I’ve never seen anything like it! There is a huge owl hanging out in the forest in front of my house these days. When I first saw him, he was perched in a tree right in front of my living room window. I thought perhaps he was a cat or a fat squirrel because of his immense size. But then as I looked closer, I could see the pointed shape of the eyes as he turned his head for me to catch a glimpse of his face. This bird was huge and quite grand in color with long brown hair—not feathers! As soon as I figured out what he was and was quite positive of my observation, excitedly I called my husband over to check him out too! What a treat for both of us since we’d never seen an owl up that close and personal. Are you with me?
Next, I decided to do a little investigating as I went online to search for information on the owl and his habitats. I learned that the owl is quite a predator. I realized that he was probably perched on that limb in the daytime, preening himself, all the while hopeful that a smaller animal would happen by. If so, he could easily swoop down and attack with his huge talons or feet.
I learned that the owl attacks his prey from the air and catches them completely off guard; swooping down and hitting them with such force during the attack that the victim is suddenly caught by surprise and pronounced dead by the force of impact—instantly!
Now, I thought about this huge bird all evening and decided that as big as he was, my big fat cat might be quite an appetizing meal for this predator of the forest. Matter of fact, I noticed that Stubby did not have much desire to venture outside lately which was completely out of the norm for him. Stubby loved the outdoors, apparently thinking of himself as king of the hill, so to speak. He only ventured in the house at meal time; and then mainly to disrupt my inside cat’s normal homey habitat with his mere presence. Can you relate?
Now, I like to think that animals are pretty smart and that my Stubby cat was well aware of a threatening force of nature out there. So aware in fact, that he decided that the safest place to be was on the inside of the house. I believe that there is a built-in mechanism that God gives to all animals—to warn them of unsuspecting dangers. However, you and I know that all it takes is one slip up or denial of impending danger and slam; we too, can be caught in its taunt jowls.
I am convinced that there are predators everywhere—all around us. They happen by in many shapes and sizes and can even be held in attractive packaging. However, as human beings, we must beware of all things and even of people that appear to be ‘too good to be true.’ You may discover that they are only imposters or replicas of what you had envisioned.
So, don’t get side-tracked or lured away by the cares and concerns of this world. There are many enticing devices out there that on the surface appear to be okay, but if you look a little deeper, you will see that what you thought might be alright or even good for you is only a vice—a trap set by the enemy. So, be careful when you venture out and remember, Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
My friend
This thought reminds me of a recent episode with my 7-year-old granddaughter.
On the way back home from a trip to
As soon as she tore into the air freshener package, she exclaimed, “Wow Scooby, you are too excited!” Then she continued with, “Maw Maw, we are going to have to put him in here until he calms down a bit,” as she opened the console and stuffed him inside. “Boy is he excited to get out of that bag!” she said as she waved her hand in a fanning motion over her cute little face. This action was hilarious and I literally cracked up! But, then on a more somber note, I saw the parallel for us, as Christians. You see, we need to be more like Scooby and
But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness and love. Acts 20:24 NLT
Lingering to touch cherished things
Before walking out the door
By the telephone that never rings
Because, no one lives here anymore
Oh, the floors could be cleaner
And the furniture polished, sure
But, does it really matter?
Since no one lives here anymore
The owners would be sadder
If it wasn’t for the fact
That what God’s called them to do
May have an eternal impact
God’s love motivates each chore
Moving forward for Jesus in this race
Helping others rebuild what is tore.
Echoes in utter silence now
Purely because God sent
The owners’ hand to plow
labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send
forth labourers into His harvest.” Matthew
