By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

Now this certainly isn’t the best photo I’ve ever taken, but maybe you can tell that this is a picture of a bird’s nest.  Built on top of one of the lights on our front porch, this nest is constructed of what seems to be mainly mud and moss.  

When I first noticed the mess on the porch floor and realized the nest already half built, I chose not to disturb it, but to allow the birds to continue building.  I figured I could watch and enjoy the process.  Indeed the birds – at least two of them, which I’ve called “Mom” and “Dad” – worked on their nest for several days before it seemed as if they had finished.  And then came the wait.

The layout of our home is such that my office window faces the porch.  Day after day, there was a bird sitting in that nest, occasionally peeking over the side to make sure I wasn’t getting too close.  And then one morning last week, there was an awful lot of chirping going on.  Apparently “Mom” and “Dad” had become parents of some little ones.  The babies were small enough that I haven’t seen them, but their parents are obviously taking very good care of them, feeding them constantly.  And before too long, each of those little ones will fly off on their own.

I had watched the building of the nest, observed the work of those very attentive parents, and have enjoyed the sounds of their chirping brood.  I had highly anticipated the arrival of those little ones.

As we head into a new week, I couldn’t help but wonder as I glanced at the nest again this morning, am I anticipating the Lord’s arrival as much as I did for those little chirpers?  Will I live my life in such a way in the week ahead that others see the excitement and anticipation in my voice and actions — the anticipation of a coming King?  I pray that it may be so.

One day before long, I’ll climb the ladder and clean off the porch light.  But until then, that masterfully created nest will be my reminder that He may arrive any day!  And oh what singing I will hear then!  Are you waiting and watching?
Just a thought.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

In our side yard stands this concrete bird bath.  It has been there for several years.  Sometimes, especially after a good rain, it is full of water.  The birds especially love this.  When the old knobby pears from the nearby tree begin to fall, some landing in the bird bath, it becomes a place that one beautiful little gray fox loves to visit, of course shared with the squirrels and an occasional deer.

The deer, not quite so gentle in their eating habits, have knocked the top off of that bird bath several times, and there are chips in the concrete to show it.  I would also assume, considering the extreme nosiness of our cat and the occasional ‘possum, that they are frequent visitors upon that lofty perch, too.

And then there’s me.  I have used it many times, as you can see here, as a flower stand.  Place a pot of petunias or some such plant on it, water it well, and it will grow and extend down into the birdbath and beyond as it drapes over the sides.

That old simple concrete bird bath has become so much more.  One might say it has been repurposed.  Perhaps even multi-purposed.  Even with the dents and dings, weather-stained colorization, and plain looks, it is as strong as ever, and it enters each and every spring-time never knowing what is in store for it.  All it has to do is stand — and adapt.

God the Father sometimes repurposes (or perhaps many more times multi-purposes) us.  This doesn’t necessarily mean we weren’t good at what we have previously done.  It just means we can branch out into something new.  A new opportunity to bring joy to others.  A new chance to make a difference in our community.  Another chance to stand tall, allow the beauty and creativity of the Father to shine, and be a blessing to those who take notice, even if they are few and far between.

Stand and adapt.  What does your future hold this week?

Just a thought.

Ryan Kelly –

Have you ever felt alone in your Christian walk, only to feel uplifted and encouraged by brothers and sisters in Christ? Almost all of us would say yes.

This fellowship is the essence of why Jesus created the church. The church is the gathering of believers intended to teach, encourage, and hold each of us accountable. It is the core of the community that the Lord desires for us. And it is our privilege to be able to be a part of this local body of believers that we can the church.

For this reason, it is incredibly concerning how many believers have fallen away from church and their respective Bible Fellowship / Life Group / Sunday School classes due to COVID. The fact is that we need this body and we miss it, even if we are out of the habit.

We are weak on our own, but together we are strong. As a body, we can help one another through struggles and be there for one another. And we can be held accountable for our own spiritual growth and shortfalls. Together we can be iron that sharpen iron.

It is paramount that we re-establish connection through in person church and in person fellowship gatherings. You must make it the top priority in your life and let nothing prevent you from gathering. It is our right, it is our duty, and every single one of us need it.

Don’t wait, reconnect today!

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25