Have you read Matthew 6:26? It says, "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?"

Many Christians are familiar with this scripture in which Jesus talks about the heavenly Father feeding birds. Yet, some have misapplied the lesson. What is the lesson in Matthew 6:26?

The context of what Jesus was talking about in the Gospel of Matthew concerned not getting mentally distracted about the physical things that we need. When he spoke of the Father feeding the birds, he also mentioned a couple of other comparisons as well to make the point that we don't have to be anxious, but rather, we can trust in our heavenly Father to supply our worldly needs.

He said that being anxious or mentally distracted would not increase our physical height. He said to consider the lilies of the field and how God arrays the grass of the field with their glory. He went on to tell us that our heavenly Father knows the things that we need; we should seek Him first and all else would be added.

It's a great lesson about how to handle anxiety over the everyday things that we need in life, like food, drink, and clothing. In our present economy, there are people who are anxious about daily necessities. This teaching helps us to deal with that kind of stress.

Over the years I have heard people making reference to Matthew 6, especially the part about our heavenly Father feeding the birds. They enjoy how Jesus obviously pointed out that we are much better than birds. And, so they conclude that the Father will just have to feed them, too, like He does the birds.

Have you ever considered how the Father feeds the birds? Does He get up very early, and in a very large bucket, gather as many worms as He can? And then, does He go to every bird on earth, open its beak, and toss in a worm?

That sounds silly, doesn't it? It sounds about as silly as some people who say things like, "Well Jesus said that I'm better than a bird, so the heavenly Father just has to do something. He has to take care of me; He's just got to do something."

Jesus said to behold, or consider the fowls of the air. He then pointed out the obvious, that they do not sow seed in a field, and do not reap in the field. We all know that there are no bird barns for food storage, right?

Then, after explaining the obvious, he told us that our heavenly Father feeds them. So, again, how does the Father feed them? Their provision is out there; it is called the food chain.

God is not going to bring a worm or seed to every bird, open their beak and feed them. Nor is He going to bring every bird to the food supply. He has provided it, but it is up to the birds to go and get it.

Jesus told us that the Father already knows we have needs. The context, complete with very clear illustrations, was to not get mentally distracted or stressed out about those things. He wanted us to know, we are better than a bird in God's eyes!

Some years later, the Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians to remind them that God would supply all their need. He wrote to the Corinthians to tell them that God was able to make all grace abound so that they would have sufficiency in all things. And to the Ephesians he wrote that God was able to do exceeding abundantly above all they could ask or think.

If we then are better than the birds, and, the Father has abundantly supplied for them, then He surely must have supplied for us. Numerous verses in the New Testament clearly indicate that. But, just like the birds, we need to go out and get it.

Following the lesson that Jesus taught, we are not stressed out because we know that our heavenly Father has already supplied. We keep Him first in our lives. And then we have our eyes open, expecting to see His supply for us.

How much more confidence do we have, considering that He has supplied plenty for the birds and that we are so much better than birds? How much greater is our expectation when we read verses in the New Testament of His abundant supply for us? And, how joyful and thankful we are when we actively go out get that which we need, which He has supplied.

Just as our heavenly Father feeds the birds, He feeds us too, by providing us an abundant supply.

Publisher's Note: Look for God to provide us with what we actually need - not what we think we need...

About the Author:   Michael A. Verdicchio offers a FREE eBook, "9 Keys to Answered Prayer!" for signing up for his FREE weekly news letter, "The Pep Letter," at:nhttp://www.ConfidenceAndJoy.com nMichael is a husband, father, minister, author, broadcaster and the voice on numerous projects and productions, Get a FREE Lifetime Membership to EnrichingYourLifeNow.com when you subscribe for FREE to his inspiring blog. ---- Article Source: Content for Reprint

God and our Needs

Gods Promises for Your Every Need by Thomas Nelson Publishers and Thomas Nel

US $6.97

24d 23h 25m

Pivotal Praying Connecting With God in Times of Great Need by Tim Elmore and

0 Bid

US $3.99

1h 28m

Who Needs God Kushner Hardcover Jewish Law Torah Halacha Bible Talmud MIshna

US $11.00

1h 54m

BLAIR vintage women top LARGE pink NEW If you need helpask GodIf you dont

US $12.99

2h 2m

Where Is God when I Need Him Most

0 Bid

US $.99

2h 57m

Gods Boot Camp Norvel Hayes God Needs You 1978

0 Bid

US $.99

1d 19h 37m

SOMETIMES GOD HAS A KIDS FACE SISTER MARY ROSE McGREADY CHRISTIAN CHARITY NEED

0 Bid

US $.99

2d 3h 35m

TONY DANIELS BONK F5 1 GOD BLESS AMERICA HOT COVER ONLY PATRIOTS NEED BID

0 Bid

US $15.00

1d 1h 11m

Who Needs God by Harold S Kushner 1989 Hardcover DUSTJACKET AND ALMOST FREE

0 Bid

US $4.99

2d 15h 35m

GODS PROMISES FOR YOUR EVERY NEED new king james version

0 Bid

US $6.99

2d 21h 20m

FRANKLIN LIBRARY ALL GOD’S CHILDREN NEED TRAVELING SHOES 1ST SIGNED ANGELOU NR

0 Bid

US $75.00

3d 44m

CMI HENTON WHO NEEDS A FAIRY GOD MOTHER

0 Bid

US $9.99

3d 4h 33m

GOATWHORE Who Needs God OFFICIAL SHIRT M L XL T shirt

US $30.25

29d 10h 18m

Gods Promises for Your Every Need Deluxe Edition Brown tan Imitation Leather]

