We could definitely learn from some of God’s creatures. Take the birds, for instance. Let’s explore some facts about them, keeping in mind how they follow the intuition God has given them. If only mankind would do the same.
Birds “Use Their Heads”
They think logically and rationally. Anatomically, birds have large brains compared to their head size. Derogatory terms such as “bird brains” have been used in some cultures; however, such perceptions are no longer considered scientifically valid.
Many scientists say corvids, which includes crows, ravens, and jays, may be among the most intelligent animals. Crows are right at the top of the list. They solve problems, make tools, and remember human faces – including who is kind to them and who is not. And they let their friends know.
You may remember little Gabi Mann in Seattle, Washington, who always fed the birds. The crows would leave gifts for her once in a while such as buttons, colored rocks and shiny items. She had a huge collection. The family had increased the feeding operation in their yard until neighbors filed a lawsuit, claiming damages to their property by the birds. They claimed it also included rats, but health officials never found any. After a year, the suit was dismissed. It’s not known if an out of court settlement was reached. Hopefully, she’s still feeding the birds on a smaller scale.
A man who’d been feeding a family of American Crows in his backyard for over four years said he once found an evergreen sprig decorated with a cola ring top two days in a row.
If only humans were kinder to each other, it would be a better world. Yet the world has reached the point where there is so much lawlessness and wickedness that the love of many has grown cold, just as the Bible said it would the closer we draw to Christ’s return, and it will get much worse during the coming Tribulation (Matthew 24:12).
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10).
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Luke 6:31).
Over 90% of birds are monogamous during the nesting season. Both partners work together to raise their brood, sharing care duties. A number of birds mate for life. They have courtship rituals to find the most suitable partner. Bald eagles soar much higher than the country they symbolize when it comes to maintaining relationships. Black vultures have been known to attack others who are caught cheating on their mates.
It’s obvious how badly mankind has failed in this area.
“Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14).
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4).
The same goes for domestic abuse, both physical and verbal.
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20)
“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain” (James 1:26).
“For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:7-12).
Geese are known to be especially fastidious when it comes to loyalty and family values. Both parents share the responsibility of protecting and caring for the young. Older, experienced geese have been known to take goslings away from inattentive parents and raise them with their own. The original parents will stay back and follow the group but not be allowed to take their goslings back.
Birds protect their unborn. If you’ve ever been dive-bombed by a bird for getting too close to its nest, then you know this.
An estimated 50 million human babies in the womb are killed by abortions each year worldwide. Over 95% of abortions involve women who simply don’t want to have a baby. Less than 5% of abortions are for reasons of rape, incest, or the mother’s health at risk. If a mother’s health is at risk, early delivery could be necessary, but never abortion.
God knows us before we’re even formed in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:13-16).
Geese are particularly vocal. You can hear their unmistakable communication with each other as they’re flying overhead. When the leader or one of the geese towards the front gets tired and needs to fall back in the formation, another takes over. When one gets wounded or sick and falls from the sky, it is not abandoned. Two others fly down with the injured goose and stay with it and guard it until it is healed or has died.
Too often, when a person is dealing with an ongoing serious problem or illness, “friends” tend to fall away.
Crows are on the rise and moving closer to more populated areas. Scientists speculate it’s because they’ve found these areas to be an increased source of food and to have less predators.
If only all humans knew where the best food for the soul is to be found – in the true word of God. If you don’t know God’s word, Satan is the predator who won’t have to work hard at capturing you. He deceives the world through the occult, false religion, false education, and through a social system that seeks immoral pleasure rather than God. God has given us all the evidence we need to know the truth, so those who reject Him are foolish without excuse (Romans 1:18-22; 1 Peter 1:16).
Know the Right Path to Follow
Most birds migrate in flocks with other birds of their same kind. “Birds of a feather flock together.” In earlier centuries the more common phrase was “Birds of feather will fly together.”
The Bible warns us about apostasy and false prophets, and tells us not to be yoked together with unbelievers (1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:5; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
There are so-called Christian pastors and organizations leading their flocks in a “no fly zone” where God is concerned. They are perverting the Gospel of Christ and heading right smack into the one-world false religious system described in Revelation. They are worshipping and praying with those from non-Christian religions, putting their Bibles together on the pulpit to compare similarities, saying we all worship the same God and that all paths lead to God. This can’t be further from the truth! You will hear these pastors tout the deceptively nice-sounding word “tolerance.” The Bible is clear that we are to avoid participating in non-Christian religious ceremonies.
We’re called to expose false prophets and false doctrines, and defend the faith (2 Timothy 4:1-5; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Matthew 15:8-9; Galatians 1:8-12; Jude 1:4; Acts 20:28-31).
There is only one path to God, and that is through Jesus who is God in the flesh (John 1:1-15; John 10:30; John 14:6; Acts 4:11-12).
