Just Passing Through

“We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace.” 1 Chronicles 29:15

Migrating Cape May Warbler photographed October 12, 2020 in Clarke County, Georgia. ©www.williamwisephoto.com

Like a golden beam of sunshine that briefly pierces an autumn cloud cover, a Cape May Warbler made a brief but dazzling appearance in my backyard this month. Just as quickly as I was able to fire off three shots, she was off, not to be seen again. She didn’t stop to feed. She didn’t gather any nesting material. She didn’t have a bath or a drink. She was just passing through.

Just as these migrating birds only briefly stop during their long travels to and from their breeding grounds, I am reminded of the Christian’s journey here in this world. Although we may be busy putting down roots and making ourselves comfortable, the Bible describes the Christian as a pilgrim, as a sojourner just passing through. We are not permanent residents of this world, but headed for another.

Our destination is not a seasonal wintering ground in South America, but a permanent, eternal home in heaven. Like the warblers that quickly pass through our yards each spring and fall, the Christian is to have a mind of temporary residency as we pass through this life oriented towards eternity. Let us enjoy the wonders of this world, but also keep a mind on eternity!

Colossians 3:1-3  “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”


Hi, I’m wildlife photographer and nature writer William Wise. I was saved under a campus ministry while studying wildlife biology at the University of Georgia. My love of the outdoors quickly turned into a love for the Creator and His works. I’m currently an animal shelter director and live in Athens, Georgia with my wife and two teenage daughters, who are all also actively involved in ministry. Creation Speaks is my teaching ministry that glorifies our Creator and teaches the truth of creation.  — “What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.” Psalms 104, The Message.

Lee’s Three Word Wednesday – 3/30/16

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Birds Flying over Tampa Bay by Lee

WE FLY AWAY

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The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. (Psalms 90:10 KJV)

Birds Flying over Tampa Bay by Lee

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More Daily Devotionals

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Are You Missing Something?

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) Parrot Mtn

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) Parrot Mtn

Wait on the LORD, And keep His way, And He shall exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it. (Psalms 37:34 NKJV)

While at the Parrot Mountain last week, we saw this Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis). As one of my friend said, after seeing these photos, “that is an ugly bird.” Well, almost, but is beauty in the eye of the beholder? I am sure that from the eyes of another Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, it may not be.

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) Parrot Mtn

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) Parrot Mtn

As the sign says,:

  • The Silvery-cheeked Hornbill can grow up to two and half feet long and weigh two and three quarter pounds.
  • Have an average life span of 50 years.
  • Silvery-cheeked Hornbills eat by plucking a piece of fruit and tipping its head back to swallow it whole. They will eat berries, figs, palmnuts, as well as a variety of insects.
  • The Hornbill is one of the few birds that have eyelashes to shield them from sun and dust.
Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) Parrot Mtn by Lee

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) Parrot Mtn by Lee

Also the Silvery-cheeked Hornbill are residents of the tall evergreen forest of east Africa from Ethiopia to South Africa.

Well, maybe this bird is a little ugly:

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) Parrot Mtn

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) Parrot Mtn

Yet, in the Lord’s sight, this bird was created special and most likely fits right in with where it lives and what it does. What I haven’t shown you yet is that it is missing the tip of its beak. Most likely, that is why it is in captivity because it may not be able to obtain food in the wild.

Missing the tip of its beak

Missing the tip of its beak

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill with missing tip of beak.

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill with missing tip of beak.

I was surprised by how many verses that mention the words “cut off.” There are 200 verses in the NKJV. Even the verse where Peter cut off the ear of the servant, but Jesus healed him by putting back on. Only the Creator could have done that. Many mention enemies or sinners being cut off. Also, not being cut off if you are righteous and one of His saints.

For the LORD loves justice, And does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, And dwell in it forever. The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, And his tongue talks of justice. The law of his God is in his heart; None of his steps shall slide. The wicked watches the righteous, And seeks to slay him. The LORD will not leave him in his hand, Nor condemn him when he is judged. Wait on the LORD, And keep His way, And He shall exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it. (Psalms 37:28-34 NKJV)

Missing heaven and not spending eternity with the Lord Jesus Christ would be a terrible tragedy. I trust you will not be cut off with the wicked and that you know the Lord as your personal Savior. Accepting the Lord Jesus was the best decision I ever made in my life.

The Gospel Message and Gospel Presentation both explain how to not be cut off or missing out on eternity in heaven.

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