Jesus said… “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are ye not much better than they?” (Matthew 6:26) (You can read Part One here.)
Birds are not endowed with the ability to create their own supply by planting a crop of bird seed, waiting till harvest time, then gathering it up and storing in barns for later consumption.
They are totally dependent on the providential care of the Almighty. It’s how they live.
And they like it.
No hard labor plowing the ground with their beaks. No tedious seed planting. No pulling weeds. No having to gather the harvest in the hot sun and then store it in some kind of shelter.
Nope. They have it made in the shade.
But they do have a routine. They’re not slackers!
And their daily routine as one of God’s creatures that lives 100% based on the assumption that God will provide, is noteworthy. Indeed, highly instructive.
They have a morning routine, that if we were to emulate, would automatically increase our world and make manifest the provision God has laid aside for us.
It consists of two activities – singing and foraging. The foraging is a five step process they follow 100% of the time, and we would be well advised to do the same. But I’ll cover that in my next blog.
Today, I want to tell you what I believe is the most important one…They begin each day with a period of intense singing known as the “dawn chorus” to (1) establish territory, (2) attract mates and (3) to communicate with other birds.
Do you remember when Jesus answered the pharisees who were demanding that Jesus stop the people from shouting, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” as He neared the Mount of Olives? (Luke 19:37) He said “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”
If stones would praise God if the people were silent, I believe that birds in their own way may also be praising their Creator, however that is unprovable speculation on my part. But let’s look at what we do know and how we can apply that to our world and life…
The number one given reason for a “dawn chorus” is to establish territory. It’s their way of saying this space is theirs. They will vigorously defend their space. The reason for singing is in part to boldly and loudly claim that space, so no intruder will be tempted to take it.
What would your life be like if you began your day by establishing and declaring the authority of God’s kingdom in the space you occupy? You might even say it like this… “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven”. (Matthew 6:10)
Begin your day by establishing the territory you’re working and living in, (your sphere and area of calling) by coming into agreement with, and saying aloud what God’s Word says.
I suggest that you write out some Scriptures that you can read aloud and declare to all potential spiritual intruders on a daily basis. It has the effect of keeping them at bay. They see that you mean business and you’re in relationship with the Almighty God and are relying on Him.
Over the years, I have handwritten thousands of Bible verses, typed even more. I have compiled untold thousands of them into nine different books and six booklets. The impact of the written and spoken Word on the lives of so many has proven immeasurable.
The Word of God is immutable and transformative. When you’re establishing territory by singing or declaring God’s kingdom authority, it’s as much to establish that mindset within your mind and heart as it is to dissuade the powers of darkness, which Jesus said have been disarmed. (Colossians 2:15)
It will make you feel ten foot tall and bullet proof!
For example, try reading the Destiny Creed I wrote years ago – aloud every day for 30 days. Read it with gusto and conviction. Let these words seep deep into your soul and spirt. Marinate your mind in the truth. (Marinating works for dead meat (steaks and chicken) 😀, how much more for a living breathing soul?) The Destiny Creed is very powerful, but is only one shaft of light from the Word. (I placed it at the end of this blog for your edification.)
You could easily compile Scripture on topics such as provision or health or confidence or restoration or forgiveness or the love of God or… any of a number of topics.
Be like the birds, and sing His praises early in the morning before you begin foraging. If singing is hard for you, then boldly declare His Word relative to the territory God has given you.
And remember, the first territorial boundary He has given you is your spirit, soul and body. Start with that by renewing your mind through this process so that you can prove out in your life, the good, acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)
The “dawn chorus” is also meant to attract a mate. If you’re looking for that perfect one for you, may I suggest you look for one who has a lifestyle of speaking and declaring the Word and rule of God as a way of life. The best way to find such a mate is to first of all, be that person.
When I met Judy, I was admittedly gob smacked by her beauty and smile, but I was completely undone by her love of God. She exhibited the fruit of the Spirit in a way I had never seen. I had known her by email for five days before we met in person, but the day we met, I asked her to marry me. Nine days later, we wed. I cannot tell you how wonderful these last 14 years have been… but maybe some day.
My momma didn’t raise no fool. (Well actually, my momma didn’t raise me at all.) I had three that tried, but it didn’t work out so well, but I knew a good thing when I saw it. (“He who finds a wife, finds a good thing.” 😊 Proverbs 18:22)
Thirdly, the “dawn chorus” is about communicating with others of like mind. Gather with others who live a Word-centered, faith-filled life. It will invigorate you and keep you grounded.
Think of it like a morning rally before beginning to forage for the provision God has skillfully and lovingly laid aside for you.
