Bird Struck! Puffin

Family Devotional

Day Twenty-Five

“He gives food to every living thing. His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 136:25

Have you ever seen a puffin run on water? They almost look like circus clowns with oversized feet and large noses stumbling about in funny situations.

However the puffin is an expert fisher. They can dive as deep as thirty feet and can stay under water as long as a minute if they need to. Usually though, their dives last 20 to 30 seconds. They know how to find the food they need to survive. They will go as deep as possible to get it.

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Often we are in situations that make us feel as clumsy as a puffin. Or there are people around us who make fun of us because of the way we look or talk.

But when we read our Scripture verses and pray, we find a special kind of food just for us. It’s a special relationship with Jesus that helps us to see what is important and what is not.

When we have this light, we know just where to find the right words or the right attitudes to give us strength. We can be patient when we are learning new skills that make us feel awkward at first.

The deeper we dive into understanding God’s words, the more filled up we are. We have fuel to keep us from getting discouraged or upset.

Action

1. Do you remember playing dress-up when you were little and wore clothes that were too big for you? Did you clomp around in oversized shoes? What might you be trying to learn to do now that makes you feel like that?

2. Learning to do new things can make us feel awkward. Write down some Bible verses to encourage you or a friend who is struggling with learning a new skill.

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Psalm 36:6-9

Luke 12:24

Bird Struck! Eagle

Family Devotional

Day Twenty-Four

“Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:10

Eagles are among the longest living birds. They are known as faithful partners and parents. From the times of ancient history they have become a symbol of power, whether in military terms, or in legends.

However, the bald eagle is also known to steal prey from other birds. So because of this habit there were objections to it becoming the national emblem of America.

The golden eagle has neck feathers that reflect light. So they have become a symbol of rebirth.

Jesus said, “But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” John 3:21

Jesus reminded His disciples that those who do not want their deeds to be seen hide in darkness.

People see our actions and make judgments on our character based on these observations. Then what we do and how we act also reflects on Jesus’ name when others know we choose to follow Him.

Eagles don’t always steal food and they don’t need to steal food to eat. They choose how to behave towards other birds.

We also make choices everyday that either highlight the light in us or the darkness we choose to hide behind.

Action

1. Pay attention to some decisions you make today. Which ones give light and which one are dark?

2. What reasons did you have for making those choices?

3. Which ones do you think would please Jesus? Why?

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Ephesians 5:1-2

Ephesians 5:8-10 (fruits of the Spirit)

Bird Struck! Osprey

Family Devotional

Day Twenty-Three

“He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!” Deuteronomy 32:4

To watch an osprey dive is an enthralling moment. At first it lifts itself from its perch, almost as if in slow motion, then dives directly at its prey like an arrow plummeting into water. The osprey then carries the caught fish out of reach from the water and swallows it whole.

Many comments written about the osprey over the centuries include descriptions such as majestic, industrious, and noble. One quote Diana Wells shares is, “clean industrious bird... living through its own skill and labor.”

The apostle Paul exhorts early Christians who were still bound by slavery laws, to work even harder for their masters, especially if their masters were fellow believers. He said to work as for the Lord.

When work is hard or boring or it doesn’t seem to matter, it seems easy to spend less energy on it.

But God always sees into our hearts and our thoughts. Even if no one else ever sees how hard we work God does, and he appreciates our effort. And sometimes others will notice that we do our own work well.

Action

1. Look at some chores in your family. Is there someone who could use some help today?

2. On your next weekend ask if there is a special job that you can do for your family or help one of your parents to do.

3. Is there a chore in your family that no one does very well? Can you learn how to do it and make it yours?

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Proverbs 16:3

Romans 8:28

1 Corinthians 3:9-11

Bird Struck! Loon

Family Devotional

Day Twenty-Two

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

Loons are known for their distinct mournful cry. It can be heard from quite a distance. Often one pair of loons will be the only ones on a lake or a river and to watch them swim is almost like watching a ballet because they are so graceful.

But on land they are clumsy and vulnerable. Some early nature writers often made fun of their land movements.

The psalmist tells us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Like snowflakes, we are each unique and have different talents and abilities.

Until we discover and grow into our parts, sometimes we feel clumsy and awkward and feel like others are making fun of us. It’s normal, especially when we have a growth spurt.

But when we are being the unique people God created us to be, we can then recognize our beauty regardless of what others see or say. And we know that we will get used to the changes that are happening in us.

