It was very dark.

Monday evening, fourth of January, 2016,

The ducks had been safely tucked up in there shed for the night.

Activities at the Haven were under way, and the evening was going according to plan.

All good things must come to an end so in due course it was time to retire and get off to bed.

Stillness descended over the Centre as everyone drifted off to sleep.

Morning light began to herald in a new day. It was time to let the animals, hens and ducks out of there sleeping quarters and into the freedom of their play area.

It was then discovered that everyone had not drifted off to sleep.

The Sly Old Fox had been out during the night. Perhaps he hadn`t had his Christmas dinner and went on the prowl to see what he could find.

Fortunately all the ducks and hens at the Haven had been all locked away safely for the night.

Not safely enough, because there were no ducks to be found when the door was opened to let them out.

The Sly Old Fox had dug a tunnel underneath the fence at the back of the duck house.

It emerged nicely into the surprised faces of the ducks.

We can only imagine the terror that came over these birds as the fox attacked and dragged them out and away from their home.

This incident has a serious message for us in our day to day living.

The bible warns us to be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1Peter5v8.

Already he has been very successful in his attacks on staff and residents connected with the Haven.

The devil has lots of tricks up his sleeve to bring us under his power, and some people have lost their lives by falling for them. Drugs and alcohol to name a few.

The duck house had a fault as was revealed by the fact that the Fox still got in even with the door shut.

We have a place of safety, which the words of this lovey hymn reveals:-

Safe in the arms of Jesus,

Safe on His gentle breast,

There, by His love o`ershaded,

Sweetly my soul shall rest.

Jesus said, “I give my sheep eternal life and they shall never perish;

No one can snatch them out of my hand. John10v28

Ephesians6v10-18 gives good advice to put on the whole armour of God so that you will be able to stand against the devils schemes.

Be alert. Even at this moment the devil is on the prowl looking for a way to get at you.

Jesus said,” Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. Matthew, 26v41.

Donnie Black