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Tug Of War - January 13, 2007
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." -James 1:5
When I was a small child I used to love playing tug of war. In case you are not familiar with this simple game, one or more individuals pull on a long piece of rope which has a tie in the middle of it, and each side's goal is to try to pull the other side past a line that has been marked on the ground. The side with the longer end of rope wins.
Did you know that we all are involved in a game of tug of war? Not a fun game, mind you, but a spiritual war between the forces of good and evil.
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." -Ephesians 6:11-12
As the above Bible verse suggests, we need to be cautious and take heed so we do not unwittingly fall prey to Satan's wiles. Part of the spiritual armor we must prepare ourselves with is wisdom.
Why wisdom?
Because we need to know who the players are; who is the good guy, and who is the bad guy. Since satan is a deceiver, he will use tactics which may make us think his ways are the right ways, but they are not, for as the Bible reveals, his purpose is to steal away our salvation.
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." -I Peter 5:8
Wisdom is so important that the Bible refers to it as better than precious rubies! "For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her." -Proverbs 8:11
Prayer for Today: "Dear God, please help me to see the importance of spiritual wisdom so that I may walk down Your straight path always. Wash my soul clean of all ungodliness, so that I will instead hunger and thirst for ways that are pleasing to You. Help me to turn my back on sin, and stand strong against temptation, but most of all, let the truth of Your word give me wisdom so that I may live that glorious life you have in store for me! This I ask in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen."
Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2005 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living: A Christian marriage manual and Life-guide", "Son Salutations" and "Daily Contemplations", a collection of read-one-a-day modern inspirations. For more information, visit www.MelanieSchurr.com
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." -James 1:5
When I was a small child I used to love playing tug of war. In case you are not familiar with this simple game, one or more individuals pull on a long piece of rope which has a tie in the middle of it, and each side's goal is to try to pull the other side past a line that has been marked on the ground. The side with the longer end of rope wins.
Did you know that we all are involved in a game of tug of war? Not a fun game, mind you, but a spiritual war between the forces of good and evil.
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." -Ephesians 6:11-12
As the above Bible verse suggests, we need to be cautious and take heed so we do not unwittingly fall prey to Satan's wiles. Part of the spiritual armor we must prepare ourselves with is wisdom.
Why wisdom?
Because we need to know who the players are; who is the good guy, and who is the bad guy. Since satan is a deceiver, he will use tactics which may make us think his ways are the right ways, but they are not, for as the Bible reveals, his purpose is to steal away our salvation.
"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." -I Peter 5:8
Wisdom is so important that the Bible refers to it as better than precious rubies! "For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her." -Proverbs 8:11
Prayer for Today: "Dear God, please help me to see the importance of spiritual wisdom so that I may walk down Your straight path always. Wash my soul clean of all ungodliness, so that I will instead hunger and thirst for ways that are pleasing to You. Help me to turn my back on sin, and stand strong against temptation, but most of all, let the truth of Your word give me wisdom so that I may live that glorious life you have in store for me! This I ask in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen."
Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2005 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living: A Christian marriage manual and Life-guide", "Son Salutations" and "Daily Contemplations", a collection of read-one-a-day modern inspirations. For more information, visit www.MelanieSchurr.com
