My photograph above is of a male white-rumped Shama Thrush. This species was introduced to Hawaii years ago. It is not a recent photo, but I wanted to share it because over the last weekend one of these beautiful birds surprised me with a visit to my lanai (patio) and gave me quite a cheery visit for 3 days in a row. Twice as I sat on the lanai, he landed on the ledge and also in my ficus tree and was about 5 feet from me both times....2 different days. I didn't move an inch and admired him as he sat for a good 4 minutes or so eyeing me as well before he flew away. With my curtains opened I enjoyed his many visits beginning on Friday,March 4. I was so thrilled and happy to have him nearby, but it ended on Monday while he was out there when a neighbor walked by and her cell phone rang loudly and she herself stopped and talked rather loudly in a high-pitched voice. I never saw the Shama Thrush again after that. I regret that he is gone, but I have the sweet memory of his visit. This particular bird is usually found in forests and gardens. I live in the city. All my photographs of them were taken at 3 different botanical gardens here on Oahu. Below is a video of one of them singing his heart out.
For more of my photographs of this beautiful bird, plus an image of a painting I did, and lots more information about the Shama Thrush, click on the link to the right of this page or go here. Birds never fail to cheer me, even when things aren't going too good. Besides personal concerns, the world situation is in big trouble; we are in the beginning stages of what some think will turn into World War Three, not to mention a global economic collapse any day now. I could go on and on, as I keep up with current events from various sources, but what interests me especially is how the Bible predicted these things and a New World Order or a One World Government which is what the powers that be are working towards.
I hope I have not made you fearful by all the depressing issues mentioned above !! I have a blessed hope to be in heaven when all hell breaks loose on earth during the Great Tribulation period ! I am concerned about how bad things have gotten, and I am concerned for the lost souls that do not know Jesus as their Savior who will go through a world that will suffer God's wrath because of their wickedness. If you are a born-again believer, you will not be here during the seven year Tribulation because you will be taken to heaven before those horrendous events occur then. That is something to give you great cheer and joy, to know you will always be with the Lord.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6
Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." - John 14:27
Fear manifests itself as anxiety, or worry, or any number of phobias. As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, the less hold fear and anxiety will have on us. As Adrian Rogers said, "Joy is an inside job." When your conscience is clear and you trust the good Lord and have a strong love relationship with Him, you can lose everything and yet still have joy when you realize that only Jesus can truly complete you......not material things or a new boyfriend . To have this kind of joy, you must be truly committed to Jesus and surrender all to him.
Previously, I made a blog post here about how to become full of joy, which is similar material to this post, but I wanted today to stress how we need not be fearful if our heart is right with God and we have been truly saved by belief and trust in Jesus Christ. I know how fearful I used to be, and I am so grateful that the Lord renewed my mind and brought me out of all of that with His love and grace and tender mercies. Just focus on God, believe in Jesus; put them first in your life and everything else will fall in place. Of course, much prayer is needful. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." - 2 Timothy 1:7
"The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1
"Cheerfulness is a friend to grace. It puts the heart in tune to praise God and so honors religion by proclaiming to the world that we serve a good master. Be serious, yet cheerful. Rejoice in the Lord always." - Thomas Watson
Remember to go to the Lord in prayer at all times with all of your cares and fears. Pour your heart out to Him, hold nothing back. Prayer is powerful ! God will see you through all of your trials and fears, but you must have faith and truly believe that He will hear you and answer your sincere prayers, if you ask according to His will.
Below is a wonderful sermon by Adrian Rogers on the subject of joy.
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." - Proverbs 17:22
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