Goodbye Matilda

The time of year has arrived when I need to say goodbye to Matilda—my last ruby-throated hummingbird of the season. But she’s still here. I’m surprised to see her because we endured a severe freeze last week. Hopefully, she’s not too old, young, or ill to make the 500-mile non-stop trip across the Gulf of Mexico.

I’ve enjoyed observing these tiny, yet territorial birds from my dining-room window. When there is more than one bird at the feeder at a time, they become rather rowdy. Their aggressiveness amazes me.

These little creatures know what they want and make sure none of their fellow beings interfere. I chuckle when I see a bird perched on the feeder, not interested in eating, but acting as a lookout to ensure no other birds stop to eat. After a brief skirmish, where one scares off the others, he or she returns to their perch to stand guard once more.

Even though I know this is their typical behavior, I’ve attempted to step outside and share the Word of God with them. Sadly, without success. As hard as I try, they’re not interested in the Golden Rule.

Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Luke 6:31 (NIV)

Do they want their fellow beings to treat them this same way? Unlikely, but I’m fascinated because they might have chased away their own babies. I suppose, once out of the nest, it’s a fight for survival, where only the strongest can thrive.

I hope I’m not like this, but I know that sometimes my human nature takes over and I’m ready to fight for what I want too. Selfishness is a battle I face every day.

As a silly example, don’t try to steal a slice of my pizza. Just ask my husband. Like the hummingbirds, I’m ready to defend my favorite food, though with less aggression.

Instead of selfishness, I desire to follow the example of my Lord and become a generous giver of good gifts.

Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.
Philippians 2:4 (TPT)

If I hand you a slice of pizza, you’ll know I’m giving you something significant. But if you’re in need of a loaf of bread, I’ll do my best to help with that instead.

I hope Matilda completes her migration, but if she stays, I’ll look after her and provide her with her favorite food. And with Thanksgiving almost here, I’ll be savoring several of mine, but I doubt pizza will be on the menu.

May you experience a wonderful, joy-filled Thanksgiving with family and friends without fighting over that last piece of pie.

Search Me

One morning this past week, during my quiet time with the Lord, I read John 2:24-25 from the New Living Translation (NLT). When I study the Word, I usually use the New King James Version. But I enjoy the NLT for reading because I sense the Lord speaking to me personally.

But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people.
No one needed to tell him about human nature,
for he knew what was in each person’s heart.
John 2:24-25, NLT

“Jesus didn’t trust them,” and “he knew what was in each person’s heart,” moved me to tears. I turned to Psalm 139:23-24 and made these two verses my prayer.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139:23-24, NLT

While I focused on these verses, I thought of common problem areas many of us battle such as anxiety, doubt, insecurity, pride, and selfishness. If you’re like me, you may struggle in one or more of these at times. Let’s look at what God’s Word says about each of these sins. I hope you’ll take time to review these verses for yourself. I’ll summarize them here.

Anxiety—Proverbs 3:5-6 is a familiar part of Scripture. We are to trust in the Lord and not depend on our understanding. When we seek His will, He will guide us to the right path.

Doubt—The verse mentioned above applies to doubt too. But we can also look to Romans 10:17. Our faith grows from hearing the Good News about Christ. The more we get into the Word of God, meditate on it, and follow it, the less doubt we’ll battle.

Insecurity—A great verse here is Galatians 2:20. Jesus died for us and now He lives in us. When we trust in Him, we understand who we are in Christ and how much He loves us. If He is always with us, why do we feel unqualified or uncertain?

Pride—Here’s a verse that can put us in our place. Galatians 6:3 tells us not to think too highly of ourselves. We aren’t all that important.

Selfishness—Philippians 2:3-4 makes this clear by telling us not to be selfish, but to think of others as better than ourselves. Do we follow Jesus’s example by taking an interest in people around us and what they need and want?

Are any of these problem areas for you? My hope is that you will pray, ask the Lord to search your heart, and ask Him to show you anything that offends Him, so you can follow His lead.

O God, You know what’s in my heart. You know everything about me. Search me, Lord, and show me, convict me Holy Spirit, of all that’s within me that offends You. When I try to walk alone or go my own wayward way, help me instead to follow Your leading and go forward in faith in You. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

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