As the days became longer and warmer, my thoughts turned to cleaning up my flower beds, purchasing hanging baskets, and getting my hummingbird feeder out of storage. I was preparing and boiling the mixture of water and sugar, when my thoughts turned to the wonderful way that God has impressed within animals the innate ability to thrive and achieve His purposes for them.

An example is the hummingbird. How does it know when to leave our area before colder weather sets in and when to return again?

I searched the Internet and found out that hummingbirds are carnivores. Nectar is just the fuel to power their fly-catching activity. They depend on insects that are not abundant in subfreezing weather, so most of them must retreat back "home" to Central America in the winter or risk starvation, and then return to our area as the weather gets warmer.

God directs not only the animals, but His children as well. Those who are redeemed by the grace of Christ's death on the cross are promised a Helper, the Spirit of God, to direct us in the way that we should go.

John 14:26 – But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. (NASB)

The Holy Sprit can offer guidance, but we have freedom of choice, and sometimes our bad decisions steer us in the wrong direction. There were times in my life when I made decisions that I regretted later, doing things of which I came to be ashamed, because I stepped out on my own accord and did not pray or listen to the inner prompting of the Spirit. Nevertheless, when we realize what we have done or not done, and ask for forgiveness, we are forgiven and can start anew.

Acts 2:38 – And Peter replied, "Each one of you must turn from sin, return to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; then you also shall receive this gift, the Holy Spirit." (TLB)

Is there something that you recently said or did that you wish you hadn't, or something that you didn't say or do and later found out that you should have? Let us return to the One Who continues to forgive us and lead us.

Prayer: Lord God, heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to direct us and help us with our daily decisions. We pray for discernment, wisdom, and strength to make the right choices. Help us, through the nudging of Your Spirit, to listen to Your voice. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
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