Category Archives: Birds

The First Beak – Creation Moments

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The First Beak Bird – from Creations Moments

Genesis 1:20

“And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.”

Hardly a week goes by without a new news story about the supposed evolution of birds. In the week that I wrote this script, evolutionary paleontologists announced that they had discovered the world’s oldest beak. This beak was attached to a bird called ichthyornis (or fish-bird), and the fossil was actually already in the possession of Yale University. Researchers from that institution examined the fossil, which included a complete skull. One researcher said:

The fossil record provides our only direct evidence of the evolutionary transformations that have given rise to modern forms. This extraordinary new specimen reveals the surprisingly late retention of dinosaur-like features in the skull of Ichthyornis – one of the closest-known relatives of modern birds from the Age of Reptiles.

Bird Beaks from Wikipedia

One has to ask how such a skull constitutes “direct evidence of evolutionary transformations”. We do not see the beak being transformed from a dinosaur skull. Indeed, even in the popular-level articles from which this information was gleaned, we see some startling problems. For example, ichthyornis is thought to have died out 83.5 million years ago. Yet, velociraptors – a potential therapod precursor to birds – was claimed not to have appeared until 75 million years ago, about 8 million years after the creature into which it is supposed to have evolved. Even allowing for these problems with timescales, creationist researchers have noted that the evolutionary distance from ichthyornis to modern birds is less than that alleged to exist between many modern birds. One must conclude that ichthyornis has been assigned the world’s oldest beak merely because of an a priori commitment and bias to evolutionary theory.

Lord God, we see evidence of Your unique designs in all the creatures You have made. Thank You that You have made all things well. Amen.

Ref: Yale University. “Scientists find the first bird beak, right under their noses.” ScienceDaily, 2 May 2018. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/05/180502131859.htm>. Image: CC BY-SA 4.0.

Creation Moments ©2019, used with permission

Here we go again with the evolutionary theories.

Interesting Things

Birds of the Bible – Birds of the Air Updated

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American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) by Lee

American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) by Lee

The original Birds of the Air post in 2010 needed to be re-posted with some updating. The actual “birds of the air” phrase shows up four times in the King James Version and below you can see that the phrase shows up 21 times in the ESV [English Standard Version]. I use the E-Sword.net on the Computer which lets you load many different versions. It helps when searching, yet I know that not all are true to the original text. The Amplified has 24, BBE [Bible in Basic English] has 17, CJB [Complete Jewish Bible] has 2, DRB [Douay-Reimes] has 22, EMTV [English Majority Text] has 6, HCSB [Holman Christian Study Bible] has 3 all in Daniel, etc. I also now have access to more versions through the Bible Gateway which has some more versions. I am working on a search of the Birds of the ???. Stay tuned.

Looking into that phrase in e-Sword, the English Standard Version (ESV) shows 21 occurrences of “birds of the air.” Surprisingly most of them have to do with the “birds of the air” showing up to eat the carnage of men as a result of judgment or disease. See Deuteronomy 28:26; I Samuel 17:44, 17:46; Jeremiah 7:33, 15:3, 16:4, 19:7, 34:20. 4:25 and 9:10 speak of the birds of the air fleeing away.

White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) by Africaddict

White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) by Africaddict

Rizpah spread sackcloth over the bodies of Saul and Jonathan and “And she did not allow the birds of the air to come upon them by day, or the beasts of the field by night” in 2 Samuel 21:10.

Job 28:20,21 says, “From where, then, does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding? It is hidden from the eyes of all living and concealed from the birds of the air.”

Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis) on nest by Ian

Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis) on nest by Ian

In the New Testament the “birds of the air” is used in different ways. Matthew 6:25 lets us know that the birds of the air “neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? “ Matthew 8:20 and Luke 9:58 reminds of that the birds have nest, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. The parable of the mustard seed in Matthew 13:32, Mark 4:32 and Luke 13:19 tell of the plant growing up and the birds making nests in it and enjoying its shade.

The last references to birds of the air appear in Acts 10:12 and 11:6. Peter had a sheet descend with all kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds in it. This was to teach Peter and others that Jew and Gentile believers alike are equal in God’s sight.

