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The other day as Paula and I were taking a walk on the rails to trails, we came upon a black snake. It was only about two feet in length, a rather small snake at that. Paula didn't see it at first, and I thought that we could just walk by it and continue on our way. However; I quickly realized that it would be best to let her know rather than have it slither across the path in front of us. When I told her about the snake, which was still some ten feet in front of us; she let out a scream and contorted her torso and legs in a way that would hurt a normal person. She told me that she was glad that I told her as we moved to the other side of the trail to move around it and continue on our way. I told her that it was just going to the stream for a drink. It reminded me of a biblical truth that we all should heed.In Genesis 3:14, God tells the serpent; "Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all the cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life." That episode on the trail reminded me that our adversary, that serpent of old is always waiting to cross our paths and and strike at our heels. Always be on guard against his attacks. Always be ready with the truth of scripture. All of us are on a path through life, with twists and turns. We must be ready, because we never know what is around the next bend. "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" ( I Cor 10:12 ). Be on guard, and men the next time you come across a snake; and your wife is with you, it is best to tell her. You may hear a scream, and twist in ways that you didn't think was possible, but it will save you from the wrath of your wife for not telling her. Ha! Ha! Have a great week. Lovingly, Pastor, Joe