Inspired by...: flycatchers

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Inspired by . . . grit, guts, glory

I can't get over these tenacious little birds that chase down the red-tailed hawk, a bird 10x their size.

The hawk is attacking the birds family and home. The birds are doing what comes naturally: defending their babies and their nest. They not only chase the hawk away, I've watched them sit for 20 minutes or more "guarding" him on the cell tower. One bird will leave and return to the nest then, eventually, the other will leave.

The scene plays out several times a week now, and I can't help but wonder if there is a lesson here.

We, too, have an Enemy attacking our families and homes. And, just like the hawk, he often soars in silently, looking beautiful and good. By the time his sharp beak and talons appear we're making our bed under his wings.

The enemy attacks in various ways. Sometimes he is like Goliath; an obvious, but seemingly un-surmountable force. Sometimes he comes as an insidious evil, like Jezebel. And he can come quietly, yet consistently. An un-named irritation like a thorn in the side.

...a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. (2Co 12:7)

There are several ways we can fight the enemy of sin in our lives. We can knock it out. A smooth stone straight to center of sin.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (Jas 4:7)

Then there are times when we need to flee sin. As Elijah fled from Jezebel. Flee and fight the battle on our knees, trusting God for the outcome.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. (1Pe 5:8-9)

And then there are times when we must simply, and completely fall upon His grace.

Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. (Jas 4:9-10)

It's important to remember that whenever we fight sin, in any form, we do so in the power of the Lord. There is no command in scripture to engage Satan in an offensive manner. Even David's fight against Goliath was in defense of Israel and done in the name of the Lord.

...but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, (1Sa 17:45-46)

Beloved, I don't know what you're facing today. But I know you're facing something. Remember, the safest place on earth is close to our Father. Only His wings will offer you sure and eternal protection.

He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler. (Psa 91:4)

Suit up (Eph 6:11),

seek Him (Mat 6:33),

and trust Him for the battle (1Cor 15:57).

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Let Us Walk Worthy,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 23:52

Last week's post was dubbed the front porch edition so I'll have to call this one "the bees and the birds."

These first two are for you, Floyd.

We have a red-tailed hawk, or two, in the area. I see them just about every day. More often that not, they're being chased by another bird. Usually the flycatchers, but sometimes the mocking birds. I've shared about these attacks before. It amazes me that the hawks don't just turn and chomp the much smaller birds. Maybe they just don't know they can. Whatever the reason, I'm thankful.

On this particular day, the flycatcher chased the hawk to the cell tower just to the south of us. I had to laugh as the little bird sat on one of the wires holding the tower in place and "guarded" the hawk for nearly half an hour!

We have more flycatchers than ever this year! I've counted five different kinds. The Phoebe, Vermilion and Scissor-tails are easy to identify, but these guys are giving me trouble.

At first I thought they were the Great-crested flycatchers, but now I'm leaning more toward the Ash-throated Flycatcher. Honestly, it's a problem I don't mind having.

I was thrilled to get a picture of the Mr. & Mrs. Golden-fronted Woodpeckers together. They almost always feed separately. This is the first year I've seen the female.