March 26, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . Timber Rattlesnake (NPS)

Bible Study Verse

II Corinthians 11:3

But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (NKJV)

Thoughts

A friend and I were having a conversation recently about rattlesnakes. He told me he was thinking about purchasing a pair of snake gaiters, protective overlays for your pant legs, to protect him from being bit. He went on to say that several thousand people are bitten each year by rattlesnakes. 

After our conversation, I began to think and I even did a little research regarding snake bites. l discovered most people get bit while either handling or messing with the snake somehow just before they got bit. 

Practicing some simple caution around snakes will probably prevent most bites. I have a friend who is considered a professional with reptiles. He's been bitten by rattlesnakes four different times which proves the point; if you handle snakes, you're going to be bit no matter how good you think you are.

(Jimmy S)

Action Point

Isn't it the same with the Devil? We usually get bit when we are toying with things like temptations, lust, and other ungodly things. Perhaps, we become a bit overly confident and we think we can handle it and nothing will happen to harm our loved ones or ourselves. 

Wrong!!! God tells us to simply put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6) and avoid "handling" things that Satan tries to lure us with and we will avoid his painful and marring bite.

God also directs us to step out of the darkness into His light and He will illuminate our paths away from the traps of Satan.

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Spring or fall mornings and evenings are dangerous times of the year in regard to seeing snakes. Snakes are out more often warming or cooling their bodies. Usually, during the heat of the day, they stay under cover where they can keep cool. Look and listen:

• Leave snakes alone. Many people are bitten because they try to kill a snake or get a closer look at it.
• Stay out of tall grass unless you wear thick leather boots and remain on hiking paths as much as possible.
• Keep hands and feet out of areas you can't see. Don't pick up rocks or firewood unless you are out of a snake's striking distance. A snake can strike half its length.
• Be cautious and alert when climbing rocks.