The theme of this year’s C3 Conference is COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS. Join me March 6-8 in Nashville for engaging presentations, music and art. Registration is only $95 for the entire conference. Information and registration forms are here: C3 Conference. 

Recent polls show:

74% of Americans believe in God
72% believe in miracles
57% believe in the devil
51% believe that people can be possessed by the devil or an evil spirit
               (just ask the ex-spouse in a contentious divorce)

Satan lurks, waiting to rush in when life is going well and we least expect him. Our “good enough” lives have lulled us into a trance where we know that evil is a way of life for the poor in third-world countries, but he’s not in our backyards.

1 Peter 5:8 reminds us to “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

I met this lion on a March 2013 trip to South Africa and he didn’t appear fierce at all. His gentle eyes beckoned to me from a few inches on the other side of the fence. I didn’t venture inside, but I suspect his mild demeanor hid his real lust to devour human flesh.

Just like the devil, the lion’s real intent was hidden behind a false cover.

I’ve had one vivid encounter with Satan when I tried to help a friend. The devil revealed himself in his anger, but God was there, too, protecting my every step.

I am in danger when things are going too well, and I start thinking that maybe I don’t need God as much. Satan quietly sneaks into my life disguised as a helpful new acquaintance or a crafty business deal.

Be on guard. You never know when the devil will slither (or roar) his way into your life.

Blessings, my friend,

Agatha

(click below for MP3 file)