Satan is "the father of lies" (Jn 8:44) and the master of deception, seduction, and temptation. For example, he got David to murder some of his own soldiers who were risking their lives for David and his kingdom. The soldiers were killed as part of the plot to set up Uriah to be killed in battle (2 Sm 11:17). David had Uriah killed to cover up the fact that he had fathered a child by committing adultery with Uriah's wife (2 Sm 11:4-5). David committed adultery with her because he was sexually aroused when he "accidently" saw her naked (see 2 Sm 11:2). David was especially susceptible to the timing of this "accident" because he had just risen "from his siesta" (2 Sm 11:2), and he had some time on his hands, as he was not actively fighting in the army. David was not on the front lines possibly because he was a little older and no longer had the strength of the young men.
David may have been in a mid-life crisis. Physically, he may not have been quite what he used to be. Under these circumstances, middle-age men are tempted to assert their virility by promiscuous sexual relations. David fell for this temptation. This put David on the road to being a murderer.
Satan may be tempting you now to set you up to commit a mortal sin a year from now or twenty years from now. Satan makes long, winding roads. Resist him now so that he will not "take you for a ride."
| PRAYER: | Father, I submit to You, draw close to You, and resist the devil (Jas 4:7-8). |
| PROMISE: | "Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness; the bones You have crushed shall rejoice." –Ps 51:10 |
| PRAISE: | The Catholic Church and Western Civilization have been enlightened by the profound teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas. He is known as the Angelic Doctor of the Church. |
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