First Church of God

(A picture of one of our birdhouses, from last spring!)

We have a little thief in our yard.  He only comes out at night!  And, he particulary loves the sweet nectar that we really intended for the humming birds.  He also enjoys reeking havoc on our bird houses.  Our little thief is a young racoon!  He is very cute, and we know this because we caught him in the act when he hung around a little too long early one morning!  About 6:30 a.m. on Monday morning David came in the bedroom to get me up to look out the back window!  And, there he was...in all his cuteness!  He was roaming around on our deck sniffing everything in search of one little morsel of food (We had grilled Salmon on Sunday night!).  Not having any luck, he then turned his attention to our bird houses!  After watching him for several minutes David decided enough was enough and he opened the window to scare him away from the bird houses!  We realized that we had put the larger bird houses way too close to the ground and it was just more temptation than our little friend could take!  So, later that day I removed the temptation and placed the bird houses out of his reach! 

Just like our little thief succumbed to temptation of the seeds dangling way too close to the ground, we too, at times give in to temptation when it is way too accessible.  It would be great if we had someone to remove the temptation for us, like an accountability partner, or a trusted friend.  But, sometimes we have to be disciplined enough to remove the temptation ourselves or remove ourselves from a volatile situation so we are not tempted.  Whatever the case, it takes wisdom, discipline, and a sensitive spirit to continually live a pure life.  Especially in the world we live in today. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."  Jesus does not just leave us alone.  He provides strength, when we dwell in Him, to live life free from sin.  Not free from temptation, but free from giving into the temptation, when we claim His promises and turn away from our old self and live in the newness of Christ in us! 

When removing the temptation of the birdhouse for our little thief, I was challenged to take stock of my life.  Is there anything I am tempted by that I need to remove.  Is there anything in my life that is keeping me from realizing my full potential in the Lord?  It seems this Spring that God is really reminding me not get lazy where my walk with Him is concerned!  I find that lately every word from Him is another reminder to "STEP IT UP"!  I am wondering what God has in store as He directs me to pick up the pace in my relationship with Him? 

Keep an eye on your birdhouses...and watch out for thieves that come in the night.  Not just in your back yard, but also in your life!!!  Maybe it's time to take some measures to protect yourself from unwanted intruders!