Matthew 6:25-34
25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Yesterday we spoke of Jesus telling us the Kingdom of Heaven is like a giant tree where the birds rest in the branches.
Today, un-aided, the Scripture is about birds and the request for people to put their anxieties at ease.
When we look at birds in the trees, we will observe more birds during early spring. The trees are budding and the branches are easily seen. Winter birds fly off seeking warmth. Spring brings hope and some hunger. Just as we see the anxieties of people we know well; The Lord God says we shouldn't worry - the birds and the needy will find comfort, food and shelter in God's Provision. Good people put out bird food.
And the truth is - in early spring you are more apt to find challenging weather and cloudy days. Making taking the photos of the birds far easier to see and discuss. Transparency in times of need. Need in times of the budding hope - drawing eyes to the branches and finding new birds arriving for a new beginning in a better season. These will find provision.
When the clouds come out, the colors are going to contrast and 'pop'. The true colors are seen.
Jabez. He prayed for God to Intensely Bless Jabez. God did. God found Jabez to be more noble and in need of Blessing. We know this Blessing of God was without shadow or change. How do we know? We never did hear of another blessing or prayer opportunity for Jabez again. Jabez existed in Golden Blessing. And nary another Word was said.
The Prodigal Son is, in my opinion, the story of each of us and our Journey to go Home to Heaven and Father God would run to us in Glee and we know it is His Good Pleasure to give us His Kingdom. The Prodigal Son could be told in a bird story. There are seasons of trouble and work. And like the birds, when you feed the birds and they gobble up the food - like the Prodigal Son - they are not going to say Thank You. And when they return in the spring, we have gratitude and gladness. God has a Plan in each season.
As surely as winter sees a decrease in bird activity - just as likely spring sees more song and more activity. What is troubled is fed. And enjoyed. So we trust God just as well as the seasons change and nature repeats. Just as we read the Scriptures each season of our lives and are fed and comforted.
No one goes out of their way to have a crying bird not be allowed food at the feeder. Just as Jesus said to the father in distress over his son's grave troubles - he cried to Jesus to forgive his anxiety and lack of trust. The boy's father knew himself to be faithful and yet to need Jesus to complete the circle of faith.
We can all be certain in all levels of calm and anxiety - God Loves us and God is working for us and with us and in us.
Abba, Father God,
Your plan is not ours. Alleluia.
Isaiah 55:8-9
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Jesus told us to always pray with Hope. Father, let Your plan for my life be a hope and a future.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Encourage, me guide, lead me, that as You dwell in me and I live and move and have my being in You, that You would find my soul a good place for You to dwell. Let all aspects of me be open to You.
All people believing in the Lord God Almighty, asking for more of Your Heaven on earth. All Nations looking to Your Brightness. Blessing our Nation, crowning all who believe in You with Peace. Blessing our Loved Ones covered in the Highest Name of Jesus. Amen.
♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †
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