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One Sunday, Sherwood’s church sermon was about temptation. At one point in the sermon, the preacher said, “We must always be careful what we choose to do or say because the devil is always there to try to tempt us to sin.” That but he was confused, so he decided he would ask his parents on the way home about it. As they got into the car to head toward the house, Sherwood said, “I know I
don’t understand what the preacher meant by what he said. If he’s always around to tempt me, why haven’t I ever seen him? It seems like I would have seen him at least once or twice.” Dad laughed and said, “Well, Sherwood, what do you think he looks like?” After giving it some thought , Sherwood said, “I think he’s red. He has large horns on his head. I’ve always pictured him with wings like a huge bat. He carries a pitchfork. In my mind, he has a sharp, pointed tail and his toes end in claws.” Dad laughed out loud and said, “What a horrible picture!” He asked how Sher-
wood could have come up with such a description since he had said he had never seen the devil. “I’ve heard people talk and seen pictures of the devil people have drawn, I guess.” He told Sherwood he needed to think about it. He told him, “If the devil wants to tempt you, he certainly wouldn’t want
to scare you with how he looks. Nobody would ever give in to temptation in that case. Temptation comes to everyone, and our job is to refuse to give in to it, no matter how attractive it may be. The devil is smart. He hides unseen, and he knows the things you may be tempted to want or do, even though the things may not be good for you and others. I think the preacher was warning us that we need to always be careful.”
By Mary Drew Bult with Illustrations by Anna Campbell Bult
- ings. You are not alone either way. Take encouragement this holiday season that no matter how empty this life has
created ones from life’s curse: sin. As the perfect Savior, Jesus is the greatest blessing you will ever receive—and and hope of eternity in Heaven. Jesus offers Himself to you! Acceptance of Jesus’ gift does not guarantee a care-free life. Believers will face trials, but they will do so with
their Savior by their side and with eternal hope before their eyes. Count your many blessings this holiday season,
blessing in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 1:3 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are plea- sures forevermore.” – Psalm 16:11
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The Associate Reformed Presbyterian
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