"WHEN SPARROWS FALL" - THE VALUE OF ONE SMALL SPARROW

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By Mary Lindow

THE SPARROW...

... IS A CLEVER LITTLE BIRD

In Psalm 84 David describes his longing to be with the people of God and in the actual moment that he wrote this, he was a wanderer; he was a fugitive. He was not able to be in a place where he could have fellowship with God or other people, and this is when he wrote Psalm 84.

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,  Lord Almighty!

2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;

My heart and my flesh cry out
 for the living God.

Have you ever felt this way or longed for fellowship like David wrote about with the Lord? His word so clearly express what it meant to David.

Then, he remembered one of his bird watching experiences. He remembered how at one time when he was in the house of God, he looked up toward the altar and he noticed some movement. When he looked closer, he found a sparrow building her nest, so he wrote in verse 3:

“Even the sparrow has found a home,

And the swallow a nest for herself,

Where she may have her young—a place near your altar.”

“Lord Almighty, my King and my God!” he said. “I wish I could be like that sparrow.  

I wish I could be like that swallow that is able to build its nest at the very altar of God.”
What David is saying here is,
“Can you think of anything better than to have your home in the altar of God in the sanctuary?”

This is something so very precious to me because I am always so tremendously interested in nurturing and loving my family that I cannot pass this over.

Did you notice this swallow chose the altar of God to build a nest for her family? 
She could have chosen any place to build a nest, but she chose the altar of God.
Yes! The sparrow is a clever bird.

BUILDING YOUR NEST IN THE SANCTUARY

I believe that things are put here for a reason and for instruction; so I am going to suggest that if you want your family to be all that God wants it to be, build your nest, metaphorically speaking, at the altar. Build your nest in the sanctuary because in the sanctuary is the answer to every question that you have. And I hope that you understand that I am not talking about a church building! I am talking about your fellowship with God. There must also always be room in your nest to include those with broken wings, or who have been abandoned or left as orphans.

A SPARROW IS VALUABLE

One more lovely thing about the sparrow. The sparrow is a valuable bird. I am sure that some people might question this statement! But it is a valuable bird, indeed. Some may say, “But not to man”! It is Valuable to God though!

I am sure the Lord did some bird watching as he travelled to places with his dear friends,
but this particular instance that He records is in the temple.

As He went into the temple one day, He saw a whole bunch of sparrows,
(remember that we are talking about a small bird) with their legs tied together,
 and they were being sold for a sacrifice in the temple.

In Matthew, chapter 10 notice what Jesus has to say about sparrows.

As He looked at those sparrows, He said, in verse 29:

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?”

That was the least expensive offering that anybody could make.

If we were to stop there, we would say what we ordinarily say, “What is a sparrow? They are not worth anything at all,” but the Lord said, in the last part of verse 29:

…and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father knowing about it.

That is how valuable they are. Not one sparrow falls to the ground without God knowing about it.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT WHEN YOU SEE A DEAD SPARROW?

Do you just kick it out of the way and go on?  Often we see someone much like the little dead sparrow, wounded or suffering from the cruelty of others too busy to really care about a “broken wing” or perhaps a broken heart.

So many are busy licking their own wounds and getting on with their own lives, that they are unaware of the “sparrows” that God has placed in their midst. Those who need to be invited into a place of “Sanctuary”! Do you treat your employees like this or a friend who has been through a season of sorrow or loss?

Do you find yourself simply walking past the Wounded or “dead Sparrow”? That would be a normal reaction, but evidently when the Lord saw the sparrow that fell very differently.
He said,

“MY FATHER KNOWS ABOUT THAT SPARROW…

…And my father cares about it.”

Then notice what He says:

Matthew 10

30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

A SPARROW IS SO IMPORTANT TO GOD...

 …That it doesn't fall to the ground without God knowing about it, and you and those whom He has placed around you to radiate truth and hope to are of more value than many sparrows.

In Matthew, chapter 6 I think that Lord has done some bird watching

 and might want us to do some as well!  

He said:

26 "Look at the birds in the air. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds.

27 You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it.

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? Look at how the lilies in the field grow. They don’t work or make clothes for themselves.

29 But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers.

30 I clothe the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So you can be even surer that I will clothe you. Don’t have so little faith!

