So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:27)
Evolution devalues humanity. It tries to find the most unflattering way to describe human beings to try to counter the Bible’s claim that they were created in God’s image.
For generations, evolutionists said that the humans’ use of tools was all that made them different from animals. Creationists who objected, saying there was obviously more of a difference than that, were ignored as unscientific. It wasn’t so long ago that evolutionists scoffed at creationists who showed them that there are animals who use tools – and, therefore, the evolutionists’ definition was wrong.
Elephants often take sticks in their trunks to scratch their backs. Galapagos Woodpecker Finch (edited) use cactus spines, held in their beaks, to probe insects out of cracks in trees.
Chimpanzees even use sticks as levers to move heavy objects. They also make tools out of sticks by shaping them to the right size to poke into termite nests. The stick full of termites they pull out of the nest offers them a tasty snack. West African chimps actually use stones as hammers to crack nuts. So today, evolutionists recognize that some animals not only use tools, but also make them! Only now they claim that animals who use tools prove their theory. Which only goes to show that evolution is not science that can be disproved. It is a faith that will be believed even when the facts contradict it. The facts say that there is an unbridgeable difference between humans and animals.
Prayer:
Lord, I thank You for making animals. I ask that You would help all who are working to teach Christian young people that they are Your creations and not glorified animals. Show me my part in filling this need. Amen.
Notes:
“Tool-wielding beasts.” Science Digest, Aug. 1983. p. 107.
Today Dan and I went by Lake Morton for just a short while. We were on our way to have lunch and do some shopping. It was a great day without a cloud in the sky. The temperature was a pleasant 63° (17.2º C).
When we were last there, there were 5 young Limpkins and I want to see how they had grown. We spotted 4 of them sunning themselves. They have lost that fuzz on their heads and the spots are becoming quite distinguished. Dan took a great picture of one of them closeup.
Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) by Dan at Lake Morton
I can tell by their faces that they are still young. Here is a photo of one when it still had its fuzz.
Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) baby taken 9-12-11 by Lee
A Great Blue Heron decided to be friendly and came walking toward me while I was feeding some of the ducks. When I tossed him some food, he ate it and kept coming closer. I kept tossing it food and it kept coming closer. What a delight! If I were brave, I would have tried to hand feed him (or her). As I have said in other blogs, this is only one of two places we feed the birds in this area.
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) by Dan at Lake Morton
What did we see today? Besides the 4 Limpkin youngsters and the Great Blue Heron, we spotted Black and Turkey Vultures, a Great Egret, Anhingas, more Great Blue Herons and a Snowy Egret. Those were seen on the way to Lake Morton in Lakeland. At the lake we saw 15-20 Coots (they are back), 3 Wood Storks, 15-20 Mallards, 10 “Aflac” Ducks, Muscovy Ducks, a Great Egret, Laughing Gull, 7 Mute Swans, 2 Black Swans, Boat-tailed Grackle and 10 Ring-necked Ducks (they are back). Our winter visiting birds are finally returning.
Dan feeding a Black Swan at Lake Morton
I caught Dan feeding one of the Black Swans. Then I found a Muscovy Duck sitting on a nest with the male standing guard in front. To me, they seem “not so pretty”, but the Lord created all the birds and I am sure His Eye is on the Muscovy as well as it is on the Sparrow.
Muscovy Duck on nest at Lake Morton by Lee
I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine. (Psalms 50:11 NKJV)
What a perfect day for birding and even though we weren’t there long, the Lord let us see His Creation again, up close and enjoy them.
This was the LORD’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:23-24 NKJV)
This is the law of the animals and the birds and every living creature that moves in the waters, and of every creature that creeps on the earth, to distinguish between the unclean and the clean, and between the animal that may be eaten and the animal that may not be eaten. (Leviticus 11:46-47 NKJV)
The phrase “law of the animals and the birds” caught my eye while looking at Leviticus 11. We have written other articles on the “Clean and Unclean” birds in this chapter, but I like the way the verse is worded in the NKJV. See Clean vs Unclean and Deuteronomy 14:11-18 Visualized. In those articles the birds were named whether clean or unclean.
This “law of the birds” was given to the Israelites for instruction on which birds could be eaten and which were to be avoided as cuisine. But why were they selected and what significance does this have today for Christians? Here are some of the commentator’s remarks on this verse.
Long-eared Owl (an “unclean” bird) by Derek
Believer’s Bible Commentary – “In giving this law concerning clean and unclean creatures, God was teaching lessons concerning His holiness and the necessity for His people to be holy as well (vv. 44-47).
