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Steve Porter: "Learning Spiritual Growth - from the Blue Jay"


Steve Porter
Jun 11, 2022

From the Desks of Steve Shultz and Julie A. Smith:

Steve Shultz

Steve Porter is always encountering the Lord in fresh new ways...and we sure enjoy hearing the latest ones from him, as they sure encourage the Body of Christ to draw closer to Him.

The title is eye-catching, and you may think: How can we learn to spiritual grow from a Blue Jay?

Well, you're about to find out as Steve Porter says this:

Blue Jays are known as the "alarms of the forest." Their loud call warns the other birds and animals of threats in the forest, and as a result, other creatures have time to get to safety before a predator can inflict damage. How many creatures has this loud call saved? Only the Lord knows.

Steve ShultzSo the next time you see a Blue Jay, you'll think differently about them! There are a lot more of their characteristics which you'll discover...so grab a cup of coffee and lean into the latest word from Steve Porter. (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)

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Steve Shultz and Julie A. Smith, Co-Editors
Elijah List Publications

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All Creation - Reflecting His Divine Nature

"Then God said, 'Let the water be filled with many living things, and let there be birds to fly in the air over the earth.' So God created the large sea animals. He created all the many living things in the sea and every kind of bird that flies in the air. And God saw that this was good." (Genesis 1:20-21)

The Creator of the universe created everything with a special purpose in mind. He created all of the birds with a single spoken word. Can you imagine watching this take place? When Father God simply spoke, creating the earth, suddenly birds of all types and sizes burst forth! Watching this beautiful scene in Eden would've left any of us speechless and ceaselessly dedicated to our Lord. Perhaps in Heaven we will be permitted to watch a rerun of these awesome events of creation in living color. Wouldn't that be something to behold?

I have taken a bit of time to ponder creation and Eden as a whole, as it clearly displays the awesomeness of our God. Creation itself testifies about its Creator. King David said, "...The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands" (Psalm 19:1).

All creation shouts to us a message, proclaiming the glory and splendor of our wonderful Lord.

"For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time." (Romans 8:22)

The birds and all creation are clearly announcing that Jesus is coming soon, so it's time to get ready! Creation truly reflects His divine nature. It's clear that nothing has been done by accident.

My dear maternal grandmother passed down to me a special love for birds. Thankfully, I still have a bird book she gave me when I was just a child and I cherish it to this day. I've spent quite a few years watching these beautiful creatures from afar. Our yard is full of bird feeders, birdhouses, and even a birdbath. I love to watch them, admiring the majestic handiwork of God.

My two favorite birds are the Blue Jay and the Northern Cardinal. I recently asked the Lord if there were any lessons I could learn from watching them. He revealed some marvelous truths that I hope will encourage you. In this article, I want to focus on the Blue Jay in particular.

Blue Jays

This highly intelligent and resourceful bird knows how to solve problems and gather food. Blue Jays are excellent communicators; in fact, they are much more so than many other birds. They are known to be loud and boisterous and are able to mimic the calls of other birds like hawks. They have a unique ability to store food, which is very rare among birds, and they're so intelligent that they can recall where they have placed, thousands of seeds, in various places, and go back to retrieve them.

I know God did not create them by accident. The following are qualities in Blue Jays which parallel with the qualities of His people. Here is what God is highlighting to us.

1. Brave, Aggressive and Fearless Warriors of the Woods

This bird can cause turmoil because they are so loud and boisterous. They are fearless and will attack their enemies or any kind of perceived threat without hesitation. They will chase away a predator – even using combat tactics, like dive bombing, when an enemy tries to invade their territory. This bird is not afraid of a fight and will take on much larger enemies to protect their young. They refuse to retreat but will battle with fierce determination until all threats are quelled. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

"Together they will be like warriors in battle trampling their enemy into the mud of the streets. They will fight because the LORD is with them, and they will put the enemy horsemen to shame." (Zechariah 10:5)

"Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all the fighting men draw near and attack." (Joel 3:9)

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

Warrior Bride

The Lord is raising up a warrior Bride, one who will not be intimidated by the enemy of her soul. She is brave, mighty, and fierce in battle. This Bride is both a lover and a fighter. She wears combat boots and is prepared to defend the truth.

Satan and his cohorts are preparing for battle, but Christ's Bride is ready for it, and she will not retreat. This Bride loves to lay her head on the chest of her sweet Master, Jesus, but she will also wreak grand havoc on the enemy's kingdom.

Her arms are trained for battle, and with the sword of the Spirit, she will "dive bomb" the enemy's enclave with the word of her testimony and the Blood of the Lamb. Her testimony is like a trumpet – a trumpet that will intimidate and terrorize the enemy's camp. Hell's walls are coming down, blasted by the sounds of Heaven. To God, this sound is beautiful and pure; to the enemy, it is terrifying and devastating.

2. Alarms of the Forest

Blue Jays are known as the "alarms of the forest." Their loud call warns the other birds and animals of threats in the forest, and as a result, other creatures have time to get to safety before a predator can inflict damage. How many creatures has this loud call saved? Only the Lord knows.

"You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, 'Here is your God!'" (Isaiah 40:9)

"Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes." (Isaiah 52:8)

"Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand." (Joel 2:1)

Spiritual Alarms

The Lord is raising up a Bride who will lift her voice to the heavens and warn the people of the forthcoming battles. They will foresee the enemy's imminent attacks and care enough to shout it from the rooftops that God will win this battle, and to encourage the Body of Christ to stand strong and hold the line. They will sound the alarm and call the people of God to repentance and godly sorrow.

This Bride has the voice of many waters and is so in harmony with the Lord that she speaks with authority and unction. Her voice is as a prophetic alarm to those with ears to hear.

3. Resourceful, Highly Intelligent Problem Solvers

This special species is both practical and resourceful. I found that Blue Jays build their nests in safe locations with great care, and with ease, while many birds typically struggle to decide on a location for a nest. Problem solving comes easy to Blue Jays. They make decisions and follow the best plan. As previously mentioned, Blue Jays are one of the few types of birds that can recall every location out of their many hiding places. (Photo via Unsplash)

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (James 1:5)

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:5)

Bearers of Divine Wisdom, Creativity and the Mind of Christ

In these end times, the Lord is giving His precious Bride divine wisdom from on high. Does His Word not say that if you lack wisdom then ask (James 1:5)? For His Bride will have the wisdom she needs to make the right choices. In fact, she will flow in such unity with her Bridegroom that she will walk as He walks, do as He does, and move like He moves. She will be resourceful and creative and be led by the Spirit, not the flesh. Her life and identity will be guided by Him alone.

The secrets of the Lord will be given to her because she leans in to hear His heartbeat. The thoughts that once dragged her down will be banished by His relentless love and precious Blood. She will have the mind of Christ, and all the "stinking thinking" of the past will be washed away by His holy Word. For even now the Lord is giving His Bride an increase in gifting and the ability to do the tasks at hand and to fulfill her holy calling. She will be given clever ideas and unique problem-solving abilities that will make history.

4. Curious and Attentive Feathery Friends

It has been my observation that when a Blue Jay sees a human being, it will often become curious, taking a special interest in someone it deems special. Most of the time it won't fear you, but instead it will follow you here and there. Don't let this scare you, because this is its way of making you feel welcome. You might even make a new friend that will come back to visit you later.

"This is what the Lord Almighty said: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.'" (Zechariah 7:9)

"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." (Matthew 9:36)

"For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, 'You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor' – well, doesn't this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? (James 2:2-4)

The Compassionate Bride

Christ's Bride will be given a divine interest in others who need special affirmation and care. His Bride will not be self-focused, but she will be God-focused, which will then cause her to focus on higher things. She will care about what God cares about, and the Lord will empower her with courage, curiosity, and bravery to go after the weary ones who needs help; the ones who need to hear a word in season; the ones who need the Lord's hands and feet extended to them.

She will display a godly love and compassion, rather than looking out for number one. And she will not be afraid to go after the one in need; she will take the time to give individual time and attention to those who need to experience God's love. She is led by the Spirit.

For the Lord is raising up a Bride who cares about what He cares about, while carrying a true heart of empathy and concern for others. He will use His Bride as an overcoming army that will follow after God and look for needy people to love and encourage.

Whatever you do, don't miss another ELIJAH LIST email! Subscribe at this link: elijahlist.com/subscribe.

Steve Porter
Refuge Ministries

Email: G524walk@yahoo.com
Website: www.findrefuge.tv

Steve and his wife Diane founded Refuge Ministries and a presence-driven publishing company, Deeper Life Press. He has a special anointing to bring forth the deep truths of the Spirit, with a clarity and simplicity that draws one up into a closer walk and deeper relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Steve is a regular contributor to many prophetic publications, including the Elijah List, Spirit Fuel, and the Identity Network. Steve's books, maturity pamphlets, articles, and videos have touched countless lives around the world. The Porters reside near Rochester, NY.

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Can't You Talk Louder, God?

Steve Porter's Itinerary:

Note: Events are subject to change at the ministry's discretion. Check back often.

August 2, 2022 at 10:30 AM
Rochester Refuge Ministries Gathering: "Desiring the Lord's Presence Above All Else"
Hosted by Steve and Diane Porter
Venue: TBA

September 3, 2022 at 10:30 AM
Rochester Refuge Ministries Gathering: "Desiring the Lord's Presence Above All Else"
Hosted by Steve and Diane Porter
Venue: Best Western Palmyra Inn & Suites
955 Canandaigua Rd, Palmyra, NY 14522
(315) 597-8888

September 24 - 25, 2022
West Virginia ABLAZE!
With Steve and Diane Porter
Backus Mountain (Near Meadow Bridge)
Fayette County, WV
(For more itinerary information click here)



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