AUGUST 29, 2022
ON THE PORCH
HIDDEN AND HOARDED
We have a broody hen. A few months ago, Benny found a litter of tiny kittens in the corner of the chicken coop. Their mama was laying with them, but they also had a protector and warmer in the above-named hen. When Benny entered the division of the coop this unlikely family occupied, the mama cat took off, but the hen was ready to defend the kittens if necessary. Her feathers ruffled and her head raised when we got close. She was ready for a fight.
A few days ago, while gathering eggs, I had to get a big bowl to shew this stubborn hen away so I could collect the eggs underneath her. Boy did she let me have it! If chickens could cuss, I would swear she profanity came out of her mouth until I was out of earshot.
A few days later, Benny sent me a picture of a whole bunch of eggs that were hidden under a pallet we don’t normally notice. The ducks were laying their eggs there instead of in the coop.
When Benny went back to check the duck nest, every single egg was gone. We have a big, furry, shepherd mix named Whiskey. Many times, we’ve found him watching the chickens, but he’s never hurt one that we are aware of. When we call him and he comes from that direction, he has a huge smile on his face. Benny found him standing among birds the other day, and the hens and ducks continued to do their own thing. They were not scared at all. They were completely comfortable with Whiskey being around and were not aware of the havoc and injury he could cause if he decided to be a predator.
So, what’s the difference between us gathering and consuming and Whiskey eating the eggs?
The chickens and ducks would not be alive if we didn’t take care of them. We buy food, so they do not go hungry. We pay for the water that quenches their thirst. We take extra caution to make sure the chickens and ducks are safe. We lock the chicken coop every evening so predators cannot get to them.
**And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
**For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Psalm 84:11
God wants our best and knows how best to take care of us. Whiskey is only there to take what he can get. He does not have anything he can offer the birds and is only out at the coop to fill his own belly.
All of this got me thinking, “Do the ducks and chickens think Benny and I are ‘stealing’ from them? Do they think we’re taking something that is rightfully theirs? Do they hide and hoard on purpose, or is it just instinct?”
The previous wonderings led me down another path. Don’t I sometimes act like this with God? I think He is stealing or withholding blessings from me? I tell God what I want and expect to get what I ask for. When He doesn’t answer the way I think He should, I am disappointed and try to change tactics, like hiding what I still have to make sure it isn’t taken from me. I have talents and gifts I don’t want to lose, so I hide them away instead of allowing God to collect them and use them for His glory. I hate to admit that, but it is honest.
The Bible says God wants to give us blessings, protect us, and provide all we need, but satan is only out to kill, steal, and destroy.
**The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10
All the chickens have to offer us are their eggs, and most of the time they are given freely. Once in a while there is a stubborn hen or we’ll find a hidden nest. But more often than not, they are out in the open to gather and take.
LORD, this morning I am offering what I’ve hidden and hoarded. I know You will not pry it from my greedy little fingers, so I am placing it in my hands and lifting it to You. If You want to use me through this, that is fine. If You want it to sit dormant until another time, that is fine. And if, in Your perfect vision, You find it is best to take it away, I am okay with that, too. I know You only want the absolute best for me. You know what is ahead, and only You can prepare me for it. I just pray I will follow Your lead. When “Whiskeys” sneak into my life to kill, steal, and destroy, please allow me to see it for what it is. I don’t want to be comfortable with satan sitting in the middle of me and mine and not be paying him any attention. I want to be alert and aware and know what he is up to. Thank You for being my Protector and Provider. Allow me to recognize all the kisses and the blessings You rain on me daily. Take my meager offering and bless it as only You can. Amen
EVERY PERFECT GIFT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRxa2v65yzo
**“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
ON THE PORCH 