Know How Satan Plays the Game
"We are not ignorant of his devices," he says (2 Corinthians 2:11)
I read this devotional on Monday and it was too good to not share with you.
Study Satan's tricks, and acquaint yourself with his tactics. Paul takes for granted that every Christian understands them in some measure: "We are not ignorant of his devices," he says (2 Corinthians 2:11). Can this be said of you? Do you know how subtle and clever your enemy is? What pleasant company he can pretend to be?
"Sit down at my gaming table," says Satan. "Here are some tempting prizes: your earthly estate, your life, your liberty" Now you must agree, these things are good and lawful. But here is Satan's gimmick: he expands the rule of his game so that if you play for him, you will certainly violate the irrevocable and unchangeable laws of God.
If you cannot have good things by plain dealing but must resort to sleight of hand, you know the prize is counterfeit and will turn to dung in your hands. How utterly foolish to fast shuffle with God by compromising His truth. You may think you have won a hand or two, but when the game is over, you will find yourself bankrupt.
If Satan can entice you to sin for what he assures you is a worthy prize, you are in serious trouble, but the worst is yet to come. Once he has you sitting at his table, he will begin in earnest to teach you the tricks of his trade. This diabolical dealers will show you how to slip your sins under the table, telling you no one-not even God-will see. He has been teaching this trick since Adam, who thought he could hide behind a fig leaf. What did Joseph's brothers do when they had left him for dead but hide their deed under the coat they had bloodied? And how did Potiphar's wife respond when Joseph turned away from her adulterous gaze? She hid her sin (again in his coat) and accused him of her own wickedness.
Beware of playing such games of chance with God. No coat is large enough to hide your sin; no hand is quick enough to slip it under the table and miss the all-seeing eye of God. If He does not call you to account for it in this life, you can be sure you will answer for it in the next. William Gurnall. The Christian in Complete Armour (Kindle Locations 498-510). Kindle Edition.
Beware brothers! The enemy is after you and me. It’s important for us to know how Satan plays “the game.” Knowing this will be very helpful. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick
Team YOU: Leviticus 4-5; Proverbs 8; Matthew 24:29-51
Motivations: Cold words freeze people, and hot words scorch them, and bitter words make them bitter, and wrathful words make them wrathful. Kind words also produce their image on men's souls; and a beautiful image it is. They smooth, and quiet, and comfort the hearer. Blaise Pascal
Practice to Remember: Level 1: Ephesians 2:19; Level 2: Ephesians 2:19-22
Powered Up: Our prayers lay the track down which God’s mighty power can come. Like a mighty locomotive His power is irresistible, but it cannot reach us without rails. Watchman Nee
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