31 Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’

32 The people who don’t know God keep trying to get these things, and your Father in heaven knows you need them.

33 Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well.

34 So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

A very well spoken and eloquent preacher said one time,

“There is never a sparrow that dies but that God goes to its funeral.”

This really touched my heart and impressed me. 

Not a sparrow dies, but that God goes to its funeral.

THE NEXT TIME THAT YOU SEE A SPARROW…

…Remember that God is paying attention to that little sparrow. God is interested in you and He is interested and concerned about me as well! Remember that God cares about you so much more than even that sparrow and that He wants to draw you closely into a safe place of Sanctuary with Him! A place of safety and peace, where you can rest and learn about His love for you, for your family and those dear close friends and perhaps a few lost or weary lonely souls that He has sent to you.

HE HAS MUCH TO TELL YOU REGARDING 

ALL OF THE PLANS THAT HE HAS FOR YOU!

“Settle into the nest…

…And Rest!”

God is waiting to speak and meet with you!

“The Lowly Sparrow”

~Author Unknown

I am only a little sparrow!

A bird of low degree!

My life is of little value.

But the dear Lord cares for me

He gave me a coat of feathers

'Tis very plain I know:

With never a speck of crimson.

For it was not made for show.

But it keeps me warm in winter,

It shields me from the rain.

Were it bordered with gold and purple

Perhaps it would make me vain

I have no barn or storehouse:

I never sow or reap:

God gives me a sparrow's portion.

But never a seed to keep.

If my meat is sometimes scanty,

Close picking makes it sweet:

I have always enough to keep me.

And life is more than meat.

I know there are many sparrows:

All over the world they're found:

But our heavenly Father knows,

When one of us falls to the ground.

Though small, we are never forgotten-

Though weak, we are never afraid.

For we know that the dear Lord keeps

The lives of the creatures He made.

I fly through the thickest forest,

I light on many a spray,

I have no chart or compass,

But I never lose my way.

Duplication and re-transmission of this writing is welcomed
provided that complete source and website information for Mary Lindow is included.

Thank You!

Copyright  2012 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow

www.marylindow.com

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“His Presence Is A Refuge For The Weary”

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By Mary Lindow 

“Let the wise listen and add to their learning,

And let the discerning get guidance.”

Proverbs 1:5

DISTURBING DAYS

It doesn’t take a genius mind to know that we are in some terrible times here in the earth! Wars wars and more threats of wars! Economic pressures, ungodly rulers, missiles aimed and ready to blow up other countries, child abductions and murders are on the rise and we have had odd and bizarre weather patterns! And these events all can occur in just one week’s worth of change!

I hear the Holy Spirit bringing a clear word of comfort and help to His people who have ears to hear what He is saying to them. Those that are determined to follow the voice of the Good Shepherd and not strange voices.

John 10:5 

And a stranger will they not follow,

But will flee from him:

For they know not the voice of strangers.

HEARTS OF BROKENNESS

The days have seemingly turned darker, uncertain, and frenzied as media reporters shell out the hyped newscasts of doom and despair. And although much of what is being reported may be actually happening, it is intentionally ratcheted up to keep viewing polls well oiled and operating.

All of the noise pollution and the droning voices of the media personalities can weary and weigh down the heart of those who have a compassionate and sensitive spirit or heart.  And. Often through all of the pressure filled “minute by minute live” reporting, people can become restless and fearful, anxiety ridden, and heavy laden with so much hitting them.

Proverbs 12:25 

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down,

But a good word makes it glad.

IT IS A CRAZY WORLD WE LIVE IN AND IT’S NOT GOING TO GET EASIER AS CORRUPTION AND WICKEDNESS CONTINUE TO PLAY TOGETHER!

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Although we are not to be totally ignorant of what is occurring around us and live in recluse mentalities, the Lord does have a greater plan and focus for us during such tough times.

You and I as children of God will never really feel at home here on planet Earth. We have been Divinely implanted with a spiritual device deep in our spirits that longs for the “Home of Heaven”.

No more tears, no more night, no more longing to fully be-long! We have been walking a pathway of preparation, each of us in different stages of our lives, to transition from this decaying world and body into a heavenly place of resurrection and eternal abundant life.

