On last week’s “Let’s Have Coffee” post, I shared about a lesson some turkeys brought to mind. You can read those thoughts HERE. One of the interesting facts I discovered is that the term which is used for a group of turkeys is “rafter”.
The term stemmed from the way turkeys could often be found in the rafters of barns. They would seek those beams to keep themselves safe from predators since they are not very fast, nor able to fly very well.
So what are we to learn from these turkeys and sitting in the rafters?
- We have been set on high. “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name” (Psalm 91:14, NASB).
- There is a place of acceptance. “But God being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-6, NASB). We have been accepted and already have a seat at His table.
- We have a shelter, a refuge, and protection. “There will be a shelter to give shade from the heat of day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain” (Isaiah 4:6, NASB). God promises protection from enemies and harm. The storms of life may rage against us, but He will be our shelter and protection.
As I continued to watch these turkeys, perched high in the trees, and there were fourteen of them at one point, I was reminded:
“He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, and sets me upon my high places. He trains my hands for battles, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation. And Your right hand upholds me; And Your gentleness has makes me great, You enlarge my steps under me, And my feet have not slipped.” (Psalm 18:33-36, NASB)
These high places with Christ are learned day by day, as we traverse each circumstance which comes our way. It takes acceptance of His will, whether His will means joys or sorrows.
“Every acceptance of His will becomes an altar of sacrifice, and every such surrender and abandonment of ourselves to His will is a means of furthering us on the way to the High Places, to which He desires to bring every child of His while they are still living on earth.
The High Places and the hinds’ feet do not refer to heavenly places after death, but are meant to be the glorious experience of God’s children here and now – if they will follow the path He chooses for them.”
(from Hinds Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard, page 12-13)
Every acceptance.
Every surrender.
Meant to be the glorious experience of God’s children here and now.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you. If you share on social media, the hashtag #LetsHaveCoffee would be greatly appreciated!
Photo by Scott Osborn on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
It has been a long while since I read that book–I should probably reread it sometime. What a blessing to be in the high places with Him.
I pulled it back off my shelf about a week ago and it’s a story that never grows old. Always grateful for your words, Barbara!
I thought of you early this morning when I saw a rafters of turkeys in our field. They made quite a production of avoiding social contact with Tucker and me. ðŸ˜
Michele, I love that you thought of me. I am glad they avoided you and Tucker as I’m noticing they can be an aggressive group at times. Amazing the way God will intertwine the hearts of His people! {{hugs}}
This is new information for me, how turkey groups are called rafters. And love your spiritual analogies. How comforting to know we are already accepted with a seat at His table. Hallelujah!
Karen, this was all new information for me as well. The sight of them prompted me to continue learning for about two weeks. And now, I haven’t seen not one since 🙂
That book didn’t make the move and it’s one of my faves for sure. I may need another copy!!! Thanks for the reminder, Jo.
Susan, I don’t know how I would choose which books to bring with me in a move! Not easy as there are so many favorites for sure.
I wondered how you were going to tie those 3 terms together. You did it, Joanne! I think that book is one I need to read. I want to think about the glorious experiences of God’s children here and now. We are all part of God’s kingdom here on earth.
Laurie, the way my thoughts weave as I look out and about has been something I often kept to myself. Yet it is the way in which God speaks to me time and time again.
Thank you so much, Joanne for this uplifting post. And I will never look at wild turkeys the same again 😊
To be honest, neither will I!
So many great lessons from a turkey!
Joanne, I never thought I could be so inspired by turkeys!! Thank you for this lesson. I love Hind’s Feet on High Places, my copy is so worn from the many times I have read it. Such wonderful thoughts!
My copy is a treasure of dates and thoughts I have written in the margins over the years. I love the book!
Legend has it Benjamin Franklin wanted the wild turkey to be America’s bird””but the bald eagle won out. We can learn so much from birds and nature!
We surely can and I learn so much from you about birds 🙂 I love your photos!
Joanne, I love how God weaves our thoughts together and brings them to settle on the blessedness of knowing Him. This was an insightful and interesting post connecting the dots. 🙂
Such beautiful truth, Joanne. And to think it all flowed from a massive turkey sighting! Hugs, friend.