Today's Devotional

February 23,  2006

 

Subject:  Satan The Loan Shark

2Corinthians 11:14 - "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."

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I notice among my email spam several offers each day that say, "bad credit,  no problem" or things like, "all credit financed" and "get $2500 today."  These emails go straight to my junk folder which is the right place for them because if one was to investigate these offers, they would undoubtedly find out that they have simply ludicrous terms attached to them.  These places operate in the material realm much like Satan does in the spiritual realm.  This is how.

First, like these loan companies, Satan tries to establish that you have a need.  In some cases you may actually have the need.  Who doesn't need more money?  That could be legitimate.  

Next, Satan preys upon those in weakened situations.  "Have you been hurt before with credit problems?  Well we're here to help you out."  He makes you feel as though he actually cares.  He tries to appear as an angel of light, as the passage above says.

Finally, he provides you with a solution to your problem much like the money offers in my spam.  "Go ahead and take it.  It's right there in front of you and boy does it look good."  Think of Eve and the fruit and you'll see his game is unchanged.

What we often fail to see are the final terms attached to his offer.  Satan is "The Loan Shark."  Eventually you may decide that you want out of the deal because you realize the cost of the loan (sin) is too much.   That's when Satan and his henchman, the demons, show up and demand payment on the loan that he made to you.

Today, refuse all of Satan's offers.  In the end they cost you way too much.  God's offers have no strings attached and though you may have to wait to get them, the terms are so much better.      

Carlen