It’s the living here now that is so like rough grit sandpaper to our nerve endings!

2 Timothy 4:18

The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack

And will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.

To him be glory for ever and ever

Psalm 61:3 

For You have been a shelter and a refuge for me,

A strong tower against the adversary.

We are in much need of a directional adjustment as believers right now, a redirecting of the compass, as the world turns itself upside down with malice, dictatorships, and political posturing. 

We need to be certain that nothing of the world and its behaviors is hidden in our own hearts. We must hear that Magnetic pulling voice of the Holy Spirit, and obey it without turning left or right.

Deuteronomy 5:32 

 So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you;

Do not turn aside to the right or to the left.

The Spirit of the Lord is calling out to His people in this very very serious and crucial moment to allow Him your ears that hear and your eyes that see to discern where the compass for your soul is located! It points to a dwelling place of Divine Rest and Protection.    

There is a hidden deep place of safety only revealed to those of pure motive and clean hands.

THE LORD IS CALLING OUT TO YOU AND I

 “Come to Me! Run to Me! I know that you are heavily burdened by all of the concentrated pressures mounting around you.  Run to the Dwelling place of Divine Rest and Protection!  It will require you laying down the things that so easily set you off and get you weighed down with concern and anxiety.

1 Peter 5:7 

Casting the whole of your cares

All your anxieties,

All your worries,

All your concerns,

Once and for all on Him.

For He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

Come to the simple place. Huddle into the shadow of My Wings for,

I AM the Refuge for the child that heeds My voice and runs to Me, abandoning self made plans for protection and self-preservation.

I AM your shield,

I AM your Fortress.

But you must come to the Refuge with no agenda in your heart or a Message on your lips. You come to the Resting Place of Safety from the Storm to WAIT, Ponder, Rest and rethink your Life call.”

Psalm 5:11

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;

Let them ever sing for joy.

Spread your protection over them,

That those who love your name may rejoice in you.

CONTINUAL SAFETY

When we walk in the way of surrender and tenderness with our ears attuned to the still small voice of God, we actually walk in the Overshadowing safety of the Presence of God.  Training our spiritual ears to hear the voice of the Father is a lifetime guarantee of knowing when the storms or troubles will arise and is a promise for direction to a place of Divine Protection and direction whenever needed.

Psalm 16:9

Therefore my heart is glad

And my tongue rejoices;

My body also will rest secure

Rest Child of God. REST!

It is the hardest thing for the mind and body to do! Learning to rest when the world is screaming at a fevered pitch, “WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO NOW” is a hard-learned yet reachable discipline if we will lean into it and ask for God’s help.

Hear the Voice of God calling you to enter into His rest. It is a place of pleasant simplicity and uncluttered doctrine. His Presence silences all of the noise of the day and noise of the Head.

HIS PRESENCE IS A REFUGE FOR THE WEARY

Dear child of God!  There is no judgment or shame there. 

It is a restful place of learning to take up an easy yoke and a light burden.

Perhaps right now…. as you listen to this audio podcast or read this, you might just sit back and “Enter in to the Refuge of God”.

Lay down the weight of worry and frustration. The anger at life all bottled up in rage and gloom!  All you need to take with you into the shelter is a willing heart. Ready to trust the Divine Protector and Provider.

Enter…

…Into His Rest.

Psalm 33:22

May your unfailing love rest upon us,

O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.

Duplication and re-transmission of this writing is welcomed provided that complete article and website information for Mary Lindow is included.

Thank You!

Copyright © 2012 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow

www.marylindow.com

www.globalprayerrooms.com

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"NOTHING MORE AND NOTHING LESS"

By Mary Lindow 

through the Holy Spirit

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PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO THE AUDIO PLAYER

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THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS SAYING,

"Be very careful whom you share your treasures with. How many pearls have you cast before piggish souls in the past, only to have them ground to powder?

The servant Paul the apostle was more than a new herald in the order of the day. He stirred up old systems and disturbed demonic religious strongholds. You must be ready to "power up" for years of opposition and hoards of religious factions and fracture s of truth!

The past years of agony have been hard soldierly-like boot camp. Elite forces training. It will not go away. 

You must simply learn that it is My duty to do the fighting for you. Just be certain that you are only speaking, ONLY SPEAKING, what I have told you to.  Nothing more. Nothing less."