Mr and Mrs Wood Duck by Lee

Mr and Mrs Wood Duck by Lee

What I like about the “birds of the air” is that none of the birds are mentioned by name. That gives lots of future articles for “Bird of the Bible” that can include any of the birds that our Lord has created.

So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:21 ESV)

The Gospel Message

Placing your mouse over the Green verses will pop them out.

Walking Snowy Egret Showing Off Yellow Feet

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Snowy Egret at Merritt Island NWR 1-1-2019 by Lee

Dan and I went over to the east coast of Florida during the New Year holiday. We were able to do some birdwatching at Viera Wetlands in Viera, Florida and also went to Merritt Island National Wildlife Reserve’s Black Point Dr. That is where I captured this Snowy Egret strutting with his yellow feet showing. Also saw the Snowy Egrets at Viera.

Many verses that refer to walking come to mind. Good reminders as we start the new year off. Here are a few of the verses:

“But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.” (Psalms 26:11 KJV)

Snowy Egret Viera Wetlands – 12-31-2018 by Lee

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” (Psalms 84:11-12 KJV)

“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.” (Psalms 86:11-12 KJV)

Snowy Egret Viera Wetlands – 12-31-2018 by Lee

“They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.” (Psalms 119:3 KJV)

“Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.” (Proverbs 3:23 KJV)

Snowy Egret Viera Wetlands – 12-31-2018 by Lee

“Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:” (Isaiah 42:5 KJV)

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 KJV)

Frigatebirds Flying Over The Beach

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Magnificent Frigatebird over shore by Patrick AFB by Lee

“The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea That pass through the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!” (Psalms 8:8-9 NKJV)

Today while trying to enter Patrick AFB in Florida, we spotted three Magnificent Frigatebirds skimming over the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Wow!! We very seldom spot these birds. The size of their wingspan is amazing and are a sight to see.

Since this was New Year’s Eve day, we discovered that the A1A entrance was closed. So, we had to turn around and go back to the other gate.

Two Magnificent Frigatebird over shore by Patrick AFB by Lee

“Dan, wait while I get my camera out of the case. Maybe, we can spot them again, because they were heading south originally while we were going north.” Yeah! We spotted the three and also a fourth one. These photos were taken through the front windshield while Dan was driving. So, they are less than perfect. But, it does prove we saw them.

Magnificent Frigatebird over shore by Patrick AFB by Lee

I have a Dr. appointment over here, so we came a day or so early. We birdwatched a Viera Wetlands a bit on the way into the area. Plan on covering more of the wetlands before heading back home.

Now for some better photos of this magnificent Magnificent Frigatebird.

Magnificent Frigatebird by NOAA

While checking for information on these birds, I found several interesting articles you might want to check out. The one talks about how they stay at sea for days and weeks on end. They tested their sleeping ability to sleep while aloft. See: Frigatebirds can sleep while flying.

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) Female ©WikiC

“The 7-foot wingspan of a magnificent frigatebird is unmistakable. They dwarf other birds as they glide on air currents above coastal Florida. Our state hosts the largest frigatebird species and the only nesting colony in the United States, located in the Dry Tortugas. Their summer breeding season brings the open-ocean species in to the shore where males can show off their distinctive red pouch to potential mates.

Magnificent Frigatebird pair on nest ©Jim Burns

Frigatebirds rarely land on the ground due to their short legs and wing shape. Their thin “bent elbow” wings are ideal for soaring hundreds of miles without a single wing flap, but can’t generate enough lift to get the large birds off of the ground. They land and nest in high places, free diving off of them before catching the breeze and flying on.

It’s just as uncommon to find a frigatebird on the water. Their feathers lack oil that keep their seafaring neighbors like pelicans and gulls afloat. Water would quickly soak the frigate’s feathers and make it nearly impossible to escape.” This is from Nature’s Academy’s article.

We have had several articles here over the years about the Frigatebirds:

Fregatidae – Frigatebirds Family

Sunday Inspiration – Frigatebirds, Gannets and the Booby

“F” is for Flamingos and Frigatebirds: “F” Birds, Part 1

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Great Frigatebird

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Lesser Frigatebird

 

Reginald’s Happy New Year by Emma Foster

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Deer and Turkeys in Snow

Reginald’s Happy New Year by Emma Foster

Turkeys in Snow ©Bryant Olsen Flickr

Turkeys in Snow ©Bryant Olsen Flickr

Reginald, Oliver, and the turkeys had sufficiently prepared for the winter, and now that they were safe in the fort they were able to celebrate Christmas in comfort. When Christmas was over, the turkeys spent their time building snow-turkeys and having snowball fights, knowing that they were safe from the hunters. Reginald watched over Oliver so that he didn’t get into any trouble, while he also made sure that the preparations for the New Year’s party were properly handled. On the day before New Year’s Day, however, everyone discovered that Oliver was missing.

