Giant Petrel with chicks WikiC

With all the turmoil going on, it’s time to bring out the Birds of Encouragement again. As you look around right now, it seems that many things of discouragement abound. Our American stock prices are falling speedily as are other countries stocks. People are starving and the bad guys won’t even let the food get to the ones who need it. London is burning up because of violence, etc., etc., etc. The worst thing I read this week was this article http://sanfrancisco.ibtimes.com/articles/193371/20110805/china-dead-baby-pill-stamina-booster-cannibal-placenta.htm . How far will human depravity go? How long will people try to do what is “right in their own eyes?”

Where do you look for encouragement? If you put your trust in money, it has a way of disappearing. If you think your home or business is secure, it could go up in smoke. If you think you have plenty to eat, famines and starvation could come. What do you do when all around you is falling apart?

Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? (Luke 12:24 NKJV)

Comparing all the versions, they either say “consider”, “contemplate”, “Look at”, or “Give thought to.” They don’t have stocks, or houses, or businesses, or storehouses, YET, they are fed. By who? God.

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) at Nest by Anthony747

The Bible says we are of more value than the birds. If God takes care of them, will He not much more take care of us? But maybe you don’t believe that there is a God. You may just think you got here by chance. That you just got here through millions of years of chance. If so, then this promise will not mean much to you. You will just be “toughing it out” on your own.

For those of us who believe in God as the Creator, and that He has sent His Son to be our Savior, we know that all of these things that are happening are in His control. We also know that He cares about every aspect of our lives, whether we have food, and clothes. We also know that:

Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. (Luke 12:23 NKJV)

That passage, Luke 12:23-31, also tells us to:

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. (Luke 12:27-31 NKJV)

We do not worship birds or lilies, but we are to look at how they are provided for and that God is willing and able to provide for us also. BUT, we are to seek God, not ignore Him or deny that He exists.

A friend sent me this photo from an email and I apologize for not giving proper credit, but it fits perfectly here.

Under His Wings - (Dove - photographer unknown)

Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, (Psalms 17:8 NKJV)
How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. (Psalms 36:7 NKJV)
He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. (Psalms 91:4 NKJV)
Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; (Matthew 23:36-38 NKJV)

Our pastor recently preached a sermon called “Kicking The Props Out From Under You“. This is a link to the audio of that message.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, loves you and wants to become your own personal Savior also.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

• Gospel Message
• Wordless Birds

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