DEAD TREE

WORD OF WISDOM
BIRDS ~ Birds are divided in the Mosaic law into two classes, (1) the clean (Leviticus 1:14-17; 5:7-10; 14:4-7), which were offered in sacrifice; and (2) the unclean (Leviticus 11:13-20). When offered in sacrifice, they were not divided as other victims were (Genesis 15:10). They are mentioned also as an article of food (Deuteronomy 14:11). The art of snaring wild birds is referred to (Psalm 124:7; Proverbs 1:17; 7:23; Jeremiah 5:27). Singing birds are mentioned in Psalm 104:12; Ecclesiastes 12:4. Their timidity is alluded to (Hosea 11:11). The reference in Psalm 84:3 to the swallow and the sparrow may be only a comparison equivalent to, "What her house is to the sparrow, and her nest to the swallow, that thine altars are to my soul."

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary



One of the first things I noticed when I moved into my new apartment is the dead tree on the corner of the building. In fact it is on the very corner that my bedroom is on. The tree is slightly higher then the roof of this one story, but it is small and would not cause much damage if it were uprooted by a storm. Still I wondered why had they not removed it.

I have grown used to that tree by now; it helps guide people to my apartment. I have seen in magazines how people would put bottles in trees, and though it looks pretty, I doubt my apartment manager would like it. Then it crossed my mind to maybe decorate it in some way, I do like the silent wind chimes; but this thought to passed with time.

Then about a week ago, my tree came to life. No it did not suddenly sprout leaves. It was dark outside when I heard a bird singing, and I do mean singing, not just chirping. Now every evening and just after dark I am serenaded by this bird. I finally caught a glimpse of him one afternoon. He is brown with an off white chest. Nothing special to look at, not small but not really big. Just a plain bird.

I remembered something Dad had told me growing up when I spied a drunk in the ditch. I said Dad you will never see me like that, to which he replied then that man has served a purpose in your life.

Some people might see a dead tree at the corner of my apartment, but I see a stand for a night serenading bird. He is there for me, and if you happen to hear him, that is good, and if not, that is okay to. He is one of those little gifts from God that I will enjoy. Tomorrow I am buying him some food. I want to keep him happy to be in my dead tree, because he has given it back a lot of life.

What is in your life that to others looks like nothing, but to you it is a gift from God that brings joy into your life?

God Bless,
rECj/LJG

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY
Lev 14:49 And he shall take to cleanse the house two birds, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop: