The Adversary and The Advocate

“If the devil comes to you and you get into an argument with him, he will beat you; for he is a very ancient lawyer, and he has been at the business for so many ages that you cannot match him. Send him to your Advocate! Refer him to the Wonderful, the Counselor! Always shelter beneath this fact: ‘My times are in His hands. I have left the whole business to Another, and I cannot dishonor Him by meddling.’ Satan knows the Christ too well to go to Him—he knows the taste of His broadsword, of, ‘It is written’ (Mat 4:4, 7, 10). He will not contest with Jesus if we leave Him to plead the causes of our soul!”–Charles Spurgeon, Sermon 2205 

Take Heed

Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel. 1 Chronicles 21:1

David had stood strong against human enemies but found himself weak when fighting against the spiritual enemy. Even the most strong and seasoned Christian can fall. 

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Magic Pill?

Beware of being deceived into believing that Christianity is some kind of a magic pill that immures you from all problems. Christianity does not inoculate you from troubles or temptations but it does enable you to overcome them.

"The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.'" ~ Billy Graham

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” -God (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV)

If you enjoy these little tidbits of wisdom, please check out Pastor Jim's book, For His Glory: A Kaleidoscope of Wisdom. 
  

Satan's Tool: Discouragement

The following little story illustrates today's wisdom tidbit which simply put is: Don't let the devil discourage you.


Once upon a time it was announced that the devil was going out of business and would sell all his equipment to those who were willing to pay the price.

On the big day of the sale, all his tools were attractively displayed. There was Envy, Jealousy, Hatred, Malice, Deceit, Sensuality, Pride, Idolatry, and other implements of evil on display. Each of the tools was marked with its own price tag.

Over in the corner by itself was a harmless-looking, wedge-shaped tool very much worn down, but still it bore a higher price than any of the others. Someone asked the devil what it was, and he answered, "That is Discouragement."  The next question came quickly: "And why is it priced so high even though it is plain to see that it is more worn than these others?"

"Because," replied the devil, "it is more useful to me than all these others. I can pry open and get into a man's heart with that when I cannot get near him with any other tool. Once I get inside, I can use him in whatever way suits me best. It is worn well because I use it on everybody I can, and few people even know it belongs to me."

This tool was priced so high that no one could buy it, and to this day it has never been sold. It still belongs to the devil, and he still uses it on mankind. (Author Unknown)


And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)

Today's Prayer

Suffer from discouragement? This book may be helpful: A Hope and a Future: Overcoming Discouragement

Encourage us by sharing this little nugget of wisdom with your friends.