Three doves were scurrying around on the wooden deck outside my study window. Doves are ground feeders, and this morning they were vying for the seeds tossed out of the feeder by other birds.

I never knew that doves-or birds-are territorial, but apparently they are. One continued to bully the other two. The “pecking” order worked, and the two backed off.

While the bully enjoyed the pickings that remained, a large brown sea grape leaf blew across the deck. About 5 or 6 inches across, it tumbled right up behind the bully. That startled the bird, who then left the place he had claimed for his own.

There’s an enemy who tries to bully me. At times Satan attempts to intimidate me while he stakes a momentary or temporary claim in a situation. A chicken is the kind of bird that he is. But Satan will quickly retreat when frightened by the presence of the King. It is reassuring to remember that whenever I am bothered and hassled with doubts and fears from the enemy, I can resist him in Jesus’ name, and he will flee (James 4:7).

That’s good news!

PRAYER: Father, please help me remember today that, in the war with Satan, the battlefield is my mind. I pray the blood of Jesus over my mind, and put on all of the armor of God (Eph. 6). Then I will stand and know that the battle ultimately belongs to the Lord. Thank You, Lord! Amen.

Sally Kennedy sallyikennedy@bellsouth.net

Kennedy, Sally. Little Parables from Ireland. Lake Mary: Creation House Press, p.3. Books can be purchased from Sally Kennedy www.sallykennedy.com , and they can also be purchased online at Barnes and Noble ( www.bn.com ) or Amazon ( www.amazon.com )