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Gone to the Birds

Lessons from the Divine Ornithologist - Part 1

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Dwight K. Nelson

Dwight Nelson served as lead pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University from 1983 to 2023. During his time at Pioneer he spoke on the “New Perceptions” telecast, taught at the theological seminary and has written books, including The Chosen. He and his wife, Karen, are blessed with two married children and 2 granddaughters.

Offering

Saturday, June 02, 2018
Program: 
Praise
Better Is One Day • I Give You My Heart • Your Grace Still Amazes Me
Prayer
Rodlie Ortiz
Fare Thee Well, Pastors
Sabine Vatel and Sharon Terrell with Royce Snyman
Children's Story
With Wings as Eagles • Kenneth Logan
Worship in Music
His Eye Is on the Sparrow • Charles Gabriel
Sermon
"Gone to the Birds: Lessons from the Divine Ornithologist—1"
Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes & Offerings
I Know Whom I Have Believed • 511

More In This Series

06/30/2018
Lessons from the Divine Ornithologist - Part 5
06/23/2018
Lessons from the Divine Ornithologist - Part 4
06/16/2018
Lessons from the Divine Ornithologist - Part 3
06/09/2018
Lessons from the Divine Ornithologist - Part 2
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"Gone to the Birds: Lessons from the Divine Ornithologist"—1
The Eagle
www.newperceptions.tv

  • Isaiah 40:31
    • "But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."
    • Steps to Christ: "'God is love,' is written upon every opening bud, upon every spire of springing grass. The lovely birds making the air vocal with their happy songs . . . all testify to the tender, fatherly care of our God, and to His desire to make His children happy." (10)
       
  • Psalm 27:13-14
    • "I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!"
    • Carl Jung: "Hurry is not of the devil. Hurry is the devil!" (Celebration of Discipline 13)
    • Joyce Landorf God’s Waiting Room
      Let me have my own way, Lord, let me have my own way.
      You are the potter, (but don't forget!) I am the clay.
      Now mold me and make me—if it doesn't hurt too much or cramp my style.
      While I am moving, forging ahead and motor mouth still.
    • God's Waiting Room—Joseph, Moses, Jesus, Paul, You
    • Jim Long: "If the only way to develop patience is to go through difficulty, we'd probably just as soon skip it. Every day brings some exasperation—some need, small or great, that forces us to exercise patience [or impatience, as the case may be]. . . . We struggle with patience because we don't like the circumstances we face. Patience is difficult because things feel out of control. The timing seems wrong; the wait drags on and on."(www.christianitytoday.com/iyf/1998/sepoct/8c5010.html)
    • www.pmchurch.org/japanjournal
    • Desire of Ages: "Christ rejoiced that He could do more for His followers than they could ask or think. . . . He knew that truth, armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the contest with evil; and that the bloodstained banner would wave triumphantly over His followers. He knew that the life of His trusting disciples would be like His, a series of uninterrupted victories, not seen to be such here, but recognized as such in the great hereafter." (679)

 

"You wait . . . I win . . . You win"

 

Offering for April 25, 2026

Michigan Advance Partners

God still impresses His people to give sacrificially, without fanfare, to build up His work. The writer (Anthony) reported sitting in a meeting where the discussion centered on the commitment and benevolence of some donors. As he listened, goosebumps erupted on his forearms. This particular story was riveting. He was in awe. He was thrilled. To think that this person in question was not a baptized member of the church at the time—he was inspired.

According to the story, the donor’s only association with Adventism was through an encounter with a George Vandeman (founder of It is Written) evangelistic series he attended in his early life. And yet he had no
reservation in giving millions to help in the construction of a new phase of the conference headquarters. The report says he gave over and over again, willingly, not caring to be mentioned. And he refrained from living a lavish
lifestyle. In fact, it is said, he would often say, “It’s not my money, it belongs to God.”

God is still inviting willing persons who are able to contribute to His cause. As He instructed Israel, He’s calling us to, “Give generously…without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you, in everything you put your hand to” (Deuteronomy 15:10, NIV).

Today, as we return our tithes and offerings, and give to our conference’s needs, may the promises of God be ours.

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Young Adult Mission Trip in Peru!

Maranatha Volunteers International invites young adults, ages 18-28, to join Catalyst, a service experience for their age group. Build a church for the Calapuja Adventist Church, operate medical clinics, and lead VBS programs. Learn more at Maranatha.org/volunteer or call 916-774-7700. 

ZOOM IN! Summer Camp 2026

 ZOOM IN! to God’s Amazing World at The Crayon Box Summer Camp, running June 1–August 20, 2026. Children entering Kindergarten through age 12 will enjoy a summer filled with nature, science, creativity, teamwork, and play as they explore how God’s hand is at work all around them. Each themed week encourages campers to notice the small wonders, big ideas, and amazing details of God’s creation. Located on the beautiful campus of Andrews University, The Crayon Box offers a safe, joyful, faith-centered place for children to spend their summer vacation with on-campus adventures, campus field trips, and visits from zoo and wildlife educators. Enrollment is open now at andrews.edu/services/crayonbox/summercamp. Space is limited. Forms are due May 18, 2026.