Reginald and the turkeys searched for Oliver, and they eventually discovered him close by near a frozen river, where he was searching for berries. The turkeys stepped onto the river and realized that the ice was thick, and they all decided to skate across the ice. While they were skating, Reginald watched, making sure there wasn’t anyone nearby who could see them.

Baby Raccoon ©Flickr Chief Trent

Suddenly, a small creature emerged from the bushes, looking for food. It was a tiny baby racoon, who appeared to be lost. She was cold, tired, and hungry, and the turkeys decided to take her back to the fort so she could get warm and eat some food.

The baby raccoon said that her name was Ruby, and that she had lost her way yesterday and couldn’t find her mom. Reginald and the turkeys immediately set out to search for Ruby’s mom. Ruby pointed out the direction she had come from and where she had last seen her mom, and Reginald, Oliver, and a few other turkeys began marching that way.

Momma and Baby Raccoon ©Flickr Debbie

After about an hour, they heard a raccoon calling Ruby’s name. Ruby ran toward the voice excitedly, reuniting with her mother in the bushes. Ruby’s mother thanked the turkeys, and in turn the turkeys invited her and Ruby to their New Year’s party. Every year the turkeys celebrated the New Year by staying up all night and waiting for the first sunrise in the forest.

Reginald, Oliver, and the others returned to the fort. The sun was already beginning to set, and Reginald began to oversee the preparations for the New Year’s party. Reginald and the other turkeys made party hats by sticking leaves onto their army helmets, and Oliver made special hats for Ruby and her mom out of leaves all by himself.

Alaska Wild Berries ©WikiC

Throughout the night, the turkeys celebrated by skating on the ice and eating the berries that they had stored for the winter. Oliver placed some berries on a small piece of bark that served as a tray and waited on the turkeys in order to be kept out of trouble.

Later that night, the turkeys and the raccoons sat down and gazed at the stars just as the sun was beginning to peek out. When the sun rose on New Year’s Day, the turkeys and the raccoons celebrated, happy to know that they were safe from the hunters and that a new year had begun.

Lee’s Addition:

I am glad the turkeys befriended the young raccoon and helped find its mother. Not sure if the turkeys had this much trouble walking on the snow and ice as these turkeys:

It was nice of the turkeys to let the raccoons join in their New Year’s Eve Celebration.

We all trust you have a very Happy New Year in 2019.

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10 KJV)

See more of Emma’s Stories:

Emma’s Stories

 

Matthew Chapter A Day – 28

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Garden Tomb Sign

Matthew Chapter 28 – Audio [Once started, go back to post to follow verses as he reads.] [You can have it read in other languages also.]

Matthew 28:1-20 KJV

The Resurrection
(1)  In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
(2)  And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
(3)  His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
(4)  And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
(5)  And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
(6)  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
(7)  And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
(8)  And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
(9)  And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
(10)  Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Garden Tomb Sign

The Report of the Guard
(11)  Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
(12)  And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
(13)  Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
(14)  And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
(15)  So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Garden Tomb Sign

The Great Commission
(16)  Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
(17)  And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
(18)  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
(19)  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
(20)  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Beginning of Matthew, in case you missed the first post. Matthew Chapter A Day – 1

Good News HE IS ALIVE!!
He came as a baby, predicted by prophets of old, conceived of the Holy Ghost, to teach us how we should live, but most of all, to die for our sins. He is God in the Flesh, the second member of the Trinity.

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS?

Scripture: e-Sword
Photos:
Garden Tomb Signs at Parrot Mountain by Lee

I trust you have followed along daily as Matthew’s Gospel has been presented. What A Savior!

Matthew Chapter A Day – 27

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Matthew Chapter 27 – Audio [Once started, go back to post to follow verses as he reads.] [You can have it read in other languages also.]

