Victory over Depredation

Death. The enemy prowls about seeking whom he may devour. Steal, kill, destroy. Death came to our homestead this week. Totally unexpected, very devastating. Thankfully, the Lord kept us, however, our animals did not fare so well. We innocently trusted, let our guard down, didn't keep on our armor... the enemy came and he massacred, relentlessly. It hurt, it violated and it shook us awake.

Fortresses were then secured, eyes were put on alert, plans of defense were made. Do we live our lives this way? Do we remember that there IS an enemy? Do we stay on high alert that he indeed wants to kill us, our lives, our relationships, our fellowship with God?

In the physical realm our enemy was a fierce, terror-producing predator. He opened a gate which was not locked, no, not even latched. He tore into our unsuspecting chickens, four lost their lives. Destruction was revealed by massive amount of feathers strewn about the yard. Three lost were roosters, we suspect who gave their lives for the flock. The enemy was merciless, after one kill was made he came back for another and another.

I'm reminded of how relentless our enemy is, he has been bent on a murderous path of destruction for close to 6000 years, that I know of. His desire for blood has only grown; he grows more greedy for destruction with each life he takes down. Marriages, families, relationships, churches, businesses, nations.... souls.... nothing is off limits to him, except that which is protected by prayer. Yet, we do have a Saviour we can call upon. One who gave His life so that we may live. Sacrificially and with great suffering, He gave up His life to save us-- even in our wretched state.

The morning we discovered the destruction, we tried piecing together what had taken place. What happened, who did it, a fox, an owl, stray dogs? We were blind to the rampage that took place the night before. We knew the surviving animals had witnessed the terror from the night before, they could smell it, taste it, hear it. I knew the Lord had seen it all as well, and I questioned why, and why He hadn't warned me, woken me. I was even a little put out by it.

Sometimes we ask why, or why didn't you warn me or stop it... perhaps I was not listening or I was too busy for Him or perhaps He had new lessons to teach me, more than likely all of the above. The next night, the Lord graciously woke me (despite MY unfaithfulness--He proves His faithfulness to me again and again). At 4:17 am I awoke to a guinea call from Him. I took a flashlight and flashed it on the rabbit pens. To my shock, their sat Death under the baby bunny pen. I watched in dread-filled anticipation as I tried to place a name to the large beast who violated our sense of peace and trust. He moved stealthily, boldly and assuredly of his next meal. My eyes and my brain worked painstakingly to reveal the identity of this animal. It hid from my view and all I saw were two eyes glowing back at me. Then it once again moved out toward its intended victims and I saw it was a tenacious bobcat! My heart raced as I realized that here was the explanation for the destruction the night before. The power and terror this animal must have inflicted upon the victims, our creatures, the night before.

We must ask the Lord to open our eyes to the wicked schemes of the evil one. We must have discernment as we live in this sin-ridden, deteriorating world. We must see our enemy exactly for who he is. It is not our neighbor or boss or family member, but the Father of all Wickedness, the devil himself. Just as the enemy strikes terror with his words and his ways..... we as Saved Ones need not yield to the fear. For we have a Greater One on our side who is already the Victor!

The next day we thought the threat was over, only to discover the beast had terrified our mama bunny and she, being overwhelmed with fear, died. The next night, two baby bunnies succumbed to the terror and also died. And yet, the next night another baby died even though he was safely kept in the garage. In all, in the two visits the killer made, eight lives were lost. Four from actually being torn by the predator and four from the FEAR of being torn by the predator.

How will we live our lives? Terrified, paralyzed and overwhelmed? We needn't fear, no matter the threat. We CAN survive the attack and live victoriously through Him, if only we trust in Him, our Shield. Our Lord has said many times to not fear, for He has given us His promise...

Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,

Do not fear; I will help you.

May the Name of the Lord be praised!

Lovely Lauren

Seventeen years ago today, our daughter was born. What an incredible, life-changing event in which I am so thankful for. My little girl, sweet and shy, has grown into a lovely, pure-hearted young lady. She has become a young woman, thoughtful and responsible, who desires to please the Lord. I cannot wait to see the plans the Lord, Almighty has for her. I can not believe how quickly time has passed. The days of bath times and bubbles, toys and timeouts, dolls and daddy's girl, stuffed animals and sibling rivalry have passed. Oh, God I pray, help us to mentor this daughter you've given us. Give us wisdom and discernment, help us to build good memories and training in Your Word. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Grace is Amazing

Grace, the unmerited favor given by God, the Almighty. A powerful statement. Grace, you can not earn it. Romans 11:6~~ And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

It is sometimes too easy to blindly slip into earning salvation; that's religion, man's way. Galatians 5:4~~ You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.

'Earning salvation' is a fruitless endeavor. We can never be 'good' enough, we will always fail. And then comes the condemnation, discouragement and hopelessness. Ephesians 2:8~~ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--- not by works, so that no one can boast.

So make a decision today to receive His grace. Throw off the constricting bonds of 'earning salvation', it simply can not be done and it will make you miserable. Galatians 2:21~~ I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!

Good News!! 1 Tim 1:14~~ The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Paul says that he was the worst of sinners and look what God did for him. How much grace will God pour out on us!!!

Hallelujah!! God has abounding grace!!! Romans 5:17~~...how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

Take off the shackles, it is a GIFT!!!!! Received by faith! Praise Him who is worthy. He did it. He GAVE it. You simply RECEIVE it!! Ephesians 2:4-5~~ But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--- it is by grace you have been saved.

We should be shouting and dancing in the streets! This is truly amazing....GRACE <><

Independence Day

We had a most blessed July 4th celebration. Spending time and eating supper with extended family and then rushing off to see our first night of fireworks. The next day, spending it leisurely with family. Enjoying the company of a delightful neighbor who came over for a dinner of delicious brisket and potato salad, now isn't that American! Watching fireworks with friends that night and munching on watermelon and then cooling off with homemade yogurt pops in red, white and blue. Thank you Lord for good memories!

Winter Wonderland

What a beautiful surprise to wake up to! Snow blanketed the ground and trees transforming it into a winter wonderland, in Texas of all places. What an amazing gift from the Lord. His creation is absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring. His Word for this day.....

Isaiah 55:6-11

Seek out Yahweh while He is still to be found,
call to Him while He is still near.
Let the wicked abandon his way and the evil one his thoughts.
Let him turn back to Yahweh who will take pity on him,
to our God, for He is rich in forgiveness;

for My thoughts are not your thoughts
and your ways are not My ways, declares Yahweh.
For the heavens are as high above earth as
My ways are above your ways,
My thoughts above your thoughts.

For, as the rain and the snow come down from the sky
and do not return before having watered the earth,
fertilizing it and making it germinate
to provide seed for the sower and food to eat,

so it is with the word that goes from My mouth:
it will not return to Me unfulfilled
or before having carried out my good pleasure
and having achieved what it was sent to do.