In Mark 7:18-19, the Lord Jesus declared all foods to be ceremonially clean. And Paul taught that no food should be refused if it is received with thanksgiving (1Tim_4:1-5). However, even that would not include foods that are contaminated, culturally unacceptable, or digestively disagreeable to a person.”
So we know it was to teach God’s holiness and for the people to be holy. Also stated by:
Bible Knowledge Commentary – c. Summary and theological conclusion (Lev 11:41-47)
“The whole set of food laws is summarized by the repetition of selected examples (Lev 11:41-43). As God’s people were to distinguish between clean and unclean animals, so God had distinguished between them and other nations. These food regulations were to serve as a perpetual reminder of the holiness of God and His grace in choosing Israel (Lev 11:45).”
Wild Turkey (a “clean” bird) by Lee at LPZoo
The practical applications for today are given in several of the commentaries such as:
Matthew Henry’s Condensed Commentary – “These laws seem to have been intended,
1. As a test of the people’s obedience, as Adam was forbidden to eat of the tree of knowledge; and to teach them self-denial, and the government of their appetites.
2. To keep the Israelites distinct from other nations. Many also of these forbidden animals were objects of superstition and idolatry to the heathen.
3. The people were taught to make distinctions between the holy and unholy in their companions and intimate connexions.
4. The law forbad, not only the eating of the unclean beasts, but the touching of them. Those who would be kept from any sin, must be careful to avoid all temptations to it, or coming near it. The exceptions are very minute, and all were designed to call forth constant care and exactness in their obedience; and to teach us to obey. Whilst we enjoy our Christian liberty, and are free from such burdensome observances, we must be careful not to abuse our liberty. For the Lord hath redeemed and called his people, that they may be holy, even as he is holy. We must come out, and be separate from the world; we must leave the company of the ungodly, and all needless connexions with those who are dead in sin; we must be zealous of good works devoted followers of God, and companions of his people.”
Steppe Eagle (an “unclean” bird) by Peter Ericsson
Through The Bible With J Vernon McGee – CLASSIFICATION OF CLEAN AND UNCLEAN MADE BY A HOLY GOD
“It is God who makes the sharp distinction between the clean and the unclean. Holiness in little things is essential. This is the real test of God’s man. The acid test of any life of any of God’s people is this. God says, “I am your Lord. I am holy. Be ye holy.”
My friend, you must make the decision as to whether you are going to walk with God and for God in this contaminated world. This is the lesson for us from his chapter of the clean and the unclean.”
We are told in Scripture that the birds can teach us:
But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; And the birds of the air, and they will tell you; (Job 12:7 NKJV)
Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth, And makes us wiser than the birds of heaven? (Job 35:11 NKJV)
Maybe we should watch and observe things about them and also comprehend truths taught about them from the God who created them.
Whether it is pleasing or displeasing, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God to whom we send you, that it may be well with us when we obey the voice of the LORD our God.” (Jeremiah 42:6 NKJV)
We had our Ladies Retreat this last week-end. I got involved in it and became one of the coordinators. Jill, our pastor’s wife, was the other one. We have spent hours preparing for it over the last month or so. For me, I have had to depend on my other writers and an occasional article from me to keep this blog up. Now maybe we will get articles out a little more frequent.
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, (Romans 12:6a KJV)
Our theme was “God Gives Good Gifts.” The retreat was Friday afternoon through late afternoon on Saturday and almost 80 ladies attended. The Lord blessed us with great weather (we had 6 inches the week-end before), lots of sweet fellowship, laughs, singing, testimonies, exercises, and challenges from His Word during three General Sessions.
There were workshops to choose from breadmaking, couponing, birdwatching (me), parenting, scrapbooking, card making, singing, Bible study with e-Sword (me), prayer journaling, organizing, how to handle trials, and make-up inside and out, all with a Christian emphasis. We have many gifted ladies in our church.
Ladies Retreat - Singing
So how did birds show up at the Retreat? On Friday afternoon while not feeling well, I was told to go put my feet up for awhile and rest. I did, but my view from my lounge chair looked straight out at the lake. A Great Egret was fishing along the bank. Then, I taught a workshop on Saturday about Birdwatching. I shared birding tips and how and why to make lists. Binoculars were brought and we learned about them and how to properly adjust them to their eyes.
During my devotional on “Discover Your Gifts,” I had plenty of bird photos in my Powerpoint. They were all different and pointed out that as they are different, all of us are different, but the Lord uses those differences for His glory. They were challenged to find or discover their talents, gifts, and abilities. The other two devotionals by Jill and Lisa, our other speakers, challenged the ladies to “Develop” and then to “Demonstrate” those gifts.