Action

1. What do you love to do so much that you forget what time it is?

2. What actions make you feel clumsy?

3. What actions make you feel wonderful?

4. Think of ways you share them with others.

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Psalm 139:13-16

Psalm 40:5

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Bird Struck! Raven

Family Devotional

Day Twenty-One

“Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.” Matthew 11:10

Ravens also have the ability to mimic human speech. Stories about them include them being sent as messengers and prophets, both good and bad.

A single raven sits quietly on a tree branch, very regal, very beautiful. But smaller birds do not scatter into flight the way they do when a hawk approaches. The raven is not seen as a threat.

It was the ravens that God called upon to feed His prophet Elijah when he was in the wilderness. Ravens keep their surplus food hidden and often have extra resources in times of drought.

Elijah had done a great work of witness for God, but now he needed both food nourishment and soul nourishment because he was exhausted. After he slept and the ravens fed him, Elijah was ready to hear God’s words again.

Sometimes we also need God’s messengers through our friends and family to comfort us when we are sick or sad or disappointed. They share themselves with us and give us their strength until we are ready to take care of ourselves again. Other times God might ask us to be a messenger to someone in need.

When we listen and repeat God’s words so that they are true and familiar to us, then we have the right resources to share with others.

Action

1. Every day for a week, look for someone who needs a message of hope.

2. Share with them words of comfort, or time to listen, or food to cheer them.

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Malachi 3:1

1 Thessalonians 4:18

1Peter 4:9

Bird Struck! Elf Owl

Family Devotional

Day Twenty

“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

In North America, Elf Owls are found in desert regions. They can be as small as a sparrow and often nest in old woodpeckers’ holes. They can also camouflage themselves up against a tree when they suspect danger. They are known as the smallest owl in the world.

Like all owls they see extremely well in the dark because of extra-long light- gathering rods in their eyes. But to look around, they need to be able to turn their heads. They can move up to 270 degrees.

Because the edges of their wings are fluffy, rather than stiff, they are able to fly without making a sound. Their prey doesn’t hear them coming because the softness of the wings muffles their approach.

Since their size makes them vulnerable to predators, these attributes of stealth make it possible for them to hunt for their food and keep hidden at the same time.

There is wisdom in silence. Sometimes it is as uncomfortable as when we see an elf owl turn its head and suddenly see its gleaming yellow eyes. Yet if we learn to listen carefully in silence, we will have a clearer understanding of where we are to go or how we are to act. No matter how small we may feel we are.

Our lives are often so busy that our feelings and thoughts need time to catch up with us. So the silent waiting of an elf owl gives us a good example to watch carefully.

Action

1. Turn out all the lights in your bedroom and stay very still. What do you see and hear that looks different?

2. With an adult’s supervision, play a game of hide-and-seek using camouflage. Who did the best?

3. Next time you have to wait for someone, wait in complete silence. What do you notice?

           

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Psalm 130:5-6

Proverbs 3:5-6

Bird Struck! Hawk

Family Devotional

Day Nineteen

“But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.” Matthew 13:16

Hawks have precise vision. They can see from a distance eight times clearer than people. Some have been measured from as far away as a mile. They are also ferocious hunters and swoop down on their prey almost in an instant. In ancient times men often used hawks to hunt for them. A hawk that became attached to a master loved him and would always return.

Jesus asks us to see the world through His eyes. Only we are not to swoop and hurt like a hunter, but rather to see with love and understanding.

It takes a special perspective to see past actions and attitudes that to recognize someone who needs a friend. Or who needs a kind word. Sometimes all we can see are people acting grumpy or sarcastic, and it annoys us. But maybe it is because they are hurting inside because of mean words or a problem they don’t know how to fix.

However Jesus can see what is in each person’s heart. When we are willing to be His servants, He will show us who to talk to and give us the right words to say.

And when we are tired and confused ourselves, we know we can return to Him and find rest. In Psalm 23 the psalmist says He restores our souls.

Action

1. In a safe place at home try putting some wax paper or see-through paper over your eyes and look around the room. What can you see clearly and what is blurry?

2. Over dinner wear a set of earmuffs and don’t talk but try to listen to the conversation around you. How many words do you have trouble hearing correctly?

3. Choose two days at school this week and for the whole day say something nice to whomever you talk to, especially if they are rude to you.

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Luke 11:34

Luke 20:23

Proverbs 29:18