Tag Archives: Wings

Weights Become Wings – Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

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Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Flying by Aesthetic Photos

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Flying by Aesthetic Photos

Weights Become Wings – By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
(Guest Writer from the Past)

They shall mount up with wings as eagles” (Isa.40:31)

There is a fable about the way the birds got their wings at the beginning. They were first made without wings. Then God made the wings and put them down before the wingless birds and said to them, “Come, take up these burdens and bear them.”

The birds had lovely plumage and sweet voices; they could sing, and their feathers gleamed in the sunshine, but they could not soar in the air. They hesitated at first when bidden to take up the burdens that lay at their feet, but soon they obeyed, and taking up the wings in their beaks, laid them on their shoulders to carry them.

For a little while the load seemed heavy and hard to bear, but presently, as they went on carrying the burdens, folding them over their hearts, the wings grew fast to their little bodies, and soon they discovered how to use them, and were lifted by them up into the air–the weights became wings.

It is a parable. We are the wingless birds, and our duties and tasks are the pinions God has made to lift us up and carry us heavenward. We look at our burdens and heavy loads, and shrink from them; but as we lift them and bind them about our hearts, they become wings, and on them we rise and soar toward God.

There is no burden which, if we lift it cheerfully and bear it with love in our hearts, will not become a blessing to us. God means our tasks to be our helpers; to refuse to bend our shoulders to receive a load, is to decline a new opportunity for growth. –J. R. Miller

Blessed is any weight, however overwhelming, which God has been so good as to fasten with His own hand upon our shoulders. F. W. Faber

See: Mrs. Charles E. Cowman index.

Guest Writer from the Past (In the Public Domain)

Lettie Cowman
1870 – 1960

Lettie Cowman was a Wesleyan missionary to Japan who, with her husband Charles E. Cowman, co-founded the Oriental Missionary Society in 1901 for church planting in most of the world outside North America.

Her books are devotionals she compiled from sermons, readings, writings, and poetry that she had encountered.

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Nuggets Plus – Flight No:10…

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Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena) by Ian

Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena) by Ian

Nuggets Plus – Flight No:10… ~ by ajmithra

Nuggets Plus

Nuggets Plus

God has connected

ten primary feathers
to the wings of the birds
to produce thrust…
Likewise,
God has given us
Ten Commandments,
not just for keeps,
but,
to give us thrust
to do the impossible…

And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth (Deuteronomy 28:1)

For more Nuggets Plus – Click Here

Updated 10-8-11 Added Photo

Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) by John&Fish

Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) by John&Fish

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Birds in Hymns – Thou Sweet, Beloved Will Of God

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And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2 KJV)

Words: Ger­hard Ter­steeg­en, Geist­lich­es Blum­en-Gärt­lein, first edi­tion, 1729, Book III, number 19 (Lieb­wer­ther, süss­er Gott­es-Wille); trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by Em­ma Be­van, 1858.

Music: Holl­ey, George Hews, 1835 .
Al­ter­nate tune: •Abends, Her­bert S. Oak­e­ley, 1874

This is the Abends tune by Oakeley

Wattled Curassow (Crax globulosa) at National Aviary by Lee

Wattled Curassow (Crax globulosa) at National Aviary by Lee

Thou sweet, belovèd will of God,
My anchor ground, my fortress hill,
My spirit’s silent, fair abode,
In thee I hide me and am still.

O Will, that willest good alone,
Lead thou the way, thou guidest best;
A little child, I follow on,
And, trusting, lean upon thy breast.

Thy beautiful, sweet will, my God,
Holds fast in its sublime embrace
My captive will, a gladsome bird,
Prisoned in such a realm of grace.

Within this place of certain good,
Love evermore expands her wings,
Or, nestling in thy perfect choice,
Abides content with what it brings.

Long-tailed Finch (Poephila acuticauda) babies by Lee at National Aviary

Long-tailed Finch (Poephila acuticauda) (Spike-tailed) babies by Lee at National Aviary

O lightest burden, sweetest yoke!
It lifts, it bears my happy soul,
It giveth wings to this poor heart,
My freedom is thy grand control.

Upon God’s will I lay me down,
As child upon its mother’s breast;
No silken couch, nor softest bed,
Could ever give me such deep rest.

Thy wonderful grand will, my God,
With triumph now I make it mine;
And faith shall cry a joyous Yes!
To every dear command of thine.

