A Quiet Afternoon

We went walking along the Anclote River in Tarpon Springs yesterday. It was just a rare afternoon without thunderstorms (at least till we got home!). Though our walks are a bit shorter as we have grown older they are still the best times for us to just talk and share special time together.

Walking along quietly with the Lord is no different. He treasures time we spend with Him with the only stipulation that we tell Him the truth.

Lord , who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; Psalm 15:1‭-‬2 NIV

Are we sorry for something? Confess it to Him- He already knows! Do we have a need- there’s no use pretending we can work it out on our own- just ask. He is not only our Savior and Lord, He has offered to become our closest friend. All we must do is walk by His side and listen to all He has to say on a quiet afternoon by the River of Life.

He Watches Sparrows

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. Matthew 10:29

bird sparrow

Photo by Skitterphoto on Pexels.com

In Jesus’ day sparrows were common and held value only for what brief use anyone might have of them. Sometimes I have wondered, why Jesus tells us that God watches sparrows. After all God is everywhere and He also watches eagles, lions and even alligators (We have 1.3 million of them in Florida)! But unlike animals with talons, claws and teeth, sparrows have no offensive weapons. Instead their only hope is that in the moment of danger they will fly to safety. 

Have you ever felt like a sparrow? Apparently many of Jesus’ listeners did. They had been oppressed by Romans, exploited by their own religious leaders and despised by the rich. But when Jesus came they hung on His every word because He was someone who loved to spend time with them and who invited them to come to Him. Have you ever considered that God also loves spending time with you so much that He sent His own Son with the invitation to share eternity with Him. That is an invitation without an expiration date because the God who watches sparrows also He watches you and me.

One Step

One step without the Savior

Begins a path without His word

Two steps lead to eight

And soon His voice will not be heard

But if instead we start our day

With a slow and faithful stride

That walks to where He said to go

He will lead us to His side!