Danger-Rattlesnakes

Recently while traveling out west, we ran into this sign. “RATTLESNAKES HAVE BEEN OBSERVED PLEASE STAY ON SIDEWALKS”. You didn’t have to tell me twice! I wasn’t up for that kind of adventure.

It made me consider the enemy of our souls. That slithering snake in Genesis.

We DO have a sign. The Bible warns us. We are told of satan’s character. He was crafty. The father of lies. I Peter 5:8 paints the picture of a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

He thinks the world belongs to him. He has been observed on the paths. We see the destruction he leaves. We see the damaged relationships, bodies, and souls of those we love who have been distracted from the path and wandered. We recognize the ways he slithers around in our own lives and causes us to be swayed off our own path.

Oh! If we would just stay on the path. That firm, cemented sidewalk.  Matthew 7:13-14 tells us to “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

The Psalmist prays; “Guide me into the paths that please you, for I take delight in all that you say.”

What are you facing today? Are there choices to make? Do you believe in the Word of God? Or the lies of the enemy? Do you need to correct your footing and adjust your steps back onto the firm, clear path?

We live in a world full of distractions. Many things tempt us to take our eyes off of God and chase after other things. But God has given us His Spirit to help us make decisions that honor Him. He will be our helper. He will make our steps strong and steady.

Don't let the cares of this world wear you down and cause you to question God's faithfulness.

Instead, plant your feet firmly upon His Word. Let His love shield you. Let praises flow from your lips as you testify to His goodness. Beware. There may be rattlesnakes in the grass.

Jesus warns us, not exactly in these words, but the message is the same. THAT SLITHERING, SCHEMING SNAKE HAS BEEN OBSERVED. PLEASE STAY ON THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 

Dear Lord, please forgive us when we are so careless with this precious gift of life that you have for each one of us. Help us to be responsible to you. Keep us safe. Keep us on the path of righteousness. We ask this in your name, Jesus. Amen.

  has been observed on the path! We see the destruction he leaves. We see the damaged relationships, bodies, and souls of those we love who have been distracted from the path and wandered. We can see the snake slithering around our own lives, attempting to sway us from our God given path.

Oh! If we would just stay on the path! That firm, cemented sidewalk!

Matthew 7:13-14 tells us to “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

The Psalmist prays; “Guide me into the paths that please you, for I take delight in all that you say.”

For today, my friends, recognize this sign. That SLITHERING, SCHEMING SNAKE HAS BEEN OBSERVED. PLEASE STAY ON THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. Stay connected to Jesus and walk in His ways.

Dear Lord, we pray as the Psalmist prayed; Guide us on the paths that please you, for we take delight in you! Amen.