Most information from The Cyber Hymnal

See ~ Wordless Birds

More ~ Birds in Hymns

I chose the Wattled Curassow because when we encountered the bird at the National Aviary, it seemed very glad, especially at feeding time. It practically got in my face. The Long-tailed (Spike-tailed) Finches are fairly young.

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Birds in Hymns – Like A Bird To Thee

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…In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? (Psalms 11:1 KJV)

Words & Music: W. How­ard Doane (1832-1915)

Like A Bird To Thee

Slaty-backed Gull (Larus schistisagus) by Ian

Slaty-backed Gull (Larus schistisagus) by Ian

Savior, like a bird to Thee,
Weary and wounded my soul would flee;
O let me fold my wings and rest
Peacefully, trustingly, on Thy breast.

Refrain

Like a bird let me fly to Thee,
In Thine arms kindly shelter me;
Then my soul no more shall roam
Far, far away from home.

Savior, Thou my grief hast borne,
Thou hast a balm for the hearts that mourn;
One gentle word, and I shall rest
Hopefully, lovingly, on Thy breast.

Refrain

Like a bird let me fly to Thee,
In Thine arms kindly shelter me;
Then my soul no more shall roam
Far, far away from home.

Slender-billed Gull (Chroicocephalus genei) by Nikhil Devasar

Slender-billed Gull (Chroicocephalus genei) by Nikhil Devasar

I was lost till found by Thee;
Thine, blessèd Savior, the glory be;
Gladly I fold my wings and rest,
Lovingly, tenderly, on Thy breast.

Refrain

Like a bird let me fly to Thee,
In Thine arms kindly shelter me;
Then my soul no more shall roam
Far, far away from home.

What a great hymn. As you read or sing the words, think about the words. What a comfort and rest we receive as we settle down, rest and lean on our Loving Savior.

Most information from The Cyber Hymnal

See ~ Wordless Birds

More ~ Birds in Hymns

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Flight 7…

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Flight 7… – by a j mithra

Number seven signifies completeness and that is the reason GOD took rest on the seventh after creation..

The wing shape of birds has its basis in survival value…
There are Seven Basic Wing Shapes and arrangements for different flying styles;

1.  FAST TAKEOFF AND DODGING WINGS

Sooty(Blue) Grouse (Dendragapusfuliginosus) byIan

Sooty (Blue) Grouse (Dendragapusfuliginosus) byIan

Birds such as pheasants and grouse that usually inhabit dense cover and need to dodge quickly between obstructions have wings that allow twisting flight at short distances..

Built for fast takeoff and dodging, this type of wing is relatively short but broad and cupped,
with flexible tips that can be set at varied angles without twisting the whole wing.

GOD expects us to be swift to hear, swift to lend a helping hand to the poor and the needy..

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, …….. (James 1:19)

2.  SOARING BIRD’S WINGS

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) by Daves BirdingPix

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) by Daves BirdingPix

Soaring Birds tend to have broad wings. The Turkey Vulture has extremely broad wings for soaring. The breath of this wing type and the arrangement of the slotted primary feathers make it most efficient for soaring over land.

Black and Turkey Vultures, Red-tailed Hawks, Broad-winged hawks, Northern Harriers, Condors, Ravens, and some gulls have this kind of wings.

GOD wants us to wait in HIS presence and get wings of an Eagle to soar high even above storms… How long do we wait in HIS presence?

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

3.  HIGH SPEED AND MANEUVERABILITY FLIGHT WINGS

White-throated Swift by Dave's BirdingPix

White-throated Swift by Dave's BirdingPix

Some birds of prey and most other fast-flying birdshave developed High Speed Maneuverable wings. These wings of swifts, swallows, shorebirds, and waterfowl, and other small-to-medium-sized birds with rapid flight. Are extremely flat, moderately long narrow, and triangular, and tend to be swept backwards, like the wings of a high-speed jet fighter.

How many of us hasten to give our tithe and offering?
How many of us hasten to honor the servants of GOD?

Look at Abraham,

And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth. (Genesis 18:6)

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) by W Kwong

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) by W Kwong

4. SLOW FLAPPING FLIGHT WINGS

The kind of wings characteristic of Slow Flapping Flight are large and distinctly arched.

Herons, Egrets, and Ibises have this type of wing, and their style makes them immediately recognizable as belonging to one of those families, even when see from a distance.

