While we walked the track (a few weeks ago), I noticed this large bird. It did not flinch when we rounded the far side.

Even while at Lake Tahoe the last two summers, whenever I saw the crows 🐦‍⬛ trying to pull a fast one…the hawk seemed to appear out of nowhere and put them back “in line”.

Dirty birds are my symbolism for raucous people (trying to stir the pot) because they have no good intention. The sentinel keeps everyone from self-destruction.

This passage reminds me of the important role of God’s word to us. It not only helps us to understand God’s ways but gives us life itself. (the word of God is another name for Christ Jesus our Lord -see John 1: 1-5).

My personal sentinel is God’s word, The Holy Bible. At 9 years old, our pastor challenged us to read it daily (even if it was only for 5 minutes). His rationale was: “it could only benefit your life so why wouldn’t you?” That made sense to me, so I began this lifelong habit.

As much as reading the Bible has only benefited my life (53 years later), the Word of God (Christ Jesus the Lord) has changed my life.

This stake in the ground, (of taking myself off the throne and asking Him to reign there) was only made possible through the gift of His grace.

He offers it to everyone but intentionally many have rejected it. Rejecting His gift is the one thing that keeps us from a restored relationship with our Heavenly Father (aka hell, which is defined by… separation from God).

God’s Son, our Savior, is the hope of the world. The Bible points to it throughout its entirety. Today, if you want to place a stake in the ground that will stand guard over your life then make a commitment to the Word of God that will benefit/change you from the inside out.

Restoration of a relationship with our Heavenly Father keeps us from self-destruction and turns us toward God’s ways, embracing His love for the world. -Teresa ❤️

Psalm 119:33-48English Standard Version

He

³³ Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
    and I will keep it to the end.^[a]
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
    and observe it with my whole heart.
³⁵ Lead me in the path of your commandments,
    for I delight in it.
³⁶ Incline my heart to your testimonies,
    and not to selfish gain!
³⁷ Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
    and give me life in your ways.
³⁸ Confirm to your servant your promise,
    that you may be feared.
³⁹ Turn away the reproach that I dread,
    for your rules are good.
⁴⁰ Behold, I long for your precepts;
    in your righteousness give me life!

John 1:1-5 (ESV)

The Word Became Flesh

[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. [4] In him was life, and the life was the light of men. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:12

[12] But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,