THE BUZZARD:

If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.

THE BAT:

The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkable nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.

THE BUMBLEBEE:

A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.

PEOPLE:

In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up!

Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up! Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in our Creator who loves us.

Have Blessed Day!

That's a beautiful analysis. But biblically speaking, it’s not truth.

Please, don't perceive my response in the wrong light, but all to often people, even born again, spirit filled, tongue-talking believers still see God as some outside source, hence, that’s why we are trained to look up.

While I agree that all too often we are looking to outside sources to fill the void that only God can fill, I have to disagree that "looking up" is the answer.

God is spirit. (Jn 4:24). He dwells within the heart of each and every believer, and for that reason I say, that we need to reach deeper within, and not outward.

He is the God that is with us and that will never leave us or forsake us.

While looking up sounds good, and seems to be the "spiritual" principle. It's not biblical nor is it truth.

As born again believers, everything we need to overcome is contained within us, in our born-again spirits. And based upon that truth, looking up is not the answer, rather looking within and drawing from that well, is where life's physical, and spititual launching pad lies.

John 7:38
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

This scripture is true but Our pastor just finished a series called(Look up) meaning to him. (GOD). Why do people have to over annalize everything on this sight? Why cant you just take the BLESSING!

*giggles* Thank you Michael for your words. They are the absolute truth, and I agree wholeheartedly with you!
Although, I must admit, I was simply not expecting this analysis... it is the truth and all would to do well to consider his words as well.

But in truth this was just a light-hearted message I'd recieved from a friend today and felt compelled to share here! I think it's sentiment is beautiful as well as the metaphore that lies within its message. And although we do not have to physically "look up" to God, I felt it was uplifting and could bring a smile to some.

Oh and no worries lovethelord! Speaking out the truth is expected of us, so I don't mind a little analysis at all!

May God Bless you and keep you all!

You know, I have been bothered by my response all day long and was waiting to come back here and apologize.

Yours was a very light hearted message and it really did bless me.

Forgive me for being so picky. I was in some kind of funk last night after having a rather lengthy discussion on another board.

However I will say that is very important that those that are just now seeking the Lord realize that He lives in the hearts of those that love Him.

It kinda bothers me when we pray things like, "Father, we pray that you would come and be with us today". He already promised to never leave! Lo, I am with you, even to the ends of the earth!

Anyway, thanks for being understanding and I'll learn to lighten' up a bit!

Michael

Let me further say that my comment was not intended to be argumentative. That's not my style.

And, I'd also like to say thanks for not picking my posts apart. While my born-again spirit may in fact be perfect, my soul (mind, will, emotions, etc,) and my flesh have a long way to go!

Oh, don't you think on it for one second, Michael! There is no need to apologize, really. If anything, I was slightly amused by the response. And honestly, I enjoyed reading your further insight into this topic. I promise! I never once thought it to be argumentative and nothing you said, was in fact, misleading in anyway.

Nobody here is perfect in the flesh! We're all 'works-in-progress' being made better each day by God's infinite wisdom in His glorious plan!