THIS IS A TIME IN THE KINGDOM  WHERE WE ALL MUST SOBERLY COUNT THE COST OF WHAT WE ARE ABOUT TO STEP INTO ON EVERY LEVEL.

If there is not the peace of the Holy Spirit resting on those who you are involved with don't move into anything until the peace comes. Gatherings and movements can feel real exciting and purposeful until conflict, control, and competition show up.

The apostolic and prophetic saints in Acts, fasted, ministered to the Lord, and then the Holy Spirit spoke. We have all learned many a painful lesson in the past from experiences of over planning, programming, and hurrying to help God out.

TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON A TIME.

Until you have a full green light don't move. It will keep you from having to backtrack and it trains in humility.

ACQUAINTANCE OR RELATIONSHIP?

Ask yourself the following question. 

"Are you simply an acquaintance or are you working in relationship with others and those whom you feel are to move into a more Kingdom minded level of Spiritual intimacy with?"

Before I finish with what the Spirit of God would have me share in a final prophetic word, I am impressed to share with you the difference between the two words.

Acquaintance and Relationship

Acquaintance 

1.Somebody who is known slightly rather than intimately. 

2.Knowledge, usually slight, of somebody or something.

Relationship 

1.The connection between two or more people or groups and their involvement with each other, especially as regards how they behave and feel toward each other and communicate or cooperate. 

2.An emotionally close friendship,

IF YOU SHARE WHAT IS PASSIONATELY BURNING IN YOUR SPIRIT WITH THOSE WHO ONLY "RELATE" ON A CASUAL SPIRITUAL LEVEL THEMSELVES YOU WILL BE CONTINUALLY DEVASTATED.

Spiritual intimacy can only be as deep as those who spend the time in spiritually intimate worship, waiting, and self-examining dialog with the Father and in relating to others of a likeminded heart. Not easy for busy human life!

Philippians 2: 1-3 1 

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ,

if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, 

if any tenderness and compassion,

2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, 

having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, 

but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

A PROPHETIC WORD CONCLUSION:

" Hear Me!... Cries the Spirit of Holy Grace and Mercy! I desire to move upon, in, and through each of you. Not one of you alone can endure the onslaughts of evil by standing aloof and silent. Nor can the most vocal of gifts among you clearly communicate all that I long to express.

Until each one is willing to step into the Holy place of pure relationship with Me and with one another, waiting, crying out, Yes - even waiting until I come and refresh, then the generation waiting in the wings will not fully come forward.

Until it is branded into your spirits that this era in time is for the saving of the lost, the redeeming of the wasted, and the release of the power of My glory, you will be so very very frustrated by the heaviness that doggedly harasses your soul.

What I ordain, I cover. 

What I command, I give direction to. 

Be certain that you have heard what I am saying. I am fully aware of the weariness and fatigue you have been experiencing. Heavier than anything you can recall from the past.

Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, 

as though something strange were happening to you! 1 Peter 4:12

There are many many others globally who are also still wrestling out of the cocoon in new birth and are suffering also. PRAY FOR THEM!

Hellish warfare will be a normal activity in the days ahead. Unless you harness the power of consistent prayer and train yourselves in regular gatherings of passion in prayer and worship together, you will shrink back into serious doubt, anxiety, and dread when the trauma of warfare attacks!!

GIVE VOICE TO MY SPIRIT!

Awaken your mute tongue and give voice to My name, My power and My Kingdom Solutions! No weapon formed against you will ultimately prosper! My Spirit longs to declare wonders, to decree Justice, and to destroy darkness with your lips proclaiming from the spirit.

"So is my word that goes out from my mouth: 

It will not return to me empty, 

but will accomplish what I desire 

and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." 

Isaiah 55:11

Speak out in truth and in praise and I will step into your midst with the peace you have been craving and groping for. Quickly! Enter in before you reflect and exchange ideas. After I am given My rightful place of honor and adoration, then I will speak and give you clear vision and direction."

"In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning

I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. "

Psalm 5:3

Duplication and sharing of this message is welcomed 

provided that complete message and website information for Mary Lindow is included.

Thank You! Copyright 2012 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow 

www.marylindow.com

www.globalprayerrooms.com 

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