What is most important in life? People search for life’s meaning in many ways. Wealth. Power. Status. Possessions. As alluring as these may be, people who achieve them are seldom satisfied. Often it’s not until our later years that we fully grasp the extraordinary value of our relationships. I am grateful to have been able to achieve much in life. Many would view me as “successful.” Yet my greatest treasures by far are my relationships—with my wonderful wife, Wendy, and our children, grandchildren and close friends—and with the Lord Jesus—a bond that is absolutely unique! Even when we are denied the intimate relationships of marriage, family and friends, there is One who always will be, without fail, our friend. Recall His pledge: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” By the time Billy Graham was in his 90s, he had lost his wife, Ruth, and many close acquaintances through death. But he always had a friend in Jesus. He stated, “It is the greatest discovery you will ever make: You were created to know God and be His friend forever. This is a staggering truth. Think of it. The infinite, all-powerful holy God of the universe wants to be your friend. He wants you to know Him personally.” Take a moment now to embrace this profound reality, for in it you touch the very meaning of life: You were created to be God’sfriend. KEY VERSE:“I no longer call you servants…butfriends” (John 15:15).How do I deal with the devil? One day a heated argument broke out between two otherwise collegial senior managers at our company. What caused the outburst? I didn’t have a clue! That evening, as I read a book called Dealing with the Devil, it dawned on me that Satan, God’s arch enemy, could be stirring up trouble with our managers. The author used an analogy to describe the authority we have in Christ to make a difference: Suppose a person in street clothes is standing in a busy traffic intersection. He waves his arms wildly to stop oncoming traffic, but cars keep whizzing by. Then he makes one change. He puts on a policeman’s uniform. Instantly drivers comply! Here was my clue. If I were “clothed with Christ” I could influence spiritual traffic. So I “put on my uniform” and prayed in Jesus’ name, taking authority over the troublesome unseen forces. To my amazement, the problem had evaporated by the next day. The devil is a real adversary. Once a high-ranking angel, he rebelled and was evicted from heaven (see Isaiah 14:12). Though defeated by Jesus in His death on theCross, Satan continues, by bluster and intimidation, to harass and deceive God’s people. Jesus called him a thief who steals, kills and destroys. What are we to do? The Bible says, “Resist him and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). In other words, put on the policeman’s uniform! KEY VERSE:“I (the Lord) will contend with him who contends with you” (Isaiah 49:25).
Posted on: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 20:58:51 +0000
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