The above image is from Revealed: A Storybook Bible for Grown-Ups. It was compiled by Ned Bustard. The image on the right is called “The Devil Belial before the Gates of Hell,” and its creator is anonymous.

⁴² “But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck. ⁴³ If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands. ⁴⁵ If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one foot than to be thrown into hell with two feet. ⁴⁷ And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It’s better to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, ⁴⁸ ‘where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out.’”

Mark 9:42-48

Dear God, I’m part of a group that is responsible for recommending things to our local school board regarding the health of children. Maybe it’s the food in the cafeteria, curricula to teach health-related state standards, or exercise for the students. Yesterday, we were evaluating some videos that warn students about the danger of pornography. I thought of those videos this morning and the dangers of porn when I was reading this passage out of Ned Bustard’s book. The creators of pornography are the tempters. And, frankly, they are evil. And I’ve fallen into their traps in the past. I could have used those videos when I was a boy. Thank you for your healing.

But before I just start going off on the obviously evil, I need to, of course, stop and search my heart to see how I might be tempting people or giving them bad advice. I had lunch recently with a man going through a divorce. I don’t have to tell you how complicated the situation is. You know. But I have no idea if I was speaking your words to him or not. Was I giving him good counsel or was I giving him bad counsel? Did any of my words cause him to fall into sin? I pray that I didn’t.

Father, I look at this image of “The Devil Belial before the Gates of Hell” and I think about the attraction of walking straight into hell. I looked up “Belial” and found this description: “Belial is a major demon in Christian demonology and Jewish tradition, often known as the “Lord of Lies,” “Lord of Arrogance,” or the “Demon of Lawlessness”. He represents worthlessness, rebellion, and perversion, often depicted as a seductive, persuasive spirit who induces immoral behavior, particularly sexual immorality and corruption.” I don’t want to be that. I want to be a shiner of your light. Help me to shine your light today.

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen