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carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a grassy spot. Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars persuaded the birds out, setting them free. Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story:
• One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting. "Yes, sir,
• I just caught a world full of people down there. Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got 'em all!"
• "What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked.
• Satan replied, "Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink and smoke and curse. I'm gonna teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!"
• "And what will you do when you are done with them?"Jesus asked.. "Oh, I'll kill 'em," Satan glared proudly.
• "How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked.
• "Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. Why, you'll take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you.
• You don't want those people!!"
• "How much? He asked again.
• Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your blood, tears and your life."
• Jesus said, "DONE!" Then He paid the price.
• The pastor picked up the cage and walked from the pulpit.
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• I thank God everyday for my life. I'm not rich, don't live in a mansion, am "somewhat" healthy, and don't have the nicest of material things, but, I  have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, food on my table, a family that loves me and lifelong friends to get me through. I'd say I have a lot to be thankful for.
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