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We finally bit the bullet. Yes, window replacement & residing of our house began yesterday. It was a long, arduous process for us to get to this point but we are here. We knew it had to be done sooner or later. Amongst the elements doing damage, we have also had a woodpecker problem. Now if you think that is not a problem, come talk to me. Besides the incessant pecking sounds which, by the way CAN make a person lose their mind, the damage that they do is unbelievable. Yesterday I was talking with the contractor about it.

He informs me of this, “They peck because they know there is something alive underneath.”

Of course, we knew that. They are after other insects that have managed to get underneath the siding. Now of course, this got me so to thinking.

         Perhaps we should have more effectively dealt with what was underneath.

Sure we had called in an exterminator. It helped for a bit. Next spring, guess who would return. We were not diligent to deal with it – every single spring. I admit that. Only the last year, did we finally put ourselves in contract with an exterminator. To have permanently solved our woodpecker problem (the outer & visible issue), we needed to have faithfully dealt with our insect problem (the inner & invisible issue).

Scripture has something to say about this:

  • throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception”
  • “so stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth”
  • “…and don’t sin by letting anger control you”
  • “don’t use foul or abusive language”
  • “get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior”

Leaving all the above in our lives, leaves something in us to be pecked at by the enemy. We are to deal with it all swiftly. We must become proactive in our lives – ridding ourselves of what needs to be uprooted. In so doing, we do not leave ourselves vulnerable to condemnation, to the constant hammering of the enemy. And he is a persistent foe. He will come back to drag up anything that he can. Let us leave nothing for him to work with in our lives.

The apostle Paul also tells us how to do this in this same passage:

  • “throw off your old sinful nature”
  • “let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes”
  • “put on your new nature, created to be like God””truly righteous and holy”
  • “let everything you say be good and helpful”
  • “be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another”

(All Scripture from Ephesians 4: 22-32 NLT).

There we have it – what not to do. What to do. And it is all doable by the help & work of God’s Spirit that lives in us & desires to do His work in us.

What have you left hidden, waiting to be pecked at?

May we leave no room for visits from a woodpecker!

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