Animals, Insects, Fowls of the Heart

	The outward appearance can fool you, but not the heart. "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart" (I Sam. 16:7). Jesus said, it's the abundance of the heart that controls the mouth, and shows the true condition of the life (Luke 6:45). Because of Adam's transgression in the beginning, we all inherited a sin nature. The Bible says, "the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked" (Jer. 17:9). At salvation, the heart is the first thing that God changes. "A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you" (Ezek. 36:26). "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation): old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17). Even though mankind is the greatest of God's creation, we can still receive wisdom and instruction about ourselves as we look at other creatures of God's creation. Throughout scripture, the ways and actions of people (saved and unsaved) are often contrasted to the ways, habits, and traits of animals, insects, and fowls of the air. The many different characteristics of the animal kingdom paints many pictures concerning different levels and depths of sin. They also paint pictures that can help us in our walk with God as we strive to please Him and be like Jesus. If our heart has already been changed, that gives us no right to look down on others. Because, apart from the grace of God, we too would have unclean hearts and be in the same ungodly state. Thank God for His grace and mercy that has brought us through. Somebody prayed for us. Now, it's our time now to pray for others. Let's examine a few animals, insects, and fowls!
	Dogs - They're furry and lovable; used for sport, work, and companionship. They're called man's best friend. This precious pet, according to God's Word has a disgusting trait. Something in the dogs nature causes them to turn to their own vomit (2 Peter 2:22). I've seen this with my own eyes. What a disgusting trait. Concerning the heart of mankind, there is a difference between reformation and salvation. Reformation is an outward change, but salvation is an inward change. Many are reformed through different social programs, but without a spiritual change from within they constantly struggle to be something that they are not. As evidenced by this true statement - "It is hard trying to be a Christian without being a Christian." Many are professors of salvation but not possessors. Many of these reformed professors soon give up pretending and finally turn back, like the disgusting trait of the dog, to the old, open, disgusting life of sin and sinning.
	Pigs - are called swine. They are unclean and for dietary reasons were forbidden to be eaten (Lev. 11:7,8). Their hair is used for making bristle brushes, and their skin is used for making hides. They have a nature that loves mud and slop. It doesn't matter how many times you wash them, they will go back to wallowing in the mud (2 Peter 2:22). They enjoy it. They don't care who knows they love mud and slop. All around us, we can clearly see the pig nature on display in the lives of many. Many are living in sin and don't care who knows it. They wallow on - seemingly with no conscience, shame, or care concerning the error of their ways. They are oblivious to the fact that one day they are going to have to give an account to God for the things done in this body (Rom. 1:21-32). Truly, we are living in a sinful and shameless generation that loves slop and mud (2 Tim. 2:13).
	Fox - an emblem of slyness, of cunning, and of artful mischief. Jesus called Herod a fox (Luke 13:32). Herod in a sly, slick, and cunning way, seeking to protect his district, tried to scare Jesus out of Galilee with a threat of death. It didn't work. Jesus continued doing the work of the Father. Foxes are all around us. They are sly, sneaky, and shifty. They wear coats of many colors. There is no limit to what foxes will do to protect their own best self interests. Concerning them, hold your peace, pray for them, and keep doing the will of the Lord. God will expose them, and let them be seen for who they really are. Make sure there are no foxes in your heart.
	Owl - a bird of prey, with a keen sense of hearing and acute eyesight. It's soft feathers contribute to a noiseless flight, enabling it to surprise it's prey. The owl has a melancholy, solemn look. It roosts in trees by day and hangs out at night with other birds of prey; hawks, ravens, and vultures (Isa. 34:11-15). Yes, birds of a feather flock together. As believers we must stay before God and learn to develop a keen sense of spiritual sight, and of hearing the voice of God. We must stay ready to be used by God at a moment's notice. We must get rid of the gloomy, melancholy look, and show forth the joy of our great salvation. Because we have been called to be children of the light, there should be no more walking in darkness, and being yoked together with unbelievers. It's time to cleave to that which is good, and fellowship with those who call on the Name of the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim. 2:22).
