Proverbs 7-9

I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.

Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. (She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home; now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said;

"I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows. So I cam out to meet you; I look for you and have found you! I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let's drink deep of love till morning; let's enjoy ourselves with love! My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till hull moon."

With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like and ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till and arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.

This description of the adulteress (the devil) made me shudder as I read it. I mean, talk about how he temps us!! He pretty much gives us every single excuse for us to give in to our fleshly desires. The longer we dwell and allow ourselves to be enticed by the devil, he will gives you more and more reason to commit sin.

I did notice that the "youth who lacked judgment" was walking in the direction of the adultress. Many times, we put ourselves in situations where we can be more easily enticed. And many times, we do this knowingly.

The adulteress lurks at every corner. God has been reminding me over and over again the reality of the spiritual warfare that is happening all around. I must be aware of this, so I am ready whenever the adulteress comes out to meet me (or finds me).

Thanks God I can be victorious in Christ Jesus. I don't have to be like an ox going to the slaughter house, helpless and not in control. In Jesus, I have the power to overcome and be victorious before my enemies. It is always a question of whether I utilize that power that is always available to me.

But I cannot be double-minded. I cannot already make up my mind that I am going to sin and be walking toward the adulteress.

Let's choose God this day over ourselves. We are so blessed to be loved by him. Praise God:)