Archive for January 5th, 2008
Opportune Time
We know it’s true. We joke about Murphy’s Law — if anything can go wrong, it will go wrong, at the worst possible time. But deep inside, we know that bad stuff is more than just some accidental quirk of fate and circumstance. We know we have an adversary, a deceiver who tries to pull us away from God. Most of us have experienced great spiritual victories only to be ambushed while still in the glow of our successes. Satan, the devil, our adversary, attacks. Sometimes relentlessly to wear us down. Other times, he simply waits … and waits … and waits … for the opportune time.
This is what the evil one did with Jesus. Can we expect any less. (Our reading today is from Luke 4.)
//Inspiration: Luke 4:13
When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
//Incarnation: What this verse means to my life today
I must be ever-vigilant about the attacks of the evil one. In my highest highs and lowest lows, I need to be watching for his attack moves. He lurks in the darkness waiting for his opportunities. But what Luke 4 has really taught me tonight is that the power of the Holy Spirit, my relationship with God as my Father, and my ability to use the Scriptures all are important to me in defeating the influence and overcoming the attacks of Satan. I mustn’t give up. I mustn’t slack up. I must stand up and stand firm in the Lord.
//Invitation: My prayer for today
Holy God, the Almighty, I need Your Spirit’s power to withstand the attacks of the devil. Without your help, I know the evil one will ambush me in a moment of weakness. Please give me eyes to see and strength to stand up to him in those moments he sees as an “opportune time” to attack me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Click the comments link below and share your input on today’s readings!
Here a couple of questions to get you started, but feel free to add whatever you like to the discussion.
What is the verse that speaks most powerfully to you and why?
What makes it hard for you to live out God’s will for you in this passage?
What did you think about Phil’s take on this passage?
(The daily Bible reading schedule can be found online with Heartlight or hard copy out in pdf.)