We spend our time judging adulteresses rather than fighting adultery and the demons behind it. Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the legions of demons (Eph 6:12). Like Jesus, we should bend over, trace on the ground, and hold our ground against the evil one (Jn 8:6). "Resist the devil and he will take flight" (Jas 4:7).
The first battlefield on which we attack the evil one is our own hearts. We must fight the Pharisee within us (Jn 8:3) and remove the plank from our own eyes (Mt 7:5). Then we can remove specks from others' eyes. Like Daniel, we can disarm the devil by convicting of sin the people the devil is manipulating (Dn 13:61). If they do not repent, we can bind their works by the power of faith (Mt 16:19). When our obedience is complete, we can make every thought captive to Christ (2 Cor 10:5-6).
In summary, our business is to love the sinner but hate the sin, to attack the devil, repent personally, convict and convert others, or bind their works if they delay in repenting. We have the authority and power to do all these things, and therefore we will be successful.
| PRAYER: | Father, this Lent may I do my job and not Yours. |
| PROMISE: | "Jesus said, 'Nor do I condemn you. You may go. But from now on, avoid this sin.'" –Jn 8:11 |
| PRAISE: | Frequent Confession helps Frank remember just how much he has been forgiven. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College