Helen's - Too Many Hats
We had many others that talked about prayer, trials, gave testimonies, opportunities to serve, and even the skits left you with a challenge. The singing was sweet and the specials were fantastic. Kathy sang one of my favorites, “His Eye Is On The Sparrow,” just before my devotional.
It was a very good retreat, and even though I came home physically drained, my heart and spirit were totally filled up and over-flowing with blessings. God DOES Give GOOD Gifts.
Of course, the greatest gift of all:
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23 KJV)
Nuggets Plus – Herons – Patiently Waiting ~ by Lee
Nuggets Plus
The Heron family
Has very patient members.
They wait very still with
Their head and neck
Poised for action.
Then at the right time,
They grab their opportunity..
Are we as patient
As the Herons
Or do we run ahead of the Lord?
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
(Psalms 27:14 KJV)
I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. (Psalms 50:11 ESV)
Today, Dan and I went to the Lowry Park Zoo again. The birds were quite active and the visitors were few which made birdwatching even more fun. We spent most of our time in the Aviary just inside the entry. The weather was very comfortable, for a change. The summer heat is finally breaking and the humidity has started dropping also.
Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) by Lee at LPZoo
We were greeting by one of my favorite birds there, the Boat-billed Heron. This time I was able to get a photo up under that neat boat-shaped bill of his (or hers). The picture of the bird is not good, but the bill came out okay. There are two that hang out together most of the time. There are others in the aviary, but these two sweethearts always grab my attention. This next photo shows the pair and also the top of those beaks. My flash gave them the “red-eye.”
Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) by Lee at LPZoo
Another bird that is hard to get a decent photo of is the Crested Oropendola. They like to stay up in the trees, but this one is a fair shot. (This one is for you, Pastor Pete)
Crested Oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus) at LPZ by Lee
Then as we walked over into the second section, we were greeted by the Red-Legged Seriemas. You could hear them well outside the aviary. As you watch the video, you will see and hear them carrying on. Actually after checking with Wikipedia, this is their “singing.” Here is what they have to say about this:
“The song has a quality described as “a cross between ‘the serrated bark of a young dog and the clucking of turkeys'”.[3] At the loudest part of the song, the bird has its neck bent so its head is touching its back. Both members of a pair as well as young down to the age of two weeks sing; often one member of a family starts a song just as another finishes, or two sing simultaneously. The song can be heard several kilometres away; in Emas National Park, Brazil, in 1981–1982, observers often heard four Red-legged Seriemas or groups singing at once.[4]
The full song consists of three sections:
Repeated single notes at constant pitch (1,200 to 1,300 Hz) and duration but increasing tempo
Repeated two- or three-note subphrases of slightly higher pitch with increasing tempo
Subphrases of up to 10 notes, shorter ones rising in pitch and longer ones falling, two-subphrase combinations increasing in number of notes and tempo and then decreasing in tempo.”
Check it out for yourself:
We also stopped by the African Penguins and I took this Foot shot of a Penguin. Thought it was interesting.
Penguin with cool feet
It was a nice enjoyable visit and we needed a break. God’s creative work was on display through all of these neat birds.
And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that [it was] good.” (Genesis 1:21)
“According to evolution, life began in the sea. However, because the land was better for life, evolution developed land life from sea life. It was on land that mammals evolved, according to evolution. Here, though, evolution has painted itself into a corner. Or perhaps it is better to say that evolutionists have fallen into one of the traps set for them by the Creator. You see, the
largest creatures on Earth live in the sea – and they are mammals!
The great whales are mammals like many land animals. However, it is very clear that they never lived on land – nor do they resemble any land creature. Whales provide clear evidence that, contrary to evolution’s claims, not even all mammals are related to each other. And if mammals are so different that they cannot be related to each other through evolution, neither is it likely that bugs and trees and cows and humans could be related by evolution. As Genesis so clearly tells us, living things were originally made in distinct kinds, and they continue to reproduce after their kinds.
One wants to ask the evolutionist, if the drive to live on land was so great it moved sea creatures to become land creatures, why did some mammals go to all the trouble to move back into the sea? To say the least, whales offer Bible-believing Christians a great testimony to our Creator and a good argument against evolution. For evolutionists, mammals who live in the sea are a whale of a problem!”
Prayer:
Your majesty and power are truly seen to all in the magnificent whales You have created, Lord. I ask that we would be successful in preserving these great creatures who witness so grandly to You. Amen.
