Backyard Battle    

   Yesterday as we sat down for breakfast, we saw a hawk (we think) in the small grove some 30-feet behind our house. It was standing over a smaller bird that seemed injured. Twice the little bird lifted a wing but failed to move.

   The hawk was about to enjoy its own breakfast. 

   Between bites, we saw the hawk waiting for its prey to die, then begin to rip into its meal. It paid no attention to a couple small birds diving over the action. 

   The hawk got a talon entangled in its breakfast and tried without success to shake it off.

   Along came three turkeys, also common around here. They are territorial, aggressively chasing away other feeding birds. 

   The turkeys trotted to within a couple feet of the hawk, nodding their heads as if to say, "good morning" rather than "get off our property!" Don't proud turkeys realize a hawk could have them for lunch, with leftovers? 

   Our predator hawk responded with a move we interpreted as, "get lost jerks," and the turkeys ambled off. 

   When our breakfast was over, the battleground was empty. Feathers and fluffy remains were spread about. 

   As the songbird was taken by surprise, so too we don't know if we have tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1). Humans, even God-fearing believers, are vulnerable to deceptions - not conquered - entering where we might be defenseless.  

   Spiritual predators assure their own demise, and evil doers eventually get entangled in their own sin. We have reason to think our "hawk" rules this neighborhood, as evil spirits also have "authority" over given areas.  

   Thanks to the Lord, we can withstand attacks, but only with honest hearts toward him. Our instincts may lead to troubles. But repentance, humility and clean hearts help to protect us from enemies in the heavenly realm.  

     Jimmy