Great Blue Heron (Drinking) at Lake Morgan
Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:13-14 KJV)
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“Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing” by Sean Fielder
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Savannah Sparrow singing by Raymond Barlow
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah. (Psalms 84:3-4 ESV)
I know we used the Sparrows before with an orchestra playing “His Eye Is On The Sparrow, but this special by Kathy Lisby from Faith, is so good, I just have to share it.
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“His Eye Is On The Sparrow ” – by Kathy Lisby
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White Pelicans in Flight – Circle B Bar by Dan
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:3 KJV)
Today’s is more about the song that Sean is playing. “I’d Rather Have Jesus Than Anything.” These photos are of birds and places we have had the privilege of visiting to watch the marvelous avian wonders that the Lord Jesus Christ Created. The Lord gives us a peace as we live for Him that is hard to put into words. Maybe as you watch these photos (Lord knows, I’m no photographer, just a birdwatcher who carries a camera) that you can sense the peace I have as I go birdwatching. Also, the Lord has given me a great husband that enjoys seeing these birds as well as I do and he IS a good photographer.
You can know this peace also, when you accept the Lord as your personal Savior.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 KJV)
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“I’d Rather Have Jesus” by Sean Fielder (from Faith Baptist Church)
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The photos in this slideshow and the ones on the other site are not quite the same.
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White-throated Rock Thrush (Monticola gularis) by Peter Ericsson
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. (Deuteronomy 32:4 KJV)
This week we will look at the different “Rock” birds. Many articles have been written about them, but today we get to see their photos.
Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee. (Deuteronomy 32:18 KJV)
Our Savior is Our Rock and sure foundation. Scripture mentions numerous purposes of rocks: safety, foundations, hiding places, shadow and other references.
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. (Isaiah 28:16 KJV)
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2 Timothy 2:19 KJV)
And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:4 KJV)
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“Hiding in the Shadow of the Rock” ~ Sung by Dr. Richard Gregory (Used with permission)
See Also:
Families
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Great Blue Heron by Dan
And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat. (Leviticus 11:19 KJV)
Herons are a favorite bird species of mine. We see them frequently here in central Florida. One of their characteristics that impress me is their patience. It is common to see them standing almost still except for their neck swaying slowly back and forth.
Oh, that I had the patience like these Storks.
These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season. (Psalms 104:27 KJV)
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. (Psalms 27:14 KJV)
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (James 1:3 KJV)
Herons belong to the Ardeidae – Herons, Bitterns Family and are a Bird of the Bible.
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“Peace Medley” by Faith Baptist Choir
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Two-barred Crossbill (Loxia leucoptera)(White-winged) by Raymond Barlow
And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: (John 19:17 KJV)
While thinking of the music for today’s Inspiration, my search began with “Cross” birds, but there aren’t that many with “Cross” in their name, so the “Hill” birds were added also.
When Christ died on the “cross” on a “hill” called Calvary, He became the Perfect Sacrifice for my sins and yours. Praise the Lord. May we think about His Love for us as we watch some of His creation.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV)
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“Old Rugged Cross” – Faith Baptist Church Orchestra
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Sunrise at Mayport 5-23-14
And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. (2 Samuel 23:4 KJV)
Friday, we were on the balcony of our room on Mayport Naval Station, Jacksonville. We were taking photos of the sunrise before packing up to come home.
As I took photos, I noticed a ship pretty far out heading in. Because it was early dawn, we couldn’t really see what it was and decided it was just a merchant ship coming in.
A ship way out coming in.
I kept photographing the sun rising and trying to catch some birds outlined. You know, like those real photographers do. Guess I better stick to birdwatching and leave the photography to those who know what they are doing.
Trying to catch a bird.
As the ship came in, I started trying to catch it as it came under the rising sun. She gave 5 horn blasts, which Dan said, is a sign of an incoming Naval ship. I could not find her number on the bow. So I kept shooting.
Sunrise and the ship at Mayport
As were leaving the base to head home, we came by where the ships dock. There was that ship and then it “hit me,” That was the
Wow! Needless say, we stopped and took more photos of her tied up. Never thought I’d get a chance to see the USS New York, but there it was! It is special and this being Memorial Day weekend, it is even more special.
Now that we are home and I am viewing the photos on a monitor and not through the viewfinder, her number “21” is visible. Also,I found out that Mayport Naval Station is now the USS New York’s homeport as of last December.
Sunrise and USS New York at Mayport
This is not the usual “Sunday Inspiration,” but I want this to be a tribute to those who have served in the military and especially to those who have lost someone who served in the military. My father died as a result of his injuries sustain by “mustard gas.” It was years later, but it caused many problems.
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:18 KJV)
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4 KJV)
Lord Bless all of you as we remember not only the military, but also those who lost their lives in the “Twin Towers” on 9/11. You can see the two tall stacks representing the towers.
Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee. (Deuteronomy 32:7 KJV)
Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (2 Corinthians 1:2-4 KJV)
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“Military Service Medley” – Faith Baptist Orchestra 7-3-11
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Savannah Sparrow singing by Ray
By them the birds of the heavens have their home; They sing among the branches. (Psalms 104:12 NKJV)
The Lord created the birds with the ability to sing such beautiful songs. They have various reasons for singing and shouldn’t we also be willing to sing in our different activities?
The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him. (Psalms 28:7 NKJV)
“O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.” (Psalms 108:1 KJV)
Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons) singing ©nebirdsplus
And some more great “singing” verses:
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (Ephesians 5:19 KJV)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16 KJV)
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“Singing” – by Dr. Richard Gregory (permission given by Mrs. Gregory)
Dr. Gregory, who was a member of our church, is now in the presence of the Lord. He is seeing His Saviour “Face to face.”
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Birds of the Bible – Singing Birds
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Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) with Young ©WikiC
Since today is “Mother’s Day” here in the United States, it is appropriate to remember them.
My son, keep your father’s command, And do not forsake the law of your mother. Bind them continually upon your heart; Tie them around your neck. When you roam, they will lead you; When you sleep, they will keep you; And when you awake, they will speak with you. (Proverbs 6:20-22 NKJV)
Hooded Warbler (Wilsonia citrina) ©USFWS
Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her who bore you rejoice. (Proverbs 23:25 NKJV)
He grants the barren woman a home, Like a joyful mother of children. Praise the LORD! (Psalms 113:9 NKJV)
Greater Painted Snipe (Rostratula benghalensis) by W Kwong
“HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER,” which is the first commandment with promise: “THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU AND YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.” (Ephesians 6:2-3 NKJV)
But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. (1 Thessalonians 2:7 NKJV)
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“Stay Close To Me” © the Hyssongs (used with permission of the Hyssong)
I know this is not the typical Mother’s Day song, but listen to the words. It is a journey being a mother from the day you become aware a child is on the way. Mothers make decisions many times daily and need to “Stay Close To Me (the Lord)” as they travel through “motherhood.”
Lord Bless your day and Happy Mother’s Day
Lee and Dan
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Florida Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) by Dan
And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth. (Genesis 8:7 KJV)
Yesterday’s Birds of the Bible – Eurasian Jay? gave the idea for today’s Sunday Inspiration. Blue Jays are a favorite of mine, even though they can be a pest to other birds. Their warning cries of predators help offset their”peskiness.”
The Corvidae – Crows, Jays Family contains not only Jays and Crows,, but also Magpies, Treepies, Bushcrows, Nutcrackers, Choughs, Piapiac, Jackdaws, Rook and Ravens. One of these is a Bird of the Bible; see – Birds of the Bible Raven.
The family has some plain birds, but the Lord has created many with beautiful colors like our Blue Jay and the Eurasian Jay. He designed them just the way He planned for the places they are to occupy. He love them all and know when any of them fall.
The Lord has “designed” us just the way He trusts we will serve Him. Some of us love his bird creations and want to share them and His Love for them and us. Some of you were give other likes and interests that He wants used.
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A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. (Psalms 103:1 KJV)
“Bless The Lord Oh My Soul” by Sean Fielder
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More:
Assurance: The Certainty of Salvation
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Long-tailed Broadbill (Psarisomus dalhousiae) babies ©WikiC coracii
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18 KJV)
This blogs’s byline is “Birdwatching From A Christian Perspective.” I thoroughly enjoy watching the birds that our Creator has uniquely created. But above all, as a Christian, the sacrificial offering of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Perfect Lamb, known as the Crucifixion, is key to my belief. Without it, I would be still lost in my sins. Also, the fact that the Lord resurrected Himself, is key to my eternal life. This was all remembered this last weekend.
On Easter Sunday, we had a fantastic service. I would like to share it with you. It is divided into five parts. The first one is shown here and there are links to the other four parts. Our choir, orchestra, solo and message, “Who Is Jesus?”, by our Pastor were very honoring to the Lord.
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Bleeding Heart Pigeons
1 Corinthians 15:12-22 KJV
(12) Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
(13) But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
(14) And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
(15) Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
(16) For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
(17) And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
(18) Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
(19) If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
(20) But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
(21) For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
(22) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Christmas and Easter are the most important times of remembrance for those of us who have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. I made that decision 54 years ago and it has changed my life.
At Christmas we are reminded that the Creator of all these birds we write about, gave up His seat beside the Father and came to earth to take on human flesh. Perfect sinless human flesh.
Now Today, Easter, we remember and celebrate. We remember that He gave His life to die as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. We know the story of Him hanging on the cross, and crying out, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?”
(Matthew 27:46 NKJV)
It is better to call today Resurrection Sunday. The Lord Jesus Christ did not stay dead in the tomb, but He AROSE! If He can create this world and all that is in it, does He not have the power to Come Forth From The Grave.
Do you know Him? Have you ever repented and accepted Him as your Savior?
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)
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Music by Sean Fielder
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Faith Baptist Orchestra playing at the Easter Service in 2012
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More Sunday Inspiration
Gospel Presentation (narrated by our Pastor Osborne and music by Sean Fielder)
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Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 