Birds of Paradise

  All 39 species of Birds of Paradise have been photographed (for the first time) for an exhibit at the National Geographic Museum.  The male birds’ plumage are gorgeous and their mating rituals amazing as they do their best to attract a female.  The birds live on the island of New Guinea, near Australia, where food is plentiful and they have few predators.  In evolution-speak, because of the bounty of food and lack of predators, they have had plenty of time and the inclination to develop fancier and fancier feathers while the females could afford to be pickier about choosing a mate.  If the male doesn’t look good, strut his stuff and shake a tail feather better than the others, he’s out of luck.  Unlike Genghis Khan (see
the post of 1/7/13), his genes don’t get passed on.

  What does this have to do with prayer?  Birds and fish were the first living things in the creation account that God told to be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:22).  God repeats that command when Noah releases the birds and other living creatures from the ark (Gen 8:17).  The Birds of Paradise give praise to God by doing what he created them to do.  They are being fruitful and multiplying in their own unique way.
  
  They also provide a lesson to us:  “Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than  they?  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matt 6:26-27). We have just entered a new year. Many people are worried about the future, worried about the economy, worried about their jobs.  Worrying accomplishes nothing good and, in fact, shows a lack of faith in God.

  Prayer, on the other hand, shows trust in God.  Place yourself and your family in God’s hands.  Trust in him.  He knows what you need (check out Matt 6:25-33).  Seek him, his kingdom, his righteousness.  He will take care of the rest.  And you will have peace.

  If you need help praying, don’t hesitate to call (301.760.7744) or write [email protected]).


 

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