The Kingdom of Heaven ... and Hundreds of Birds

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches."
Matthew 13:31-32

Yesterday morning, I was taking the dogs out and not only saw a beautiful sunrise but also heard the sound of hundreds of birds chirping, perched in the trees beside my neighbor's house.

And I mean literally hundreds.

I tried to capture them with this picture, though my camera phone isn't the best for taking pics. If you look hard you may see black dots in the top of the big tree past the neighbor's house.

It was such a beautiful image to me of what Jesus meant when He spoke about the growth of His Kingdom. The Kingdom of God started as a tiny mustard seed, but it is growing and will continue to grow until the end comes and the Kingdom has reached its fullest capacity. Then, millions of birds will fill its branches.

God never ceases to amaze me.

Distracted or Discouraged?

Have you ever found yourself distracted or discouraged but can't quite put your finger on why?

I've been there recently. Ministry has been going really well, and I've seen God's power in awesome ways as He's used me to share truth and hope with others.

At the same time, I also recently found myself distracted and discouraged. I went to a small group (that I lead) and found it challenging to focus, to listen as people shared their reflections, and to respond in a way that seemed relevant. In a haze. Distracted.

Dis*tract*ed : mentally confused, troubled

But what was I distracted by? I can't even tell you.

Not only that, by the end of the small group meeting I also found myself discouraged. Not feeling joyful. Wanting to leave and go far far away.

Dis*cour*aged : deprived of courage or confidence

What's up with that?!

My conclusion: I was under a spiritual attack. I believe the devil was trying to take me off the track that God had me on and was trying to take away my courage and confidence to continue speaking up and stepping out for Christ.

The Bible talks about spiritual attack: "We are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world..." (Ephesians 6:12) and "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him and be strong in your faith..." (1 Peter 5:8-9)

I'm aware of how the devil likes to work in my life, and distraction and discouragement are some of the primary ways he's used in the past.

Thankfully, I shared my feelings with a friend, who immediately prayed for me and reminded me of truth. Distraction and discouragement are not from God. Instead, they're the devil's plan to keep us from God's path and from being powerful and effective for the Kingdom of God.

God is so incredibly good, and the devil is just a liar.

With that, I'm praying the Lord's Prayer (personalized for this situation), asking for God's intervention. If you're in a place where the devil is trying to distract or discourage you, you may want to pray this prayer too, personalizing it for your situation. And together, let's remember this: "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2). It's his truth that drowns out all the distractions, discouragement and lies of the enemy.

My Father in Heaven, may I always honor and adore you with my life. I praise you because you are such a good, loving and gracious father.

May your Kingdom come and your will be done in and through my life here on earth, just as your will is done in Heaven. Use me as an instrument in your Kingdom breakthrough in people's lives.

Give me today everything I need, including recognition of the truth and the ability to walk in it, focus on your priorities for today, and the ability to live confidently and courageously for you. Thank you for my friend who spoke truth and encouragement to me when I needed it.

Thank you for forgiving me for my sins. Help me know the extent of your forgiveness and mercy, and help me to extend that same forgiveness and mercy to others.

Guide me away from temptation and its distraction, enticement, deceitfulness, and condemnation.

And protect, shield and deliver me from all evil.

Father, please do all these things because the Kingdom, all the power, and all the glory belong to you forever.
Amen.