Photo and Commentary ©2026 by Russell Jurgensen
Thursday, February 5, 2026
This Cotoneaster bush (pronounced Co-tony-aster) is loaded with berries this year. I’ve read that these are not the first choice for birds to eat, although some birds can eat them without harm if they want. It is a sort of backup food source if needed. They are not edible for people, but can be healthy for birds such as blackbirds and thrushes.
When we consider the abundance of support that God provides, we might consider how we treat God like a backup instead of a front-line support. This reminds me of these verses.
Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:7-10
I like how Jesus offers a full life, and anything else is robbing us of that. Let’s resolve to take advantage of God’s offer as our front line.