As you prepare yourself for ministry, ask yourself the following questions ... Why are you here? What is one thing that is important to you? Have you been waiting upon the Lord?

Learn from the beast and the birds of the air Job 12:7 "But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;

Wait Upon the Lord… Soar Like An Eagle!

4 Species of Eagles in Palestine (1) The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos); (2) The spotted eagle (Aquila naevia); (3) The imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca); (4) The Circaetos gallicus, which preys on reptiles.

Eagle, the King of Birds Measuring 27-33 inches (70-84 cm) in length, the golden eagle has a wingspan of 78 inches (2 m) and weighs 7-14 pounds (3.2-6.4 kg). Majestic bird, magnificent appearance and awesome skills Symbol of : power, freedom and greatness. Represents : beauty, grace and confidence.

Why or When Eagles don’t Fly? Ignorant - of the Abilities and Privileges. Inexperience – lack of opportunities. Insecure - Uncertainties and Unknown. Injured – wounded and hurt. In Bondage – caught and in captivity.

A Call to… Wait Upon the Lord Isaiah 40:31 Those who hope (wait) in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.

I. Nesting in High Places Eagles are birds of open country, not forests, from desert grasslands to above timberline. They take great care to build large stick nests in trees or cliff walls where they have plenty of room to maneuver.

I. Nesting in High Places They always build their nests in the highest possible place for three reasons : As a protection from their enemies. As a perch for surveying the territory. As an energy-saving launching pad.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Ps 91:1-4 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

II. Stirring up the Cozy Nest “Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on its pinions.” Deut. 32:11

Nest and Egg of Golden Eagle The single clutch consists of 1-2 (rarely 3 or 4) eggs which hatch after an incubation period of 35-45 days. The young will fledge when 72 to 84 days old, and depend upon their parents for another 3 months.

Stirring the Cozy Nest Removes the Soft Lining. Kicks off the Nest. Free “disastrous” fall. Carries on its pinions. Repeats process. Learns to Ride on the Current.

III. The Molting Process Seeks a Secluded Valley. Sits for hours and days waiting. Starts battling - loosing feathers and weight, talons brittle. Stops soaring. Sounds of Support Strength Renewed Starts soaring again - Mount up with wings.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; Isa 40:30-31 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope (wait) in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

A. Appearance of Youth after Molting It is said that the eagle sheds his feathers in the beginning of spring, and with fresh plumage assumes the appearance of youth.

B. Soaring Above the Storms In the Heavenly Eagles are masters at soaring. They may catch strong storm thermals, rising masses of warm air, to carry them in a spiral fashion upward high into the sky. They make use of the storms to rise even higher and soar even further. Is 40:31; Eph 6:12

C. Swiftness of Flight Duet 28:49; 2 Sam 1:23 Bald eagles can fly to an altitude of 10,000 feet. During level flight, a bald eagle can achieve speeds of about 30 to 35 mph. If the golden eagle spots prey while soaring, it can tuck its wings and swoop at speeds up to 200 mph

D. Power of Vision The eagle has 2 sets of eyelids – one to soar towards the glaring sun and yet not blinded Job 39:28-29 28 He dwells on a cliff and stays there at night; a rocky crag is his stronghold. 29 From there he seeks out his food; his eyes detect it from afar.

E. Love for Solitude The golden eagle is a solitary bird, which can be found in remote areas. He has chosen a lofty dwelling away and above all to be alone. Ps 91:1 He who dwells in the secret place (shelter) of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

F. Symbols of Leadership John Maxwell Eagles make things happen Eagles see and seize opportunities Eagles influence others Eagles add value to others Eagles possess an uncommonly great attitude Eagles have excellent relationship skills Eagles have an eagle track record of success Eagles think differently  Eagles continually grow

G. Fidelity Till the End “Wings of Courtship” – Once paired, eagles remain together until one dies, the survivor will not hesitate to accept a new mate then.

Some days end more beautifully than others And some seem to mean more But be sure to appreciate each and every one And your heart will always soar.

Be renewed in your strength… Soar Like An Eagle! Wait upon the Lord… Be renewed in your strength… Soar Like An Eagle!