Matthew 27:1-66 KJV

Jesus Delivered to Pilate
(1)  When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
(2)  And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
Judas Hangs Himself
(3)  Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
(4)  Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
(5)  And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
(6)  And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
(7)  And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in.
(8)  Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.
(9)  Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;
(10)  And gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed me.
Jesus Before Pilate
(11)  And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
(12)  And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.
(13)  Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
(14)  And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
The Crowd Chooses Barabbas
(15)  Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
(16)  And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.
(17)  Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?
(18)  For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.
(19)  When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
(20)  But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
(21)  The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.
(22)  Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.
(23)  And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.
Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified
(24)  When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
(25)  Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
(26)  Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
Jesus Is Mocked
(27)  Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
(28)  And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.
(29)  And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
(30)  And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
(31)  And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

The Crucifixion
(32)  And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
(33)  And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,
(34)  They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.
(35)  And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
(36)  And sitting down they watched him there;
(37)  And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
(38)  Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
(39)  And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
(40)  And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.
(41)  Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
(42)  He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.
(43)  He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
(44)  The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
The Death of Jesus
(45)  Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
(46)  And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
(47)  Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.
(48)  And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
(49)  The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.
(50)  Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
(51)  And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
(52)  And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
(53)  And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
(54)  Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
(55)  And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
(56)  Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children.

Jesus Is Buried
(57)  When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:
(58)  He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
(59)  And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
(60)  And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
(61)  And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
The Guard at the Tomb
(62)  Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
(63)  Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.
(64)  Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
(65)  Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
(66)  So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

Beginning of Matthew, in case you missed the first post. Matthew Chapter A Day – 1

Good News

Scripture: e-Sword
Photos:
William Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905) – The Flagellation of Our Lord Jesus Christ (1880) ©WikiC
Christ on Dying On the Cross – (Google)
Jerusalem Tomb of the Garden ©WikiC

Birds in Christmas Hymns – 2018 Part 2

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Red-crested Turaco at Brevard Zoo by Lee

Red-crested Turaco at Brevard Zoo by Lee

While the Book of Matthew is being presented on this blog, the Birds of the Bible For Kids Blog is hosting a review of the Birds in Christmas Hymns [Updating some].

“And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.” (Psalms 55:6 KJV)

If you were like Dan and I, this has been a very busy month. So, I figure you may have also been busy, or not even aware of the other blog, Birds of the Bible for Kids. Maybe you will have some time soon to fly over to that blog and enjoy those songs. The one I posted this morning, is one of my favorites. [Even though Christmas was yesterday, it talks about the critters there in the stable.]

All of us connected with this blog, and the other one, trust you had a very Merry Christmas and that saw at least one bird yesterday, and remembered our Creator who was willing to come in flesh to redeem us.

Here are the all of the Christmas Hymns With Birds posted:

Christmas Hymns With Birds – Carol of the Birds

Christmas Hymns With Birds – This Endris Night

Christmas Hymns With Birds – Hail to the Lord’s Anointed

Christmas Hymns With Birds – The Worcester Christmas Carol

Christmas Hymns With Birds – Christmas Brings Joy To Every Heart

Christmas Hymns With Birds – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Christmas Hymns With Birds – I Wonder As I Wander

Christmas Hymns With Birds – Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

Christmas Hymns With Birds – The Friendly Beasts

Baudet Donkey - Shaky and Brown

Baudet Donkey – Shaky and Brown

Also, if you have missed the Book of Matthew so far, here are the first six chapter’s links:

Wordless Birds

 

Matthew Chapter A Day – 26

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Matthew Chapter 26 – Audio [Once started, go back to post to follow verses as he reads.] [You can have it read in other languages also.]

Matthew 26:1-75 KJV

The Plot to Kill Jesus
(1)  And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,
(2)  Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
(3)  Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
(4)  And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.
(5)  But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
(6)  Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
(7)  There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.
(8)  But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
(9)  For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.
(10)  When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
(11)  For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
(12)  For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
(13)  Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
Judas to Betray Jesus
(14)  Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
(15)  And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
(16)  And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
The Passover with the Disciples
(17)  Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
(18)  And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.
(19)  And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
(20)  Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
(21)  And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
(22)  And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
(23)  And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
(24)  The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
(25)  Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
Institution of the Lord’s Supper
(26)  And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
(27)  And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
(28)  For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
(29)  But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.
Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial
(30)  And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
(31)  Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
(32)  But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
(33)  Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
(34)  Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
(35)  Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

