Stanley King, age 60, died while fishing the River Thames in Windsor, England. Cause of death? Drowning. When Stanley hooked a 3 1/2-pound barbel, he somehow got tangled up in his line and the fish pulled him into the water. A friend heard two splashes, and then he heard Stanley crying out, "I've gone in." And Stanley was no more. If Mr. King hadn't gotten all tangled up, he'd probably be with us today. I wonder how many Christians have been dragged to their death because they became entangled in sin or the things of this world. James 1:14 (NLT) says, "Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires." Satan uses that "lure" to draw us away from God. We need to be careful not to get hooked by the lusts of the flesh, the things of this world, or religious hypocrisy--all of which could lead to our demise (See Romans 8:1-13). I wonder what Stanley's last thoughts were as he was being pulled underneath the water to his death by that fish. It would be quite a shock to realize that one had been gotten by the very thing he thought he'd got. Did you get that? I pray you do. think on these things... Galatians 5:1 (NKJV) Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Peter 2:20,21 (NKJV) For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 1 Peter 5:8,9 (NLT) Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Copyright 2004 Randall Gearhart top of page