I know all of you have heard a number of the jokes which start out with the above line. I've heard it used for chickens, squirrels, possums, elephants, etc., etc. The Spirit prompted me with this the other day as I drove to work and saw a dead, flattened animal in the very middle of a long stretch of road I travel. The reason HE did is to put this thought in me.

I mentioned the carcass was right in the middle of the road, heading from right side to left. I thought, why did this animal think he (or she) think it needed to leave the right side for the left? Both side of this particular road border about 1/2 mile of woods. Both sides have the same variety of flora and fauna. As far as anything I could discern, both sides had the very same opportunities present in them for whatever this animal needed. Why was he willing to risk his very life and limb to get to the other side? If he had stopped and thought before proceeding, would he have still been functioning and able to take care of his loved ones? Just what looked so great about the other side?

Now look at us. God has blessed us with His presence, His power, and all His great promises. HE gives us all we need. Why, then, do we listen and look when Satan whispers, "Look at that (whatever your temptation is), don't you want to go after it? Don't you know you would be happy if you had (or did) that?" And then we say, "Wow, I would!" and head straight across the road. Maybe we make it to the other side, achieve that desire, and then realize, I need to go back where I belong. Maybe that's what happened with the animal that day. Either way, if he was leaving where he should have stayed, or, if he was trying to get back to there, he had to go through dangerous territory, and the result was, he met a tragic and needless end. The same danger faces us as believers. I intreat you, brothers and sisters, “Stop, listen, and pray” when Satan and temptation come your way. Take the time to see if it is really worth the danger you will risk. IS IT WORTH LOSING YOUR JOY, YOUR PEACE, YOUR REPUTATION, YOUR JOB, YOUR FAMILY, etc????? Remember the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. That’s what Jesus said (John 10:10), not me. It may look shiny, sexy, appealing, whatever, but the temptation is brought to cause you harm. Stay with Jesus!!!! Do not cross the road unless you are going with Him.

                                       Ben