Why do they wait for the thermals?

A question for today: Why do eagles wait for the thermals in order to soar and fly?

Answer: They have been taught from a young age to conserve their energy and to know that they are created to use the winds to their great advantage. They are not designed to flap their wings all the time.

"But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind." - Isaiah 40:31 (The Message)

In the same way, I believe that God has designed us to rely on His Spirit, so that we may soar and live for his glory. Sadly, there are many times when I forget this and I flap my wings too much, trusting in my own perceived strength and less on God's gift to me.

Prayer thought: It is tempting to be 'busy' the whole time, believing that our work is for God's glory, but sometimes we need to WAIT for the right moment and the right thermal. Our waiting my seem frustrating, especially when we see others flying/flapping all around us, however if we want to reach Godly heights, we must wait for his Spirit.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Do you not know? Have you not heard?

"Do you not know?

    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall.
but those who hope in the Lord,
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles.
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:28-31

Before the year runs away from us and we forget how peaceful the Christmas season was, let us remember the One who never grows tired or weary. I am sure that we will all face moments of exhaustion in 2023 but let me urge us all to HOPE in the Lord - this is when our strength will be renewed.

Thought: You don't have to carry every burden on your own. God grants us the strength and capacity to live each day. 

“Seeing that a Pilot steers the ship in which we sail, who will never allow us to perish even in the midst of shipwrecks, there is no reason why our minds should be overwhelmed with fear and overcome with weariness.” ~ John Calvin

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Story of 2 Eagles - Ezekiel 17

<sup>The beginning of Ezekiel 17 reads more like a story from one of Aesop's fables - it tells the story of 2 eagles, which represent Israel's relationship with both Egypt and Babylon. In the end, God will punish Israel for betraying a promise they made with the Babylonians, which may seem strange at first but when you read through the verses you will understand why. God is angry for their choice to swear allegiance to one kingdom and then to go back on their word. God doesn't people who are fickle and full of deceit. 

Thankfully the chapter ends on a more positive note (again), with God offering a remarkable promise to the Israelites. You will note a clear similarity with the words of Ezekiel and the words of Jesus in Matthew 13:31

22</sup> “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will take a branch from the top of a tall cedar, and I will plant it on the top of Israel’s highest mountain. ²³ It will become a majestic cedar, sending forth its branches and producing seed. Birds of every sort will nest in it, finding shelter in the shade of its branches. ²⁴ And all the trees will know that it is I, the Lord, who cuts the tall tree down and makes the short tree grow tall. It is I who makes the green tree wither and gives the dead tree new life. I, the Lord, have spoken, and I will do what I said!” (Ezekiel 17)

Reflection: 
What does this passage say to you today? 
When you read Ezekiel's words in light of the life of Jesus, what do you make of the 'MAJESTIC CEDAR' mentioned in verse 23?

Living in Grace
D3LM3