The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. (1 John 3:8)
Minnesota is home to many golfers who are passionate about the game. They demonstrate that love by their willingness to play in all types of adverse conditions, particularly in late fall or early winter.
Some courses remain open despite frigid temperatures, provided there is no snow on the ground. I can even recall one time I played with snow partially covering the course; it made finding the ball quite challenging, especially where I hit it.
I’ve been known to play in all types of weather, prompting those with better judgment to shake their heads. The key to making it tolerable is to have the right kind of protection.
For cold weather, dressing in layers is a must. The cardinal rule is to ensure you have enough layers to stay warm. You quickly learn it’s better to be too warm and remove a layer or two than to shiver for eighteen holes, wishing you had more; take it from someone who learned that lesson the hard way.
Stocking caps may not be as fashionable as your favorite golf cap, but they protect the ears and prevent precious body heat from escaping, so ditch the cap. And whether it’s gloves, mittens, or pocket warmers, make sure you keep your hands warm.
The bottom line – wear the right kind of protection, and you can enjoy golfing in almost any condition.
The cold-weather golfing challenge pales in comparison to the adversity we may face as followers of Christ. The great 20th-century preacher Adrian Rogers described our battle this way: “The world, the flesh, and the devil have struck up an unholy alliance for your humiliating defeat and destruction. Think of your flesh as a pool of gasoline, the world as a lighted match, and Satan as the one who has struck the match and flings it at you.”
Satan is active in the world, and we who follow Jesus have a big target on our backs. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” So where do we turn for protection against this nefarious foe?
James 4:7 provides the answer: “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” There is one opponent that Satan truly fears, and that’s Jesus. Satan has lost both times they’ve gone head-to-head.
The first time was in the wilderness, and Satan figured he had an advantage, given that Jesus was tired and starved after a 40-day fast. But three failed temptations later, Satan was rejected as Jesus quoted scripture to turn him away.
The second showdown came at Calvary. Satan thought he had won his greatest triumph when Christ was crucified by his own creation. But on Easter morning, Christ rose from the grave to conquer sin and death – game over!
Even though defeated, Satan still causes trouble. So when you are under attack, submit to the Lord in prayer and consult your Bible. Remember, the best protection against the “father of lies” (John 8:44) is God’s truth.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we know from Scripture that you are faithful. Strengthen us and protect us from the evil one. Amen