	Ants - If we want wisdom we must "go to the ant, consider her ways and be wise" (Prov. 6:6). Ants are diligent. Idleness has no place in their lives. They work like no other creature, even without a guide, overseer, or ruler. They may be little, but they will protect that little hole in the ground even if it cost them their lives. They help one another. If a grain is to big to carry, others quickly come to their assistance. Ants also lay things up for the future. Beloved, eternal souls are on the line. It's time to get busy for God. Let's show the world our love and togetherness. Let's seek first the Kingdom of God and lay up treasure (good works) for eternity. Only what's done for Christ will last.
	Turtles - they're slow, but it's okay to be slow in some things. The Word of God tells us to be "slow to speak, and slow to wrath" (James 1:19). We must take the time to think and pray about what we say. The true art of conversation: Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary? We should also be "slow to wrath," and not too quick to get mad and angry; sighing, blowing, and running off with a quick "just forget it" attitude. One trait that shows the fullness of the Holy Ghost is longsuffering. Remember: the emptier the pot the quicker it boils. Be careful in speech and anger (Eph. 4:26).
	Sheep - one of the most defenseless creatures. They are meek and humble. Their greatest asset is the shepherd. When they hear the growling of the bear, the roar of the lion, and the hiss of the snake, they move closer to the shepherd. They know where to find their help. Jesus was and is the Lamb of God. His life showed us His dependence on God. As we walk through the wilderness of this world, there are many dangers, toils, and snares. We must always look to Jesus, stay close to Him, and He will carry us through every challenge in life. The Lord still prepares tables (blessings) in the midst of all our enemies. Remember: Meekness is not weakness. The life in Christ is a life of POWER!
	Lion - The Bible says, "A lion is the strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any" (Prov. 30:30). God gives the believer power above all the power of the enemy (I John 4:4). Therefore, we need not fear the devil or any demon. Come what will or may, our God is well able. "I fear no evil" - should be our mentality as we walk through the wilderness of this world. "The righteous are as bold as a lion" (Prov. 28:1). It's time to stand on the promises of God. It's time to look the devil in the eye and say, "all right slewfoot, backup! You can't operate here any more. It is written, _______." Let's fill the blank line with a promise from God's Word. Beloved, stand your ground, bold as a lion on God's Word. Trust in Jesus Name and watch him (the devil) flee (James 4:7).
	Camel - is a beast of burden. They are able to carry heavy burdens on both sides. They can drink up to twenty-seven gallons of water at once, which can last for four to five days. The hump stores fat that's used as a reserve. You and I were not made to be beasts of burden to carry the many stresses, pressures, and cares that the devil sends our way. We don't have to accept and carry them. We can cast all of our care on the Lord, because He cares for us (I Peter 5:7). The Lord specializes in making sure that not one of His children will ever run into the straw that breaks the camel's back. With every temptation, God makes ways of escape so that we are able to bear them (I Cor. 10:13). The next time care, pressure, and stress packages arrive - rebuke them, cancel them, and command them to be returned to sender (the devil). Postmark it: Heart refused to accept it. Hallelujah!!!
	Eagle - they fly higher than any other bird. They are not ground dwellers like chickens and turkeys that usually end up on the dinner table. With their six foot wing span, they are able to mount up and rise above storms (Isa. 40:31). We may be in the valley with frightening shadows all around us, or storms may be raging against our lives, yet in our hearts, we can mount up with wings as eagles. In attitude, and in spirit, we can be soaring in the heavenlies with the Lord; filled with His Spirit and lost in His love. Truly, "in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at His right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Psm. 16:11). The cry of our heart should be, Lord, take me higher in You than I've ever been. Help me to forget those things which are behind, and reach forth unto those things which are before me. Help me to PRESS toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13,14).

	Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 Keep (guard) thy heart will all diligence. (Prov. 4:23).
	May the Lord Jesus Christ reign and rule in your heart Today. May His fruit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance) be seen daily, flowing abundantly out of your life.
	God Bless You!

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