Offers!

Offers. They come to us through the mail. They come by phone and even text message. They come via e-mail, many of which meet the fate of our delete button. They also pop up on our computer screens. Though many of the offers may sound good, they are not all alike. In fact, most that sound too good to be true probably are!

There seems to be an epidemic of offers for getting rich quick and easy. However, many of those offers tend to only fill the coffers of the people behind them while emptying the wallets of those who accept. Deceptive offers like that of the great deceiver himself. The devil's offers attract the attention of many, but he too is a taker rather than a giver.

Remember the offer the devil made the Lord prior to the beginning of His public ministry. It was in the third temptation where we read. . .

"(8) Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. (8) And he said to him, 'ALL THESE I WILL GIVE YOU, IF YOU WILL FALL DOWN AND WORSHIP ME.'" ( Matthew 4:8-9 ESV)

Was it the devil's to give? A lot in this world does seem to be under his control. Had Jesus approached things in a worldly way He may have gained more followers. If He had met the expectations of the Jewish leadership, they would have honored rather than crucified Him. ( 1 Corinthians 2:8) However, all in accordance with the Divine timetable, Jesus was declared Sovereign over all; not the devil's way, but by way of the cross to ultimately rise victorious over all. ( Philippians 2:8-11)

The devil's work continues in and through the world today. That work comes through this world's offers of pleasures that are so fleeting, endangering many to losing what is long lasting. The world may want to show us a good time, but God -- through Jesus -- offers us a GREAT LIFE now and for an eternity with Him! The world may want to give us a fun time, but the Lord wants us to find the LASTING JOY OF LIVING a godly life! The world may have its ideas of peace through compromise, but God wants us to know the PEACE THAT SURPASSES UNDERSTANDING ( Philippians 4:7) as we abide in the truth of Jesus.

The devil seeks to fill his coffers with a following while the Lord's offers will enrich us and ultimately take us to be where He is. May we not fall prey to worldly sway as we continue in the Lord's Way.

Have a great day KNOWING WHAT GOD OFFERS IS GOOD AND TRUE!
Carl

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