Hot-Rod Warning!

During last night's Bible study, Pastor was talking about how the devil will make you think he's powerful, got it all together, etc., but in all actuality he knows he's the loser no matter what. Pardon me if you think this is a bit carnal, but I leaned over to my husband and said, "Kind of like one of those hot-rods that look "to the T" - you get in and there's no engine."

This pic is for "Pops"

That's a good way to look at this defeated foe for many reasons. First of all, the package he presents to you always appears to be top-notch. The pleasures with which he entices people come packaged appropriately to appeal to our flesh and are always served up on beautiful silver platters. He makes the man on the billboard look so handsome and the female strikes a dazzling pose. His platters may be beautiful, but they're always empty when you get right down to it. Secondly, he presents the best he has because he tries to make a good impression to win you over. (Think about this, he does present you with the very best he has, while Jesus saves the best he has for eternity. The pleasures of sin are but for a season. Well, that's another devotion in itself...we'll save it for later.) After all, who doesn't look at the bright red sports-car and dream of driving around town with their hair flying in the breeze. You wouldn't feel the same about the neighborhood jalopy. So, remember that whatever you're presented with by this scheming loser will be the best that it will ever get. Don't expect anything but degradation from here on out if you accept what he's selling. Finally, he'll even take you to the races and put you at the starting line. Won't you look fine in that top-of-the-line, smooth sailing hot-rod. You're all psyched out about it and jump in to make it to the finish-line first....only to get in a realize that the motor is that of an ole VW model or there may be no engine at all. Here you are, you've taken the bait, he has you in his grip, and you're not going to win. It has been all for naught!
If you're finding yourself in this picture, stop! It doesn't have to end like that. Jesus takes trade-ins and he'll be happy to take you on. You see, the sly, old fox puts you in the driver's seat and allows you to make a wreck of things, but Jesus wants you to be the passenger and allow him to escort you through each day. And, there's another secret here: Jesus ALWAYS wins!
My friend, don't be caught off guard. Be alert to the tactics of the enemy of your soul. Don't be fooled by his imitations! There is a prize at the finish line, but only for those who are riding shot-gun with Jesus.