Hooked on a Hook

“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when the desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown brings forth death.” James 1:14,15 (NKJV) Last year, I had some small fi shing lures that I was intending to give away, and were still in the package. I thought I had put them in a safe place, and that was needed because our small dog was at his “chew on everything” phase. Somehow, he found one of these small lures and started chewing until he bit through the package and into a sharp barb. At this point, he was in trouble! The hook he bit into was holding his mouth closed, and he would cry in pain when my wife and son tried to open his mouth. What do we do now? It was the weekend, and vet offices were closed. After calling the emergency number of several vet offices, one of them was willing to assist our small dog. The hook was easily removed by the vet, and our dog could now open his mouth. This incident reminds me of how the enemy brings temptation to us. Whatever he uses can look good, and appeal to our sinful nature. We often find ourselves at a crossroad, deciding if we should take the bait. Or will we recognize the temptation? Like Joseph in the book of Genesis, we can run away from the temptation and run to Jesus for protection, safety, and victory. I am so thankful for the Word of God! In 1 John 1:9 (NKJV) it says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Confession, repentance, and a renewed fervor towards Christ are all elements in living victoriously in the Christian life. Dear Heavenly Father, teach me to live victoriously in Christ as temptations come in my daily living. Amen. — Frank Ward   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org