Quote from Dr. Harry Ironside (1876-1951), a godly fundamentalist author and teacher for many years:
“Truth mixed with error is equivalent to all error, except that it is more innocent looking and, therefore, more dangerous. Exposing error is most unpopular work. But from every true standpoint it is worthwhile work. To our Savior, it means that He receives from us, His blood-bought ones, the loyalty that is His due.”
Certain flocks claim to be Christian or compatible with Christianity, but they deny the Holy Trinity (1 John 5:5:11). They don’t believe that Jesus is the Son of God and God in the flesh. Their false prophets make up their own testaments, distorting the Word of God (Jeremiah 23:21-22; Matthew 15:8-9; 2 John 7-11; Revelation 22:18-19).
As Christians, our hope and prayer must be that people involved in the cults will see through the lies and will be drawn to the truth of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone, who is God in the flesh – not a lesser god, not Michael the Archangel, not Lucifer’s brother, etc. If they knock at our door, wanting to bring us their teaching, we can choose to witness to them at the door only if we are equipped to do so. If not, leave them alone (Matthew 15:13-14). We are never to invite them in for a Bible study. Rather than welcome these false teachers or give them our blessing, we could say something like, “I pray that you will be drawn to the true Gospel of Christ.”
When birds see danger ahead, they warn other birds about it. One researcher who studies birds, particularly geese, has noted that geese can sleep with one eye open, and one eye shut, so they can watch for predators.
Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” (Matthew 7:15-16).
“For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers…whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain…. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him…” (Titus 1: 10a-11, 16a).
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Warning against occult practices and doctrines of demons (Deuteronomy 10b-12a; 1 Timothy 4:1).
It always amazes me when I see migrating birds flying in formation. Studies of several species have shown that a true V-shaped echelon is, in fact, less common than a J formation. This helps them conserve energy as they fly through the air currents, and helps facilitate orientation and communication.
I like to think of it as the birds proclaiming all over the world “Victory in Jesus.”
“But thanks be to God, which giveth us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Many bird populations migrate long distances along a “flyway.” They know the path to follow as they migrate through the season’s change.
The Bible warns mankind to follow the narrow way that leads to life, but many do not (Matthew 7:13-14).
The Gathering Storm
If birds are flying high in the sky, there will probably be fair weather. Falling air pressure caused by an imminent storm causes discomfort in birds’ ears, so they fly low to alleviate it. Large numbers of birds roosting on power lines indicate swiftly falling air pressure. Seagulls tend to stop flying and take refuge at the coast if a storm is coming. Animals, especially birds, get very quiet immediately before it rains.
Signs of the gathering storm are all around us that the Bible warns of, but many refuse to see it.
“He [Jesus] answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” (Matthew 16:2-3).
In spite of the apostasy of these last days, the United States is still the most Christian nation on Earth. When the rapture – “catching away” – occurs before the Tribulation, it will surely cease to be a sovereign nation and will merge with the world system. There will be much devastation left behind: unpiloted planes falling from the sky and unmanned vehicles on the road swerving out of control – not to mention the carnage of the wars and judgments that follow. Those who manage to survive until Christ returns at the Battle of Armageddon, but have taken the mark of the beast, will have to “eat crow” (admit they were wrong) when they see the Son of Man coming in glory in the clouds. But it will be too late for them.
The Tribulation and the Fly Zone
Crows and their raven cousins are omnivorous; they’ll eat almost anything. They’ve been associated with the otherworld, war, and death, possibly because of their attendance on the battlefield. For instance, the Bible tells us that when the Russian-Arab coalition comes against Israel, they will end up on the menu for the vultures and other fowls of the air.
An article on the Rapture Ready website from some years ago is titled “Pathways to Armageddon and Beyond, Chapter 7: The Israeli Pathway.” Here is a summary of the section heading, “Other Prophetic Preparations.”
When God delivered Israel from Egyptian slavery, the Israelites were forced to wander in the wilderness for 40 years due to their sin. God provided them with manna and quail. When the antichrist comes to power, Israel will be forced to flee to the mountains for 42 months. Just as God stocked the wilderness pantry with quail to sustain the millions who fled Egypt, God seems to be preparing His menu for Israel’s flight to the mountains.
The most amazing thing about the chukar partridges is that there are so many of them. Wherever you go in the hilly regions of Israel you see them. … The reason their numbers are surprising is that the late autumn to early spring hunting season is largely concentrated on this species. In addition, at least 50 percent of their nests are destroyed by predators. But despite this, there are plenty of them about.
In the upcoming Gog-Magog War, birds of a different feather will not appear on the menu, but will be sitting at God’s feasting table. In Ezekiel 39:17-20 the invitation is issued to come and feast on the fallen invaders:
“And as for you, son of man, thus says the Lord God, Speak to every kind of bird and to every beast of the field, ‘Assemble and come, gather from all sides to My sacrificial meal which I am sacrificing for you, as a great sacrificial meal on the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh and drink blood.'”
In preparation for this great feast, God has been multiplying his invited guests. Every spring and fall 15 million raptors – birds of prey – commute through Israel on their way to or from their homelands.