Notes:
Bartz, Paul A. 1984. “It takes more than this to make a whale transition.” Bible-Science Newsletter, Feb. p. 1.
Yellow-throated Scrubwren (Sericornis citreogularis) by Ian
I have been searching through my e-Sword Bible program for God’s Commands and Promises that relate to birds. Here are some of my findings. I have used not only the Bible, but also like to use the Topical Bibles, like Naves and Torrey’s, which are in the Dictionary section. Recently more Bible versions, Dictionaries, Commentaries and other information was added to my program. The Bible Support, which I recently discovered, is loaded with additions to add to the e-Sword program. Just like the program, these are free also. (You can buy special versions and commentaries, etc.)
Blue-gray Gnacatcher by Dan at Circle B Bar Reserve
And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth. (Genesis 1:22 NKJV)
Starting in Genesis, we see God, through the LORD, creating the birds and then giving them a command. Be fruitful and multiply. This was not a do it if you want command, it was a direct command from God. Have the birds done so? Look around you and answer that for yourself.
Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) by Ian
God also told Adam and Eve the same thing; to multiply, but He also gave them dominion over the birds.
Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth. (Genesis 1:28 NKJV)
You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, All sheep and oxen— Even the beasts of the field, The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas.
(Psalms 8:6-8 NKJV)
When the Flood came, God told Noah that the birds and other critters would come to him that they may be kept alive. Dominion here means to be responsible for them. Adam was told to provide food for his family and the animals.
Of the birds after their kind, of animals after their kind, and of every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive. (Genesis 6:20 NKJV)
also seven each of birds of the air, male and female, to keep the species alive on the face of all the earth. (Genesis 7:3 NKJV)
So He destroyed all living things which were on the face of the ground: both man and cattle, creeping thing and bird of the air. They were destroyed from the earth. Only Noah and those who were with him in the ark remained alive. (Genesis 7:23 NKJV)
Bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you: birds and cattle and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, so that they may abound on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth. (Genesis 8:17 NKJV)
Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) by Ray
The above verses give not only God’s commands to the birds, but He also promised to keep them alive during the Flood. God did not fail to keep those promises. It is said of Abraham in Romans chapter 4:
No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. (Romans 4:20-21 ESV)
We will cover more of the commands and promises of God to the birds (and us) in future Parts. God loves the birds and especially us.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ESV)
But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. (Isaiah 64:8 KJV)
Birdwatching is not the only thing taking up my time these days. If you read the following article about our upcoming Ladies Retreat, you will discover another of my “adventures.” Just when you think you have discovered all your gifts and talents, the Lord gives you a new challenge and then He helps you accomplish that new task.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13 KJV)
The Fountain is our church blog, Faith Baptist Church in Winter Haven. That is where this whole adventure of doing The Birds of the Bible blogs got started. And then this site.
The Lord is gracious and is helping us get the retreat ready. I knew our church was loaded with ladies with various gifts and talents. Much more than mine. Many have stepped up and are presenting workshops and talks, plus doing the many behind the scene projects. I praise the Lord for everyone who is helping and for all the ladies who will be attending.
God does give good gifts through abilities and a desire to use those. To me also, one of the Lord’s Gift is His Creation of all these birds we get to watch and observe.
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. (Psalms 28:7 KJV)
Just received an interesting article from the Birdwatching Magazine Newsletter. Research has been going on about how the Hummingbird produces sound by the way they spread their tail. The vibrations send out sounds that they use for courtship. “As a diving bird spreads its tail, the motion exposes the tail feathers to air, causing it to flutter like a flag in the breeze and generate sound. This so-called aerodynamic flutter can be hazardous to airplanes, but in hummingbirds it produces a species-specific sound essential to courtship.”
Dan and I finally found a little time to go birdwatching, and since I was sore from a fall, decided to just go to Lake Hollingsworth and Lake Morton in Lakeland, Florida. Neither require a lot of walking, but we can always find something worth looking at. Both lakes had some great finds.
Lake Hollingsworth had the usually Mallards, White Ibises, Boat-tailed Grackles, Common Moorhens, “Aflac” Ducks being fed by a couple of ladies. We heard several Blue Jays, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and a Red-shouldered Hawk. A flock of about 50 Fish Crows made their noisy flight over and around for several minutes. We also saw a Great Egret, Osprey, Wood Storks, Great Blue Herons, Cormorant, Limpkin and a Purple Gallinule.
