the enemy

You know what I've noticed with this coyote problem? He's been hiding out in the briar and quietly watching, just sitting and watching. He used to come around 0730h, then around 0830, and lately it's been well after 0900h. You see, he doesn't have a set pattern per say, yet he does. His pattern is that he watches all the animals to observe their behavior and the environment. When he sees that all is quiet and calm and that the animals are at peace and comfortable in the pasture, he sneaks in for the kill. Each time he gets closer to the bigger animals. He's been going after chickens, but recently he's gotten super close to the lambs. Thankfully the mama lambs are aware and run their lambs to safety.
Satan is watching the environment and he's watching us. He's waiting for the perfect time to go in for the attack, for the kill. He's watching the mamas and the daddies to see when they get complacent so he can go after their children. When we get comfortable we become vulnerable, as do our families. This is why discipleship is so important. We need to watch over one another. Men are to be the sheep dog of the family, leading, guiding & protecting. This is why it's crucial for pastors to be grounded in the Word so they can help protect the flock, not lead them to danger. We must always be alert and vigilant, and never comfortable or complacent for the Devil is out to steal, kill and destroy.