Look at the Birds! The Brown Snake Eagle

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26

Recently, I published a blog about a dream I had where a long line of birds was perched outside my back deck on a tree branch. I remember there was a large, brown, nondescript bird in the middle with fluffy feathers, and then many smaller, very colorful birds on either side, including a beautiful red headed woodpecker. http://neighborhoodbiblestudy.blogspot.com/2013/06/god-provides-look-at-birds.html

As I posted earlier, I knew the message was for me to meditate on Matthew 6:26 and believe for the Lord's abundant provision - especially when a huge and glorious Red-headed Pileated Woodpecker showed up on my back deck about a week later. It truly was the most amazing and magnificent bird I have ever seen.

Well, I continued to wonder about that nondescript brown bird with the fluffy feathers. He was larger than the others and was smack dab in the middle, and I got the sense he was the leader of the bunch. I thought maybe he was a picture of the Lord Jesus, but I couldn't be sure - I decided not to swim in any deeper waters than I was already in, and determined to just let it go.

So this past weekend, my parents came to visit and told us about an encounter they had while traveling in South Africa. While on a safari, they witnessed a Brown Snake Eagle eat a snake whole and even got a picture to prove it! The guide told them he had never seen anything like it! Don't know about you, but I've never even heard of a Snake Eagle!

My curiosity was peeked, so I did some research and immediately recognized this bird as the one in my dream. He is a bird of prey from Africa who feeds on snakes - crushing their heads and eating them all the way down to the tail! Immediately, I thought of Genesis 3:15 where God curses Satan: And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel. We all know that this prophecy was fulfilled at the cross. Jesus is the Seed of Woman who crushed the head of Satan when He took on all sin at His crucifixion (His heel was crushed/bruised on the cross).

I also learned that this bird eats venomous snakes by first secreting the poison from the fangs (deadly power is removed). The only time they are at risk is when attacking a cobra. Cobras are known to spit their venom, thereby blinding the eagle. When I read that, I immediately thought of the millions of us Christians with the authority and power of Christ to take down the snakes in our lives, and yet have been blinded by the enemy to this wonderful truth! But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31.

Well, how's that for a bible study straight from a nature class? I thank the Heavenly Father that He teaches us at night while we sleep, even in our dreams! He is always at work, leading us and guiding us and comforting us with the truth of His Word!

Soar with The Lord

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV.

Here is a word from the Lord I received today while praying and praising along with Hillsong this morning: "Lay down your own plans, flow with My Spirit, and you will soar with Me!"

As I thought about this word and reflected on it, I was reminded of Isaiah 40:31, one of my favorite Old Testament verses. I love imagining soaring in the air like a bald eagle, floating high above the cares and worries of this world and the fear tactics the enemy uses against us to lure us into doubting God's promises. At that high altitude, it is so much easier to bask in the Father's love and experience the shalom Peace of our Savior. 

As a bit of background, I will tell you how this word came to me. Several weeks ago, I had a very vivid dream where I was standing on a sandy beach with other people, wading in ankle deep water. The ocean was vast and calm, and I had plans to venture out further for a swim. But then suddenly, a very large, black horse emerged out of the waves, followed by a entire army of riders and warriors on dark horses that extended down the beach for as far as the eye could see--creating a barricade! We were all frightened out of our wits! But after a moment, I saw that these riders were really a dark, stony edifice of warring soldiers that one might see in a frieze on an old Greek temple or building. The point was, it was just a facade meant to scare me--and it worked! But only for a moment, because when I realized there was no real life in these riders, I said, "I'm not afraid of this!" As soon as these words left my lips, I woke up. 

Yes, it was a very strange dream but comforting as well. Here's what I received from it: Fear tactics from the enemy cannot master or rule over a believer who knows the Father's promises and the power and authority he has been given in the Name of Jesus! Later that day, I received more revelation as I thought more about the dream--in my mind's eye I saw the entire facade of riders melt down into the sea like wax! Psalms 112:10 says The wicked shall see [it], and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish. 

Basically, I believe what the Lord is saying is that these temptations to fear are simply roars by a toothless lion that are merely temporary. Therefore, don't give in to the lies and believe in these idle threats when they come! Keep your focus on Jesus and His Word and then the enemy will melt away.

So today as I prayed, I saw the Lord holding my hand as we soared high above the beach where those riders had stood. By laying down my own plans and desires and flowing with His spirit, I can then soar up high with Him, where I can see things from His perspective and not that of this fallen world. Praise God! Isn't that a wonderful gift He has given the church?  I have such peace knowing His Word is true and His promises are sure! He has all of His children firmly by the hand and will never let us go. 

My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand. John 10:29