European buzzards migrating southeast meet up with flocks flying southwest from Afghanistan. From Turkey and Russia rise eagles, falcons, jackdaws, and storks to join them — nearly 300 species in all. An estimated 15 million birds migrate annually from Europe and Asia south to Africa along a narrow land corridor – Eretz Yisroel (land of Israel). All this takes place in late September and early October.
Ezekiel 38 and 39 foretells an attack by Gog, King of Magog, and his allies upon the nation of Israel. Ezekiel 39:4 tells us what is going to happen to this army.
“You shall fall upon the mountains of Israel, you and all your troops and the peoples who are with you; I will give you to birds of prey of every sort and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.”
How convenient of God to have some 15 million raptors fly over Israel every Sukkot [Feast of Tabernacles] ready for this tremendous feast predicted more than 2,300 years ago!” – Source
A Home for the Fowls
The one-world false religious system will end up a home for fowls during the Tribulation. ALL false religious systems through the ages up to the present time have their roots in the false religious system of ancient Babylon.
Babylon was overthrown by Persia in 539 B.C., but the false religion survived in a “mystery form.” Its destruction takes place as a result of the pouring forth of the seventh bowl of God’s wrath (Rev. 16:19). The city is called “Babylon the Great” because – just like Babylon in ancient times – it has power and commercial splendor, and thinks of itself as great. The Bible tells us it was built on pride (Isaiah.13:19; Jeremiah. 50:31-32; Daniel 4:29-30). The Bible tells us that all religions will be combined together into a false religious system during the tribulation that is (at first) centered in Rome (Revelation 17:18). By reading Chapter 17, you see it is described as being in partnership with the beast [Antichrist] one-world [global] system of government). The present pope, Francis, is strongly pushing both one-world government and one-world religion.
After the Antichrist (the first beast) has made use of the false religious system to gain power during the Tribulation, he will have it destroyed. Why? Because he does not want to share power; he will proclaim himself to be God. The Antichrist’s partner (the second beast), the False Prophet of this false religious system, will set up an image of the Antichrist in the rebuilt temple in Israel and will demand that all bow down to worship it or else be killed. He will force all to take Antichrist’s mark of worship in their right hand or forehead in order to be able to buy or sell. Those who refuse will be tracked down and killed.
The technology is here for the implementation of this mark, and we can see how people are being desensitized in order to prepare them to take it when the time comes.
Jack Kelley explains the origins of this false religion up to its present form, and tells us that all the world’s systems will unite politically, economically, and religiously. The Bible indicates that the headquarters of this combined system moves to the literal city of Babylon. Here is an excerpt from Jack’s article:
“At some point along the way, perhaps in preparation for the destruction of the harlot church, world headquarters will move from Rome to Babylon. Zechariah 5:5-11 speaks of a woman in a basket, representing the iniquity of the world, being carried from her current position to a place prepared for her on the plains of Shinar, a reference to Babylon’s location in modern-day Iraq. Women with the wings of storks, unclean birds, lift the basket into the air and carry it there…. I believe the woman in Zechariah 5 to be the same as the woman in Rev 17, returned from Rome to her original home in Babylon in fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy….
“From my studies, I’ve concluded that with the rise of the anti-Christ the world’s religious, political and economic systems, [they] will all be consolidated under one authority, and this authority will be headquartered in Babylon.” Read the entire article here:
Revelation 18:2 “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, ‘Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, for she has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.”
The reason for its total destruction is found here: Revelation 18:23b-24 “For by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.”
So, what should we brethren be doing now?
Rise Above the Noise and Confusion: Let Your Voice Be Heard
Researchers have discovered something very interesting about white-crowned sparrows. Only those that live in cities have adapted by singing in a higher frequency. They realized that if they sing too low their voices will not be heard.
The early church endured tremendous persecution and martyrdom in its efforts to spread the Gospel of Christ. But despite the cruel tortures they endured, they would not let their voices be silenced. We, in these last days, are told to do the same.
Matthew 10:26-32 “Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”
We should be spreading the Gospel of Christ to as many as we can, and praying for each other as we witness for the Lord when Satan is trying his hardest to make us lose faith.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).
Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3).
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
“For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:18-28).
Your Best Defense
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints [believers in Christ]” (Ephesians 12:10-18).
Song/Video: “In The Garden”
(Read the touching story under this video of a man in Asia who was sent to prison for bringing Bibles into the country, and how this song got him through what he had to endure while there.)
Blessings,
Cynthia Nuara
https://www.facebook.com/propheciesinthebible
Bird Sources:
- Wingspan Optics: The Most Intelligent Birds in The World
- Wikipedia: Bird Intelligence
- Wikipedia: Crow
- Preserve Wildlife: Canada Geese
- Scientific American: Why do migratory birds fly in a V-formation?
- Scientific American: How City Noise is Reshaping Bird Song
- The Spruce: Do Birds Mate for Life?
- Treehugger: Animals That Mate for Life (Despite the site, I’m not a tree hugger)
- Wikihow: How to Predict the Weather Without a Forecast; Observing Animal Behaviors