Freedom

https://youtube.com/watch?v=x9rAdFNRNJs&feature=share

I’m still on birds today. Lol. As I began tracing the word bird in the word of God, of course, in the Pentateuch (first five books of the Bible), most mentions are of sacrifice, delineation of suitable ones to eat, etc. However, as we move out of these foundational books, we begin to see birds as examples, metaphors.

I’m jumping ahead, but in Job 38, the LORD God is speaking to Job and his friends. Humbling and awe inspiring, one verse that jumps out to me:

Who provides the raven’s food when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?

Job 38:41

And Jesus answers.

“Jesus said to His disciples, “For this reason I tell you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; or about your body, as to what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the crop]; they have no storehouse or barn, and yet God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than the birds!”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭12:22-24‬ ‭AMP‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.12.22-24.AMP

Luke 12:22-24 AMP

Look to the ravens and remind yourself. He knows their needs. He sees these black, noisy birds and he cares for each one. So, with that knowledge, with that understanding, there are truths that Jesus speaks right to our hearts.

• “Life is more than food, the body more than clothes.” In the midst of trials and wonders if we will make it to the next check or earthly needs met, Jesus says, our focus is on the wrong thing. If we seek first his kingdom, all our needs will be met. (Matthew 6:33 paraphrase mine.) Rather than spinning on the earthly, let us love and set our minds on Jesus.
• God feeds the birds. God sees they have no reserves, they have no plan, and he feeds them. Won’t he do it for us? Won’t he see our needs and meet them too?
• We are so much more valuable than birds.

Grasping these truths, acknowledging in my own life how quickly I spin and toil in the worries of my own life, Jesus doesn’t have any caveats here. No, if the worry is about your kids, parents, relatives, that’s fine. Or, if the fears are for your health, that’s okay. Or, well, you fill in the blank.

Look to the ravens today, friend. You see a raven and remind yourself of the truth of God’s word. He is able. He will provide. He will answer. Wait on the Lord and set your mind. I’ve heard this before and it helps me (if you know the source, please share). When we have a specific need in our life, give out of need to others.

For example, because of my friend, Mary, I have begun writing cards to seniors each month. Seniors who are lonely, in pain or sickness, or just need a note from someone who sees them. It has been a wonderful way to get my mind off myself, spend time praying for another human and move towards kindness. If you are interested in joining me in this, I can get you in touch with the group I am in.

Friends, may i encourage you and encourage myself? Set our minds.