We are in the midst of the time following Jesus' Resurrection on Easter when He was preparing for Ascension. Jesus spent this time showing Himself to His disciples and preparing them for the day soon to come when He would depart this world and return to the side of His Father, Our God.
As I performed my morning chores for the farm animals, I looked about me in the misty air and saw many wonders and blessings that brought Him close to my heart. It is so easy to take these things for granted, but one think that helps me is my walk man radio. While feeding the animals on Sundays I usually listen to the Bible Broadcasting Network. It leads me in silent prayer, offers wonderful God-created music, and provides words of comfort and salvation.
Completing my chores, I looked into the next door pasture and saw a small bunny munching on grass in the open meadow and I knew that he was at risk of death at any moment. It most likely would come from the beak of an eagle, the teeth of a hungry coyote or even from the bite of a ravenous snake. But despite these possibilities, the little fellow was determined to enjoy the beautiful morning and his breakfast as if he was prepared for his eventual fate. It made me think of how we Christians, if we truly believe in Christ and accept His promise of salvation, should not be fearful of death. After all, we know not when or how we will die in the body, but we are expected to enjoy life within the bounds of God's law and, if we truly accept His offer, will live on in Heaven above.
I now turned my attention to my own pasture and the peace and serenity of the sight. The horses were munching on hay, wild turkeys made easy work of the manure piles, scratching through them for grain, and a family of deer grazed in the far distance.
Several of the barn cats emerged out of the woods on their way to home for their morning breakfast. As the cats drew closer, one of my smaller dogs, a feisty little terrier named Molly, ran after them in their daily chase. It always ends up in a standoff with Molly trying to sniff and the cats, hackles raised, hissing menacingly. That was the end of it; each then went on his own way with additional respect for the other etched in their minds.
Even the chickens and the geese, and more particularly the roosters and gander, though naturally feisty, were getting along. Because of coyote problems, we have found it necessary to house them together at night in large wire pens and they have handled it pretty well. Oh there might be an occasional squabble, but it doesn't last long and there are no serious injuries. It's as if they know that we are trying to protect them and therefore are on their best behavior. As I opened the pen to let them out in the side yard for the day, they quickly separated into their own groupings and went about their daily business of weed eating and pecking.
I mention this because it just points out how animals have a natural instinct for self-preservation and they automatically know when to fight and when they should not. They clearly understand the natural order of things. Frankly, this will to live sometimes shows we humans just how foolish we can be with our violence, often for no reason, and our constant jealousy, envy and petty disagreements. Oh, I know that animals do kill and eat each other, however, they don't do it out of evil. They do it for survival. Sometimes they seem to be wiser than man. I think it is probably a way for God to show us just how foolish we can be and to hopefully wake us up to a better way.
I love these mornings on the farm for their beauty, simplicity, and the special opportunity they offer to bring me closer to my God and Savior. I hope each of you have your own special place for daily communion with Him as well.
God bless you, enjoy the Lord's Day, and have a wonderful week.
As I performed my morning chores for the farm animals, I looked about me in the misty air and saw many wonders and blessings that brought Him close to my heart. It is so easy to take these things for granted, but one think that helps me is my walk man radio. While feeding the animals on Sundays I usually listen to the Bible Broadcasting Network. It leads me in silent prayer, offers wonderful God-created music, and provides words of comfort and salvation.
Completing my chores, I looked into the next door pasture and saw a small bunny munching on grass in the open meadow and I knew that he was at risk of death at any moment. It most likely would come from the beak of an eagle, the teeth of a hungry coyote or even from the bite of a ravenous snake. But despite these possibilities, the little fellow was determined to enjoy the beautiful morning and his breakfast as if he was prepared for his eventual fate. It made me think of how we Christians, if we truly believe in Christ and accept His promise of salvation, should not be fearful of death. After all, we know not when or how we will die in the body, but we are expected to enjoy life within the bounds of God's law and, if we truly accept His offer, will live on in Heaven above.
I now turned my attention to my own pasture and the peace and serenity of the sight. The horses were munching on hay, wild turkeys made easy work of the manure piles, scratching through them for grain, and a family of deer grazed in the far distance.
Several of the barn cats emerged out of the woods on their way to home for their morning breakfast. As the cats drew closer, one of my smaller dogs, a feisty little terrier named Molly, ran after them in their daily chase. It always ends up in a standoff with Molly trying to sniff and the cats, hackles raised, hissing menacingly. That was the end of it; each then went on his own way with additional respect for the other etched in their minds.
Even the chickens and the geese, and more particularly the roosters and gander, though naturally feisty, were getting along. Because of coyote problems, we have found it necessary to house them together at night in large wire pens and they have handled it pretty well. Oh there might be an occasional squabble, but it doesn't last long and there are no serious injuries. It's as if they know that we are trying to protect them and therefore are on their best behavior. As I opened the pen to let them out in the side yard for the day, they quickly separated into their own groupings and went about their daily business of weed eating and pecking.
I mention this because it just points out how animals have a natural instinct for self-preservation and they automatically know when to fight and when they should not. They clearly understand the natural order of things. Frankly, this will to live sometimes shows we humans just how foolish we can be with our violence, often for no reason, and our constant jealousy, envy and petty disagreements. Oh, I know that animals do kill and eat each other, however, they don't do it out of evil. They do it for survival. Sometimes they seem to be wiser than man. I think it is probably a way for God to show us just how foolish we can be and to hopefully wake us up to a better way.
I love these mornings on the farm for their beauty, simplicity, and the special opportunity they offer to bring me closer to my God and Savior. I hope each of you have your own special place for daily communion with Him as well.
God bless you, enjoy the Lord's Day, and have a wonderful week.
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