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Dear Shiloh Family,

It was one of my favorite pair of pants. The light hue of gray meshed with almost any color, and they fit perfectly. However, as I attempted to snap the button on the waist band, I was pleased the Nikes had a little stretch.

Anita vehemently denies it, but I know she is washing my slacks and pullovers in hot water. They are all shrinking!

Therefore, after much, well, a little bit of prayer and a ton of guilt, I made the decision to drop a hundred pounds, work out three hours a day, and get up at 4 AM to run. Ok, so maybe I’d just cut back on bread, sugar, and sweet drinks. Better yet, I could cut out one meal a day - Yep, that was the plan. On my way home from church, I convinced myself this was the day - the beginning of the new me.

Now, Anita and I have been married for 42 years. She should have known it was time; she should have read my mind. But no, that sweet, mild-mannered, soft-spoken lady you all know and love did the unthinkable. That woman had the audacity to pull up in our driveway, open the car door, and crawl out with a fresh box of Krispy Cream glazed doughnuts. However, I was determined to be strong. I carried them in and placed the box on the counter. I only opened the lid to make sure she hadn’t eaten too many on the way home. Wouldn’t you know it? They had extra glaze. How could she do that to me? Fortunately, I maintained a bit of my composure and only ate 3 instead of the normal 6.

As I sat on my recliner teetering between shame and satisfaction, I wondered. How much glaze does Satan have to put on sin in order to get my attention? How often do I make vows to God only to be defeated by lustful desires. Were there times that I would have won the battle if I hadn’t paused to open the lid for just a glimpse? 
 
2 Corinthians 11:13-14: For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. NKJV

Satan makes sin and indulgence look so attractive, but it only lasts for a season, then it stings, and destroys. We must continually guard our hearts and minds against such tactics. It is imperative that we recognize the evil one and trust the righteous one. It is faith in God and God alone that brings true satisfaction, joy, and peace. 

Hebrews 11:25-26: 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, NKJV

Consequently, we all are going to experience times of weakness. We all will fail through the efforts of the flesh. Our wise Heavenly Father knew it and made preparations for that as well. 

1 John 1:9-10: 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. NKJV

The tents of the Lord are better than the palaces of the devil. 

God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell