"I Have Been Patrolling The Earth"

While Brian and I were in Leavenworth, Washington, Brian's parents lovingly looked after our two dogs. One of our dogs is a Shetland Sheepdog named Barney and the other is a Yorkshire Terrier named Barlow. Barlow is a very small, affectionate dog who loves everyone in the family, including Barney and our two cats. He is completely fearless and would think nothing of putting himself in danger to save any of us or his sibling pets. Barney, on the other hand, is a very sensitive, timid, and nervy dog, but beautiful and sweet! Barlow is my husband's dog and Barney is my dog.

One day during our vacation, a coyote entered my in-laws' backyard, where the dogs were let out occasionally. The coyote must have noticed our two dogs, particularly the little one, and came seeking to satisfy his hunger. Here are some pictures Tim took of the coyote. Fortunately, the dogs were safe inside the house by that time.

Satan is like this coyote. A coyote patrols his territory, looking for food to devour. And Satan patrols the whole earth, watching everything that is going on, looking for someone to devour.

"'Where have you come from?'"

the Lord asked Satan.

Satan answered the Lord,

'I have been patrolling the earth,

watching everything that's going on.'"

Job 1:7 (NLT)

We need to be aware of this and constantly stay alert, watching out for our great enemy!

"Stay alert!

Watch out for your great enemy,

the devil.

He prowls around like a roaring lion,

looking for someone to devour."

1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)