and encouraging devotional. Its wonderful that we are still learning new things all the time. Blessings.
What a delightful story.
Thank you.