Certainly human sin and folly take on blatant and obvious forms that repel and repulse. Corporate greed, child abuse, racism and murder being among others that are "plain as the nose on your face." Most of us in the Body of Christ don't struggle in these areas. We know that our trust in God (via our relationship to Jesus) to protect us from such base behavior is strong and mighty, and His willingness and ability to provide that protection more than sufficient. We also have the added support and impetus from societal structures such as family and the law to keep us from falling into sin in these abhorrent ways. But I want to address something else.

We know that the Word calls Satan "crafty" in regards to the temptation of Eve. Any form of trickery or deception is allowable in his evil ways. We are not "unaware of his schemes" so we must be prepared to be tempted in ways that are not as obvious as the above-mentioned forms of sinfulness, No, unfortunately our adversary is no dummy. He knows the majority of us are not going to fall prey to such sin. Instead, in an attempt to get us to fall into sin before we know it, it can be disguised in ways we may not recognize. For example, the seemingly innocent act of "sharing your heart" with someone about a problem with another of God's children can very easily morph into back biting and gossiping. A simple observation of someone else's good fortune can, if unchecked, lead to a case of envy that is virulent and divisive. Would any of us choose to be envious, divisive amongst the body, gossip filled busybodies? Of coarse not. But we can find ourselves being more about destroying unity than building unity if we aren't willing to look seriously at the possibility that we may have been bamboozled by the enemy.

The good news in all of this is that we "do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin." (Hebrews 4:15) Jesus knows what we go through. We can't be snatched away from His hands by the enemy. What a relief! But we also have each other as a family of brothers and sisters who all experience the beguiling ways of the devil. Perhaps not in exactly the same way (for it seems temptations and weak spots are tailor- made for the individual) but the fact remains: we have each other. To the comfort level you have, utilize the small groups to help you through these things. One last point. I want all of you to know how much we on the staff love you. It sounds like lip service perhaps, but we have no other way of communicating our care and concern for you! Some of you we have had the opportunity to get to know a little better, either through time or circumstance. Others not as well. But it's my hope that it's clear to all of you that if any of you has concerns, cares, or wish to talk and pray about challenges unique to your walk, there is always an open door here. On the flip side, have you had an uplifting insight from God, a breakthrough in a trial or burden? Maybe just pure joy at being so completely loved by our Father? Come to us then, too! It's good to acknowledge the ways the Good Lord is honing us, and to share that joy as well! Whether it's Norm, Ruth, Brian, Ann or myself, you will find someone here. Thanks, all of you, for your dedication, hard work and most of all, your love for Jesus and your longing to see His "kingdom come, on earth, as it is in heaven."