The best find was to watch an Anhinga trying to stay cool. I video taped the bird vibrating its throat. Birds do not have sweat glands, so this is one of the ways they cool down. It actually wasn’t too hot, 79°, but the humidity was at 85%. We all were warm. Below is some of that video.
And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. (Luke 16:24 KJV)
After that we drove about a mile north to Lake Morton. Again, the birds were gathered around a family feeding them. (These are the only two places we go locally where they feed wildlife.) This time the Mallards, White Ibises, and Boat-tailed Grackles were joined by 8 Wood Storks, Gulls, and Common Grackles. Also spotted were Mute Swans, a Black Swan, Wood Ducks, Red-bellied Woodpecker, some sort of Tern and a Snowy Egret showing off his yellow feet.
The prize here was finding a family of Limpkins. The mom, dad, and 5 juveniles were in the tall grass by the lake. Tried to get photos through the grass, but as you know, that can be a challenge. I turned my camera on to video and took the following:
All in all, the Lord provided a great day for birdwatching and let His creation of birds be seen. What would life be like without the neat things the Lord has provided to make our journey so enjoyable. All we have to do is look around us and observe.
I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant…” (Genesis 32:10a)
How would you like to be a dental hygienist for a crocodile? That’s how the crocodile bird makes his living.
Of course, you do need to know that the crocodile bird doesn’t show up to do his work with any drills or needles. He and the crocodile are on good terms with each other. After eating, the crocodile climbs the river bank and relaxes with his mouth open. The little crocodile bird enters the crocodile’s mouth to clean up the scraps that are left. While the crocodile bird makes most of his living as sort of a crocodile dental hygienist, he also helps keep the crocodile free of pesky insects that lodge in his skin.
The crocodile also receives one other service from the crocodile bird. Whenever the bird senses approaching danger, he gives his sharp warning call and flies off. The crocodile, now warned, can quickly roll over into the water where virtually no animal can get the best of him.
This is but one of many unlikely cooperative arrangements that we find in the plant and animal kingdoms. Every one of these relationships speaks for a Creator and against the idea that either these creatures, or their cooperation, evolved naturally. Evolutionists have written whole books on the subject. Yet they don’t seem satisfied that they have explained how these relationships could develop through evolution. We agree that they have no explanation. Nor are they likely to find one as long as they deny a Creator who cares for His creation.
Prayer:
Father, because of the innocent suffering and death of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I know that Your love for me is certain and sure. I thank You for this. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
The “Crocodile Bird” is actually the “Egyptian Plover, Pluvianus aegyptius, is a wader, the only member of the genus Pluvianus. Formerly placed in the pratincole and courser family, Glareolidae, it is now regarded as the sole member of its own monotypic family”, Pluvianidae – Egyptian Plover. This Plover is in the Charadriiformes – Shorebirds & Allies Order that has 19 families including other Plovers, Painted Snipes, Jacanas, Oystercatchers, Sanderpiper, Snipes and related birds.
It is also sometimes referred to as the Crocodile Bird because it is famous for its symbiotic relationship with crocodiles (National Geographic 1986). According to a story dating to Herodotus, the crocodiles lie on the shore with their mouths open, and the plovers fly into the crocodiles’ mouths so as to feed on bits of decaying meat that are lodged between the crocodiles’ teeth. This is questioned by some. One from Harvard talks about Symbiosis as a fact.
The Egyptian Plover is a localised resident in tropical sub-Saharan Africa. It breeds on sandbars in large rivers. Its two or three eggs are not incubated, but are buried in warm sand, temperature control being achieved by the adult sitting on the eggs with a water-soaked belly to cool them. If the adult leaves the nest, it smooths sand over the eggs, though if it is frightened the job may be hasty.
The chicks are precocial, and can run as soon as they are hatched and feed themselves shortly afterwards. The adults cool the chicks in the same way as with the eggs. The chicks may drink water from the adult’s belly feathers. The adults bury the chicks in the sand temporarily if danger threatens.
Egyptian Plover is a striking and unmistakable species. The 19-21 cm long adult has a black crown, back, eye-mask and breast band. The rest of the head is white. The remaining upperpart plumage is blue-grey, and the underparts are orange. The longish legs are blue-grey.
In flight, it is even more spectacular, with the black crown and back contrasting with the grey of the upperparts and wings. The flight feathers are brilliant white crossed by a black bar. From below, the flying bird is entirely white, apart from the orange belly and black wing bar. After landing, members of a pair greet each other by raising their wings in an elaborate ceremony that shows off the black and white markings. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller and the black marking are intermixed with brown.
Just for fun, watch these two videos about the “crocodile bird.”
Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 