LET'S MAKE A DEAL
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 

Topics: Satan, Temptation, Greed

"Lest satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant 
of his devices." - 2 Corinthians 2:11

"What's it going to be? Keep what you have or trade it for what 
is behind Door Number 2?"

Monte Hall made words like those famous on the popular 
television game show, "Let's Make A Deal." On the game show, 
contestants would start out with $50 or $100 or something like that 
and then Monte would begin making them offers...

...let's make a deal!

For instance, Monte might say something like this to a 
contestant, "OK, you can keep the $50 that you already have or you 
can trade it in for what is behind door number 1, door number 2 or 
door number 3." Then, he might show a small preview of what 
might be behind one of the doors. In one such preview a 
group of keys might be revealed, indicating the possibility of a new 
vehicle awaiting behind the closed door.

The contestant then was faced with a decision...keep what they 
already have or trade it for the unknown, which was, of course, 
designed to be very appealing and enticing.

In the above case scenario, let's say the contestant says, "I'll go 
for the door with the keys." Monte would say something like, "Let's 
take a look at what was behind the doors you didn't take." Door 
number 1 is opened and a new refrigerator is found there. Door 
number 3 is opened and a trip to France is revealed. Then,
adding a bit more to the stakes, Monte says...

..."I'll tell you what. You can keep the refrigerator and the trip 
to France, OR you can trade it for what is behind door number 2."

The contestant takes a quick glance at the keys, wondering what 
else is behind the door, then looks at the refrigerator and the trip to 
France and says...

..."I'm keeping what I already have!"

The door is opened and and only a small keychain awaits. The 
contestant has chosen wisely!

My friend, satan loves to play games with Christians. His 
favorite, of course, is "Let's make a deal." That's right, he wants to 
bargain with you, Christian. He wants to offer you something in 
exchange for what you already have. His game goes something like 
this...

"Christian, you can keep your joy and peace and fellowship with 
Jesus if you want to. OR, you can trade it for what I've got waiting 
for you behind door number 1." Then, he'll show a little preview 
that is appealing and enticing. With all of what is behind door 
number 1, you just won't have time to pray and read the Word each 
day...you'll just be too busy with all of the goods.

Don't like what's behind that door? Don't worry, there is always 
door number 2...

"Christian, you can keep your integrity and honesty if you want, 
OR you can trade it for personal gain and wealth. Look at what 
awaits you when you choose door number 2..." Another preview 
is revealed and you see a few corners that can be cut here and there, 
a few ways to bend the rules just a little to put some extra bucks in 
your pocket.

Doesn't appeal to you? There's door number 3...

"Christian, there's no sense in holding on to holiness and 
righteousness, that's boring stuff. Trade it in for worldliness and 
popularity. Door number 3 is perfect for you..." This time the 
preview shows R-rated movies and worldly music. It shows 
skipping church to go hunting or fishing or sleeping in.

Still want to hold on to what you have? Don't fret. Satan has 
lots of doors to offer you...

You can trade unity and harmony for the latest bit of gossip. Or, 
you can exchange your marriage for a night of great sex with a flirty 
co-worker. Give up love and trade it for anger, bitterness and 
resentment. There are lots of doors available.

Yes, my friend, there are many doors that satan will hold before 
you today. "Let's make a deal," he will call to out to you. A 
decision awaits.

May you never give those doors a second thought as you look at 
satan and say with a love for Jesus flowing from your heart...

"I'm keeping what I already have in the Lord!"

Have a "Wonderful DAY in Christ,"
Jimmy D. Brown


<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>

We'd love to hear from you. Email your comments about 
today's devotional to comments@Living4Jesus.com

Copyright 1999 Jimmy D. Brown