The Red-Tail Hawk vs. the ravens

The other day I saw a red-tailed hawk land in tree at the park. Shortly after, I saw three ravens come and land around the hawk. The ravens were squawking incessantly at the hawk. The hawk looked straight ahead and was unfazed by the other birds. The hawk eventually took to flight and the ravens followed. Swooping down, they tried to peck at the hawk, but dared not to get too close. It was as if they wanted to rattle the hawk or chase it away. In the end, the ravens left and the hawk perched quietly and confidently on a light pole.

As I watched this scene, I could not help think of Jesus being tempted by the devil in Matthew 4. I saw Jesus as the hawk and the devil and his temptations as the ravens. I feared for the hawk considering he was out numbered. But the hawk never lost faith in his abilities. Also, if the hawk wanted to, he could have crushed the ravens, but he gave them numerous opportunities to change their ways. In total control, the red-tailed hawk remained steady in its God-given abilities. The ravens resorted to random tactics that may have scared lesser creatures, but not the faithful hawk.

With Jesus, you have nothing to fear except the Lord. If you have fear, then you do not have faith in Jesus. Unfortunately, the devil is still around, but it is a fact - he cannot defeat Jesus (see resurrection). How do you handle the devil's temptations? Are you faithful when facing adversity?

• 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 (1 Cor 10:13).

• Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes (Ep 6:10-11).

Prayer: Dear Lord, you are our mighty fortress against evil. You strengthen and protect us, and we thank you. Fill our hearts, lives, and homes with the Holy Spirit to live faithfully and serve you confidently. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Today's Forecast Calls for Change

I am a weather junkie. I love it! When I watch the news, I turn it on 15 minutes into the broadcast to just watch the weather. I am always amazed how fast the weather changes in Texas. Sure, it changes in other places, but does it drop from 80 to 20 degrees in 12 hours and within the next 12 hours climb back to 60 degrees? Not typically. Is it Global warming? Global cooling? I am not sure, but change is inevitable and people generally don't like it.

Another change that people struggle with is fully depending on Jesus. Who else knows you better, always has your back, guides you to glorify Him, forgives you of your sins, and builds a room for you in His home? Who? People depend on what they see and know to have worked. If this was the case, then there would be no doubt of Jesus and his existence (see The Bible). But since He is unseen, they believe he is not real. When Jesus walked the earth, the Jewish leaders did not believe he was the Son of God and he told them, "if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins (John 8:24b)." Folks, dying in your sins means eternal condemnation. I do not know about you, but that does not sound like fun. So what do we need to do to be with Jesus? Come to Him. Pray to Him. Believe in Him. Confess to Him. Repent (change) for Him. Do these for Him, then He will be in you.

"'I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,' says the LORD Almighty (Malachi 3:6-7)." We must accept fully his ways and reject ours.

Prayer: Lord, your grace is immeasurable. Your forgiveness we cannot repay. Help us to change our ways and live for you today, tomorrow and forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

"She did all she could" Mark 14:8

As Mary was being ridiculed by the disciples (primarily Judas) for anointing Jesus with an expensive perfume, Jesus quickly came to her side and told them to "leave her alone." He also said, "She did all she could." (Mark 14:8). Knowing that Mary was financially poor and that she gave all that she had, Jesus commended her for generosity and humility. Jesus' words remind me of Matthew 25:23 where it states - "'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'"

Mary held complete faith in Jesus and was rewarded for it. She lived an example that we should all adhere to. Gifts for Jesus are always honored by the Lord, especially when we give it with our heart. Are you doing all that you could for Jesus?

Prayer: Dear Lord, how gracious you are. Thank you for loving us beyond measure. Please guide our ways to stay on your path and to fully serve You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.