Where is that provision you ask?
I will tackle that in my next blog. If you’re not subscribed, I invite you to do so at the bottom of this page. And if you don’t mind, I would appreciate it if you would share this on your social media pages that it may encourage others.
And for that, I thank you!
Here’s the Destiny Creed for you…
I was created in the image of God1, crowned with glory and honor2, to glorify Him by completing the work He gave me to do3. I am God’s workmanship, fearfully and wonderfully made4, created in Christ Jesus for good works prepared beforehand that I should walk in them5. Therefore, today I will be fruitful and multiply, replenishing and subduing the Earth6, for God made me to have dominion over the works of His hands7.
By faith, today I will obtain a good report8, not growing weary in well doing, but reaping in due season9, walking in wisdom10, and redeeming the time for the days are evil11.
I was created for His pleasure12, purchased with His blood13, delivered from darkness14, made alive in Christ15, transferred into His kingdom14, seated next to Him in the heavenly realms16 and called with a holy calling17. I will seek first His kingdom18, not looking back19, but pressing into it20 with unrelenting force21, I will destroy the works of the devil22.
Today I will be about my Father’s business23, doing it with all of my heart24, that I may apprehend that which I was apprehended for25. With all diligence I will make my calling and election sure26, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching ahead, I will press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus27.
Today I will be strong, doing exploits28, trampling the lion, cobra and dragon under my feet29; for He has given me power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will by any means hurt me30.
I will fulfill the ministry I have received from the Lord31.
[1]Genesis 1:27 [2]Psalm 8:5 [3]John 17:4 [4]Psalm 139:14 [5]Ephesians 2:10 [6]Genesis 1:28 [7]Psalm 8:6 [8]Hebrews 11:2 [9]Galatians 6:9 [10]Colossians 4:5 [11]Ephesians 5:16 [12]Revelation 4:11 [13]Acts 20:28 [14]Colossians 1:13 (15) Ephesians 2:5 (16)Ephesians 2:6 [17]2 Timothy 1:9 [18]Matthew 6:33 [19]Luke 9:62 [20]Luke 16:16 [21]Matthew 11:12 [22]1 John 3:8 [23]Luke 2:49 [24]Colossians 3:23 [25]Philippians 3:12 [26]2 Peter 1:10 [27]Philippians 3:13-14 [28]Daniel 11:32 [29]Psalm 91:13 [30]Luke 10:19 [31]Colossians 4:17
Love and peace to you all from Judy and me!
Touched my soul today Michael. What a life giving word, great declaration, and beautiful way to begin the day!
Thank you Marlene! So appreciate you taking the time to comment!
That was powerful Michael. Thank you. I shared with my Ekklesia partner and told her I will no longer complain when the birds are singing in the morning … even when it’s 4 am.
That’s funny Regina… 😊 Good to see your post today! Blessings!
There is a resonance with this concept for me. A few years ago, I was on my way to an early morning prayer meeting and passed two trees – one with a blackbird singing in it and the other with a magpie squawking. I had a picture of some kind of battle of the airways going on and when I got to the meeting, I told them about my experience. One of the other members was a nature expert and confirmed, yes, that it is by singing that the blackbird is establishing territory and saying to the magpie -“not on my tree!”. I am a member of a church worship band, who occasionally do music at public events and weddings. We called ourselves “Blackbird” on the back of this experience.
Well said Jamie! Thanks for sharing your story. Love the “blackbird” name!
Blessings, Michael
Powerful indeed, I must say profound analogy of the birds to humans, mind blowing, many thanks 🙏
Thanks Rhoda… Just wait until you see the rest… 😊
Blessings, Michael
Top notch!
I made a foraging basket last weekend and went foraging! Plus I love the birds singing! I’m sure they have been shouting lately, as cold winds gave way to sunshine and explosions of growth appeared everywhere –
God’s bounty!
Last week early one morning, when the birds had already been up a while, God suddenly spoke to my heart v clearly: “burst out of tears!”
Now I’m not a cry baby, but I do feel very much for people, sometimes to the point of tears. But Jesus carried our griefs and sorrows, so learn from the birds and let sorrowing & sighing flee away! And burst into song together, across the oceans, across the mountains, through the woods and the forests, in the streets and in the kitchens, in the schools and in the fields – “let everything that has breath, praise the Lord!
For in Him we live and breathe and have our being. Just like the birds!
What a beautiful and touching note Elaine! Thank you for sharing from your heart!
Blessings, Michael
[…] after the morning worship service (otherwise known as the dawn chorus where they establish and confirm their territory), they head out to forage for […]