Prayer Garden at Parrot Mountain, Tennessee by Lee

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
(36)  Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
(37)  And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
(38)  Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
(39)  And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
(40)  And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
(41)  Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
(42)  He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
(43)  And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
(44)  And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
(45)  Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
(46)  Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
(47)  And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
(48)  Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
(49)  And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
(50)  And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
(51)  And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.
(52)  Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
(53)  Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
(54)  But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
(55)  In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
(56)  But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council
(57)  And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
(58)  But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
(59)  Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
(60)  But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
(61)  And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
(62)  And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
(63)  But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
(64)  Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
(65)  Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
(66)  What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
(67)  Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
(68)  Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
Peter Denies Jesus
(69)  Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
(70)  But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
(71)  And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
(72)  And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
(73)  And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
(74)  Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
(75)  And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

Beginning of Matthew, in case you missed the first post. Matthew Chapter A Day – 1

Good News
Scripture: e-Sword
Photos:
Lord’s Supper ©Flickr
Praying for a turn

Christmas Story to Explain the Meaning of Christmas

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This is the 1965 recording of Paul Harvey’s Christmas story classic titled The Man and the Birds. Christmas Day in 2013 I spent the morning putting it all together with a picture slideshow to illustrate the story. I hope you enjoy it. Please share with others.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.” (John 1:1-2 KJV)

Gideon

Wordless Birds

 

Matthew Chapter A Day – 25

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Matthew Chapter 25 – Audio [Once started, go back to post to follow verses as he reads.] [You can have it read in other languages also.]

Matthew 25:1-46 KJV

The Parable of the Ten Virgins
(1)  Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
(2)  And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
(3)  They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
(4)  But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
(5)  While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
(6)  And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
(7)  Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
(8)  And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
(9)  But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
(10)  And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
(11)  Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
(12)  But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
(13)  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
The Parable of the Talents
(14)  For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
(15)  And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
(16)  Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
(17)  And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
(18)  But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
(19)  After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
(20)  And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
(21)  His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
(22)  He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
(23)  His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
(24)  Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
(25)  And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
(26)  His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
(27)  Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
(28)  Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
(29)  For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
(30)  And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matterhorn Sheep©WikiC
The Final Judgment
(31)  When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
(32)  And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
(33)  And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
(34)  Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
(35)  For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
(36)  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
(37)  Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
(38)  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
(39)  Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
(40)  And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
(41)  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
(42)  For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
(43)  I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
(44)  Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
(45)  Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
(46)  And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Beginning of Matthew, in case you missed the first post. Matthew Chapter A Day – 1

Good News
Scripture: e-Sword
Photos:
Parable of 10 Virgins ©WikiC
Matterhorn Sheep©WikiC

Matthew Chapter A Day – 24

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Matthew Chapter 24 – Audio [Once started, go back to post to follow verses as he reads.] [You can have it read in other languages also.]

Matthew 24:1-51 KJV

Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple
(1)  And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
(2)  And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Signs of the End of the Age
(3)  And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
(4)  And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
(5)  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
(6)  And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
(7)  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
(8)  All these are the beginning of sorrows.
(9)  Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
(10)  And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
(11)  And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
(12)  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
(13)  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
(14)  And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
The Abomination of Desolation
(15)  When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
(16)  Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
(17)  Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
(18)  Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
(19)  And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
(20)  But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
(21)  For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
(22)  And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
(23)  Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
(24)  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
(25)  Behold, I have told you before.
(26)  Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
(27)  For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
(28)  For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
The Coming of the Son of Man
(29)  Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
(30)  And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
(31)  And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

The Lesson of the Fig Tree
(32)  Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
(33)  So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
(34)  Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
(35)  Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
No One Knows That Day and Hour
(36)  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
(37)  But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
(38)  For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
(39)  And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
(40)  Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
(41)  Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
(42)  Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
(43)  But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
(44)  Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
(45)  Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
(46)  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
(47)  Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
(48)  But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
(49)  And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
(50)  The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
(51)  And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Beginning of Matthew, in case you missed the first post. Matthew Chapter A Day – 1

Good News
Scripture: e-Sword
Photos:
Destruction of the Temple by Romans ©Biblical World
Green Figbird (Sphecotheres viridis) ©WikiC