Dearest in the Lord, PLEASE ENDEAVOUR TO USE IT FOR THE CHILDRENOF THE GOD. I am Sister Regina Pascal from Kuwait.I am 48 year’s old and  married to late Dr.kenedy pascal who worked with Kuwait embassy in cote d’ivoire for nine years before he died in the year 2008…. Before his death we were both born again Christians. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of (14.2 million U.S. Dollar)with one of the Security Company here inCote D Ivoire.Presently, this money is still with the Security Company. Recently, my Doctor told me that I would not last for the next three months due to cancer and stroke Having known my conditionI decided to donate this fund to church or better still a christian individual that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct here in…

Wow! How did Sister Regina choose me – and find my email address – out of the billions of people who could use a quick infusion of $14 million cash?

If you’ve had an email address more than a few weeks, you’ve seen this. The “Nigerian Scam” is a trap and it’s as old as snail mail, but people still fall for it (see Snopes.com for more). Most of the traps that threaten to ensnare us are more subtle and more dangerous.  Our traps often come in the form of easy pleasure (the lust of the flesh), coveting sleek cars and fat houses (the lust of the eyes) and attitudes of superiority (the pride of life – see 1 John 2:16, esp. KJV).

Pride is a trap that out-dates the Nigerian Scam. It is particularly attractive to religious people.  Certainly, pride had entrapped many religious leaders of Jesus’ day.  Jesus sometimes faced these traps head-on. More often, he was more subtle. He used parables to sneak his teaching through the side windows of the heart.

The tension must have been especially thick when the Pharisees came toe-to-toe with the “tax collectors and sinners,” because Jesus needed not one, but three, stories. They’re recorded in Luke 15.  We’ll look at them Sunday, especially one of the most-retold stories in literature, “the Prodigal Son.”

Last week, I asked: “when have you recently felt the love and caring of your church?” I’ve written many responses on my blog (Feeling Loved?). More were shared in church Sunday – it was great! You can still add your response. Just leave a comment on my blog.

BTW, I always say that, and people tell me they read my articles, but few will leave a comment for all to see. So, here’s a little incentivization. Be the first to leave a comment and I will send you a $5 Starbucks gift card. Free! This is not a Sister Regina trap. Be the second and I’ll tell you who the first was so they can invite you for coffee. How’s that? Do it now!