Sent: Friday, December 07, 2001

Subject: The “Good Times” Attack

Good Morning Ethan & Emily:

Yesterday we talked about how to “really” live…to get the “real” thing in life.  Today, we complete this passage in Deuteronomy 8 with 2 action steps:  Moses told the Israelites (with application to us) that after they reached victory in their conquests of the land God had given them and were enjoying God’s blessings and had “eaten their fill,” they were to first…”praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you.” (v. 10)

Secondly, they were to be “on guard”:  “But that (when things are going well) is the time to be careful!  Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey His commands, regulations, and laws.  For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, and when your flocks and herds (income/job) have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, that is the time to be careful.  Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord you  God…” (vv 11 – 14)

I have found this to be so true…that after a “spiritual high” or moment of real spiritual victory or blessing…I have sometimes found myself thinking thoughts or tempted to do things that I might not have been at other times when times were “tough.” 

Satan hates to see you serving the Lord and living for Him, so when He sees you enjoying the blessings of serving God, He will step up his attacks:  “Be careful!  Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy.  He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour.  Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith.”  1 Peter 5:8 – 9 

But, don’t despair, we more than have the power to defeat him and “greater is He that is within us…than he that is in the world:  “Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.”  James 4: 7 – 8.

So…go after the “real” thing, as we discussed yesterday…live life at its fullest as you walk in God’s ways and fear Him….but as you so live and bask in God’s blessings…keep vigilance and stay “on guard” for the “good times attack” by Satan. 

Remember…”If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for His purpose.  Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.”  2 Timothy 2: 21

Stay alert today, give thanks, and continue to enjoy the blessings God has given you.

Remember…You can keep the “good times” rolling by looking out for the “good times” attack!

All my love…and looking forward to seeing you tonight, Emily, as you travel home for Christmas break…

Daddy-O