Thanks Lucy and Ricky
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10
This guy...yep, he’s a stunner. It’s a very brisk January day and this impressive buck is taking full advantage of a sunny spot in our backyard. He’s our neighborhood alpha-male with a small herd that is also occupying our property, although they remain for the most part hidden beneath the tall pines that border our land.
Our neighbor’s dogs Lucy and Ricky (I know that ‘s hilarious right?) are going out of their ever-loving minds warning that the intruder and his gang are near. I reward the dogs with cookies and words of praise but they aren’t satisfied...the intruders are not welcome-period and I wholeheartedly agree.
You see just a few feet away from the buck's “sundeck” lies our 80’ x 2.5’ (currently dormant) garden plot. This particular herd of deer are no strangers to what could be their buffet line three out of four seasons every year. These bad boys make an appearance year after year implementing the same strategy...infiltrate, mark their territory, graze and wait! Wait for what you might ask? For the moment they can devour it!
But we have their number...every spring my husband and I work hard to protect our garden from such intruders so that we will (in fact) reap what we sow right through early autumn.
This coming season will be no different-and we’ll be ready.
How about you? Are you ready for the coming season or has your ‘garden’ been invaded, marked on, and claimed for destruction? (Ouch I know and I’m sorry but the truth hurts sometimes!) In John 10:10 Jesus warns, ”The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy”. (Has this happened to you?) Then read on as Jesus concludes the verse with the following promise...“I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly”.
Lucy and Ricky warned me today, but I don’t need to hear barking dogs to know that trouble waits on the other side of the garden-if I’m not prepared. Let’s together soak in the wisdom of 1 Peter 5:8...
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Prayer Dear Father, How good are You? How loving are You? You give us so much to draw from Lord. Help us to be prepared, alert and ready to live life abundantly! You are a good, good Father! Amen
