070307-N-8138B-001 NORFOLK, Va. (March 7, 2007) - Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) makes her transit down the Elizabeth River from Naval Station Norfolk to Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Roosevelt is undergoing a Planned Incremental Availability period for maintenance. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Eben Boothby (RELEASED)

070304-N-4965F-018 PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (March 4, 2007) – Guided missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) maneuvers as she prepares to moor pierside Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Benfold returned from a deployment as part of Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group, which is currently conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in support of 5th Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James E. Foehl (RELEASED)

The end result of the work done by explosive ordnance disposal Marines attached to the California-based Battalion Landing Team 2/4, Feb. 22, 2007. EOD performs various functions for the battalion such disposal of improvised explosive devices, weapons and post blast analysis. U.S. Marine Corsp photo by Staff Sgt Tracie G. Kessler

An Iraqi doctor provides medical attention to a Iraqi child during the joint Iraqi/American medical civil action program at the village of Dugmat, Iraq, Jan. 30, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Maria J. Bare

March 10, 2007

Satan’s Secret

READ: Romans 6:11-23

He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. —1 John 4:4

A driving instructor in Germany was stopped by police after a minor accident with a truck. When asked for his driver’s license, he couldn’t provide one. He had been instructing students for more than 40 years on how to drive, yet he didn’t have his own license! Years earlier, he had failed a driving test, and he was fearful of trying again. He kept this fact a secret out of embarrassment.

Satan also has a secret in his past that he doesn’t want people to learn about. His secret? He no longer has the power to separate us from God. Our enemy doesn’t want anyone to know this truth because he desires to keep nonbelievers controlled by sin and believers entangled in it.

It’s true that because of sin we were separated from God. But when Jesus died on the cross, He bore all our sins and took on Himself our punishment of death. God then raised Jesus from the dead, and now He reigns in heaven.

When we trust in what Jesus has done for us, a relationship with God begins and sin no longer has control over us. The apostle Paul wrote, “Sin shall not have dominion over you” (Rom. 6:14). We are no longer separated from God. We are set free from bondage (v.18). Satan’s secret is out in the open.

The outstretched hand of God extends
To those weighed down by sin;
He offers to remove the load
And give His peace within. —Sper

God always stands between the Christian and the enemy.

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 11-13; Mark 12:1-27