Forget it. The fact is, I got some keen insights while checking out the constant flow of birds next door. As a birdwatcher, I get a lot of gratification seeing them trudge out to the feeder every day, and me just able to watch all the results.

Okay, so I have to scrub my new wood fence every once in a while, since they do need a place to "rest" after they eat. But there I go again. To the lessons:

1. These neighbors have been so faithful to provide food every day! The word has gotten around that anyone who is interested can get 3 squares daily (and even a place to...rest... afterwards.) Wow, that preaches. Faithfulness. How many of us start our little projects for the Lord then give up when it gets a little difficult or boring? But we were so sure God had spoken...

Trouble is, when you stop feeding birds, one of two things happen. They go elsewhere for food. Or, in winter, they can die. People too. What will happen now to the ones you started to feed...?

2. I noticed that some other critters responded to the invitation. Squirrels try to horn in on the goodies and actually intimidate the feathered folk after awhile. No problem. Jack and Sue have provided tasty squirrel-type meals elsewhere in the yard. It's a safe haven for birds now.

So it is when we serve the Lord, that the Enemy shows up. Our hearts are all a-flutter (pun intended), we run for cover, and assume the Enemy deserves to win, and we should just try something else. How many courageous and creative folks are among us who will come up with plans B, C, and the rest of the alphabet as needed?

3. I notice that my neighbors haven't got hold of this last one yet. Hopefully I'm being prophetic. Different foods attract different birds. Your typical grocery store bird food will get you your typical run of the mill (sometimes pest) bird. To attract the more "exotic" type, you're gonna need specialized foods purchased at stores that know all about birds.

That translates over into the human thing like this: We must understand that folks are just different, every one of them. There's a message that is right for every heart, and although "generic" Bible studies are fine in their place, the Holy Spirit will illuminate a particular verse for a particular person at a particular time. If you ask. I would imagine that if enough of that happens at your meeting, a bunch of exotic needs are going to show up.