US $13.98

16d 22h 28m

Touchpoint for Couples Gods Answers for Your Daily Needs by Brian R

0 Bid

US $.21

4d 5h 11m

Gods Promises For Your Every Need Compiled by Dr AL Gill

US $5.00

4d 5h 30m

Powered by phpBay Pro

What Does God Want? - Riggs Union and Sturgeon United Methodist ...

What Does God Want? “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from ...

Publish Date: 07/15/2011 13:08

http://srumc.blogspot.com/2011/07/what-does-god-want.html

God Supplies Our Needs « The Listening Post

4:19 (Taken in context, Paul is telling the Philippians that with the same kind of generosity that they had shown, God would supply their basic needs in life. So I believe by extension, that as we faithfully serve our ...

Publish Date: 07/09/2011 15:00

http://nweatherhead.wordpress.com/2011/07/09/god-supplies-our-needs/

GOD ASSUMES FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR NEEDS WHEN WE OBEY HIM ...

But when difficulty comes, problems arise, and sorrow strikes, we often wonder where God is and how we can trust Him. But the Lord is not only capable of meeting our needs, He also is able to satisfy the deepest desire ...

Publish Date: 07/04/2011 8:37

http://www.erjegarimbao.com/2011/07/04/god-assumes-full-responsibility-for-our-needs-when-we-obey-him/

Tim Hughes- Here I Am To Worship

view description for email and d/l link. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, as trials and tribulations come forth know that they are in Gods plan, for it is in the Good and Bad moments that we are formed into the person that we are called to be. ...

Let’s not. Instead let’s rejoice in all the beauty and good in the world.

Gratitude not only gives you a positive and healthy perspective on life, it boosts your happiness and that is a proven fact.

People who are optimistic, spiritual, and successful often consider gratitude to be their top value.  So instead of spending your day feeling down or complaining about what you don’t have, just practice these 3 simple steps to get you out of your funk, feel uplifted and motivated.

Step 1: Verbally speak your appreciation.

“Saying thank you is more than good manners. It is good spirituality.” – Alfred Painter

This quote could not be truer. We often associate saying thank you with etiquette, but in reality, this simple act, even if it is subconscious, will increase your happiness level.

By saying thank you frequently, you are reminding yourself of all the amazing things you have. But let’s take it to the next level.

Don’t rely on your subconscious to do all the work. In order to really reap the benefits of gratitude you need to do it on a conscious level too. So speak up and let those you love feel loved and express your gratitude for them.

It can be something as easy as, “Thank you for listening to me,” or “I appreciate your friendship.” These simple statements work wonders for both you and the recipient.

But don’t stop there. Show your appreciation for the small, everyday things in life too. If you’re having your favorite ice cream, say it out loud.

Step 2: Start a gratitude journal.

“The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.” - Eric Hoffer.

It can be hard to remember all our blessings and even harder to show gratitude for them. That is why, in addition to speaking gratitude, it is also important to write down what you are grateful for.

Start a gratitude journal, a journal you can be proud of. It will be filled with all your blessings, gifts, joys, happy moments, and your appreciation for what you have in your life and in this world.

At times of sadness or doubt, you can easily and instantly give yourself a boost by flipping through the pages of your journal and be instantly reminded of how wonderful your life is.

Buy yourself a beautiful notebook or log your gratitude online. The point is to give yourself a written affirmation.

Step 3: Feel the joys of your life through meditation.

“I feel a very unusual sensation - if it is not indigestion, I think it must be gratitude.” - Benjamin Disraeli

The last step is to feel gratitude. I highly recommend a reflective meditation but you can also feel it through other forms of quiet contemplation, reflection, or even in hugging someone.

Meditating on all that you have and all that makes your life beautiful and joyous will increase your energy, let your vibrations circulate throughout your body, and most importantly gain a positive and healthy perspective on your life.

Through meditating on your achievements, joys, and whatever else that makes you feel good about yourself, you are reaffirming your accomplishments and will feel a stronger sense of power within yourself.

But my favorite way, by far, to show gratitude is in the hug. Hug as many people as you can everyday. How can one possibly feel sad when they are embraced by another human being?

These 3 steps are key to leading a happy and successful life. And it all comes down to gratitude. By practicing these steps everyday, you will notice a positive shift in your attitude almost immediately.