by Barry Newton

Joblessness. Illnesses. Broken relationships. A victim of abuse. Various types of temptations and trials.

Satan is at work in our world as a roaring lion to destroy us. As the father of lies who appears as an angel of light, he serves up tantalizing ideas which seem reasonable and are attractive, but are deadly harpoons. To Eve, the evil one offered the enticing thought, "you will be like God knowing good and evil." At other times he has unleashed waves of trial and temptation such as he did upon Job.

Through such measures the devil desires to lead us into rebellion against the Creator, thus driving us away from God and under his insidious control. Satan sows ideas and tries to orchestrate situations to cause hopelessness and despair, bitterness and fleshly rage, self-centeredness and greed to grow within our hearts.

Who are we to stand up against such incessant forces?

Praise be to God! Praise be to His Son! Because the one who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world, with our Lord’s help we will be victorious if we maintain our faith. 1 John 4:4; 5:4

• God is faithful in limiting the tempter's snares to a level we can bear. He also provides a way to escape from them. 1 Corinthians 10:13

• God can keep us from falling and He will present us before his glorious presence without fault! Jude 24

• If we submit to God and resist the devil, he will flee from us. James 4:7

• There is nothing which can impose its will upon us to force us away from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Nothing. Romans 8:35-39

Although we are in the midst of a spiritual battle, and although the evil one controls the whole world, if we belong to God and will put on the whole armor of God, we can know that the one begotten of God has the power and authority to keep us safe. 1 John 5:18-19; Ephesians 5:10-18

If God is for us, who can be against us? Is there anything equivalent to living securely in the embrace of God?

by Dr. Michael Landon

1. Conflict can be good, useful, creative.

2. Admit your own part in creating problem. Apologize.

3. Admit problem may only be your imagination. Don't get into mind-reading. Do talk with person in order to check perceptions.

4. Make "I feel, I think (don't know), my imagination says" statements. Be very careful in making accusations.

5. Avoid bringing up old history, especially if you've already argued about it.

6. Don't make exaggerated claims (always, never, all, none). You can say, "I know it's not true, but is seems like you always ..."

7. Go for win/win or no deal, when possible.

8. Don't criticize something the other person can't change.

9. It's generally best to go privately (Matthew 18), unless you feel physically threatened.

10. When confronted by anger, don't respond with anger.

11. Avoid over-focusing (determine that the person is the problem). Solve the problem; don't attack the person.

Michael is Professor of Bible and Missions at Southwest Christian College in Terrell, Texas, and a former missionary to Brazil.