RUNNER
February 23, 2018
Prayer: Dear Lord, We want You to train us to run from evil and sin and run to our Savior, Who alone has words of life. We want to listen to You telling us to turn to the right or left. Thank You, Lord.
Scripture: Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Proverbs 3:7-8 NIV
One night in Florida, we were all in the backyard when my mom called out, “Look at this frog go! I have never seen a frog hop so fast!” This was followed immediately by my mom screaming in terror as the snake that was chasing the frog passed by. My mom believes the only good snake is a dead snake!
What can we learn from that frog? When Satan is after you – RUN! Scriptures say we are supposed to flee from sin, turn from temptation, and run to God for refuge.
Unfortunately there are times when we flirt with temptation instead of fleeing. We think we are wise to it and can keep things under control. We get ourselves into a relationship or situation that did not seem dangerous at the start… at least we have convinced ourselves of that. Even with the warning cries of friends and family, we choose to stay instead of running for refuge and, before you know it, we are wrapped up in the clutches of sin like a boa constrictor’s lunch.
The Holy Spirit gives you that uneasy feeling when you are treading into dangerous waters. If you find yourself sneaking somewhere or hiding something, if you are doing something, looking at a TV show or something on the Internet, or there is someone in your life and Jesus walked up behind you, ask yourself, “Would He be pleased?”
Have you ever caught your students when they were up to no good only to see them jump when they heard your voice and began to stammer for an explanation? Did any of them say, “I just got here.” We know that Satan is a liar; we also know from Scripture that he was the most beautiful angel, not the ugly, red, horned monster as movies depict him. If sin and Satan were disgustingly gross and scary as that snake was to that frog, there would be no problem: we would recognize it and run for our lives. But sin comes in many packages. They are beautiful, desirable, fun, fulfilling, but only in a worldly way. BEWARE!!!
Today’s Scripture says that turning away from evil will be healing and “nourishment to your bones.” That is the heavenly way. My prayer for you this week is that you would listen to your godly friends; listen to the Holy Spirit; listen to the Scriptures; and RUN, not walk away from temptation and sin.
Copyright Kathy Branzell. Email [email protected]
I am struggling with student behavior at this point in the year. It is so difficult at times to be the loving, caring, and encouraging teacher, but patient, understanding, and wise at the same time. We are emotional beings. So many students do not run from evil and they have role models that are also engaging in similar behavior. I will continue to pray for my students, encourage them into better choices, and love them unconditionally. I believe that swift consequences are necessary in discouraging negative behavior.