Satan's Schemes

Daily Reading: 2 Corinthians 2-3

Scripture Focus: …in order that Satan might not outwit us.  For we are not unaware of his schemes. (2 Corinthians 2.11, NIV)

Devotional Thought: Spiritual authority had been reestablished in the church in Corinth.  But, now there was a danger that the people who had been harmed by the schism would remain bitter.

Bitterness is a scheme of Satan.  When reconciliation comes, all parties involved need to let the offense go.  It will take time for trust to be restored, but bitterness should be forsaken and forgiveness extended. 

Satan has other schemes, too.  He tempted Eve with doubt-filled questions.  He tempted Cain with feelings of jealousy toward his brother.  He tempted David with a glimpse of a beautiful woman bathing.  He tempted Ahab with another man’s vineyard.  He tempted an adulteress with an innocent relationship gone awry. He tempted Ananias and Sapphira with spiritual pride. 

All these schemes led to sin and to harm in the Kingdom of God.  But, they didn’t need to.  Adam and Eve could have run to God for answers.  Cain could have slammed the door on sin and sought to please God instead of feed his own envy.  David could have gone immediately back into his house.  Ahab could have taken counsel from godly men instead of his ungodly wife.  The adulteress could have forfeited her friendship to maintain her fidelity.  Ananias and Sapphira could have immediately repented of their duplicity when confronted by Peter.

Take a moment and be quiet before God.  Ask him, “What schemes am I vulnerable to today?”  As you recognize them, pray for strength and willpower to avoid them.  I like what one preacher taught me to pray: “May the temptation to sin and the opportunity to sin not come at the same time…”

Prayer: "Our Father in heaven... Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.  And, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen."

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 115.1-8

1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

2 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God? ”

3 Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.

4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.

5 They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.

6 They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.

7 They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.

8 Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.