GOD expects of us to be

….slow to speak, slow to wrath: (James 1:19)

5.  LONG DISTANCE OCEANIC SOARING WINGS

Christmas Frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi) by Ian

Christmas Frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi) by Ian

Seabirds, such as Shearwaters and Albatrosses, have a high-aspect wing, but one that is adapted for Long Distance Gliding — long, narrow, flat, and pointed, with no slotting of the primary feathers. The longest feathers are the outermost primaries.

Pointed wings like these are best suited for Long Distance Oceanic Soaring. Other birds with this type of wings are Gulls and Frigatebirds, which glide almost endlessly above the sea.

God wants to set us on high place; HE wants us to be high above everyone around us… But, not until we love HIM the way HE loves us…

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

6.  LONG DISTANCE GLIDING WINGS

Black-necked Stork (Jabiru) (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) by Ian

Black-necked Stork (Jabiru) (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) by Ian

Still another Long Distance Gliding variation is found in the type of wing typical of storks and some vultures, a slotted, high-lifting structure. The wings are broad to provide more wing surface and short to make use of subtle variations in air currents.

We are on a very long journey; a journey of righteousness, a journey of perseverance, a journey of faithfulness and a journey of love…How calm are we on our journey?

And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. (Mathew 5:41)

7.  MOTIONLESS FLIGHT

Green-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula) Reinier Munguia

Green-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula) Reinier Munguia

Hummingbirds’ wings are pointed and swept back, and they rotate at the shoulder, not at the wrist, as do those of most other birds. This allows the wing to be turned over in midstroke, so that backward motion cancels forward motion and the bird remains motionlessly poised in the air to sip the nectar of flowers. This bird then can execute Motionless Flight.

GOD created everything and took rest on the seventh day… HE created man on the sixth day so that, man shall worship HIM on the seventh day which is the first day for man on this earth…

Even in the list of flying styles of birds, the seventh flying style is MOTIONLESS FLIGHT… The birds seem to lay emphasis on the importance of the seventh day isn’t it?

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalms 46:10)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Updated on 8/8/11
Sorry about not crediting Paul Noll’s explanations and quotes of wing types. (Per comment)
See Bird Wing Shapes, by Paul Noll.
Lee

The Feet – by A. J. Mithra

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Common Swift (Apus apus) by Ian

Common Swift (Apus apus) by Ian

The foot shares the duties of locomotion with the wing.

Birds with highly developed wings have poor feet.
The swallow, an aerial bird, is an example.

The chimney swift has a tiny foot, but enormously developed wings,
and if placed on a flat surface is unable even to support itself.

All aquatic and terrestrial birds have excellently developed feet.
The loon is so thoroughly aquatic that it cannot walk on land
without the support of its breast and wings.

The sea snipe has a foot especially fitted for swimming,
and can be found a few hundred miles
off the Atlantic coast in flocks of hundreds of thousands,
perfectly at home in the water.

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) by Ray

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) by Ray

The foot is generally related to the length of the neck.
In securing prey the foot also plays an important part.

The great horned owl and the duck hawk
have enormous grasping power in their claws.

In grouse or partridge a horny,
fringe-like growth appears on the toes late in the fall,
serving as a sort of snowshoe during the winter,
by which the bird is enabled
to walk on the surface of the snow.
This growth is shed in the spring….

Your feet may feel weak and weary,
but, still GOD wants our feet to stand high…
That is why the Bible says,

He maketh his feet like hinds` [feet], And setteth me upon my high places. (2 Samuel 22:34 KJV)

And HE also says,

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: The young lion and the serpent shalt thou trample under foot. (Psalm 91:13)

WillowPtarmigan(Lagopuslagopus)©USFWS

WillowPtarmigan(Lagopuslagopus)

God takes care of our feet even in our
going out and coming in…

They shall bear thee up in their hands, Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. (Psalm91:12)..

No mater how big or small,
GOD says.

How beautiful are thy FEET in sandals, (Song of Solomon 7:1 KJV)

Well,
does HE means to say that, our feet look beautiful only with sandals?
What sort of sandals are we wearing?
Do we have the sandal of preparation of the gospel of peace?

and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (Ephesians 6:15)

Our feet can’t be more beautiful or more purpose full
without the sandal of preparation..
GOD has given us feet for a divine purpose..

Where are our feet planted?
JESUS is returning soon and HE is in need of feet
that can take the Gospel to the ends of the earth..
Are you ready?

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation, that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! (Isaiah 52:7)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
A. J. Mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree