"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7
It is well known that the Adversary means us no good. We are encouraged in Paul's letter to the Ephesians to "put on the full armor of God" in order that we might resist the fiery arrows with which he is actively attacking us. Despite this metaphor, he is not nearly so overt. The attacks of Satan come quietly and often times attractively.. He appeals to things that are already desirous to us be it because of how it looks, how it can bring us physical pleasure or feed our ego. Once we give in, the attack has been successful. And once he has been successful, the target that we are becomes easier and easier to hit.
Beloved, there is no reason that we should make it easy for Satan to destroy us, particularly since there is a refuge available in God. Not only does God equip us with armor but He also limits the attack and provides a retreat if we need it. Scripture reveals, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it" 1 Cor 10:13.
The greatest threat then, is not Satan, nor is it his powerful ability to tempt. The greatest threats are the choices we make. We have to choose to put on the armor. We have to choose to take the escape. We have to choose to not give in to that which looks, tastes and feels good to us when it stands in opposition to godliness. And just as the Adversary is embolden by the success of getting us to submit to his attack, the word of God tells us that he is discouraged when he is unsuccessful. Would you like to deal with less temptation in your life? When it comes, just say "no" to it and you will find that it will pop up less and less until it stops all together. When the armor is on and the darts do not work, he will look for an easier target.
Committed,
Lee
Showing posts with label Satan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Satan. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
A Battle Bigger Than Boston 4/16/2013
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Eph 6:12
Today is Tuesday, April 16th, just one day after the horrific attacks on innocents during the Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts. By now we have all seen the tragic images and heard the heartbreaking sounds associated with such a devastating event. We are all wondering how and why such a thing could occur, what is happening to our world and who is responsible for such a thing. Everyone desires that justice be done.
Beloved, I am in no better position than anyone else to explain why this and tragedies like those at New Town, Columbine, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma City, New York and so many others continue to occur except that Satan is busy. We tend to look at the people and their motives, which we should. We examine the differences in ideologies and beliefs between "us" and "them," which is a valid thing to do. As children of God, however, we must not miss the fact that there is an adversary greater than any of us as individuals and a battle that has raged for longer than we have existed. Ezekiel 28 tells the story of the king of Tyre but scholars say that it parallels the story of Satan and how he became the Enemy of God. The point is that since that time, humanity and even the earth have become the battlefield. Humanity was famously first used by the Serpent in the Garden of Eden, not as much to hurt mankind but to strike against God. With spiritual understanding, the battle is apparent to this day and continues to rage.
For this reason we must "Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil." And we must also "With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints," Eph 6:11; 19. Let us pray fervently to our God, particularly on behalf of those impacted by these acts, but certainly for us all. Come soon Lord.
Committed,
Lee
Today is Tuesday, April 16th, just one day after the horrific attacks on innocents during the Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts. By now we have all seen the tragic images and heard the heartbreaking sounds associated with such a devastating event. We are all wondering how and why such a thing could occur, what is happening to our world and who is responsible for such a thing. Everyone desires that justice be done.
Beloved, I am in no better position than anyone else to explain why this and tragedies like those at New Town, Columbine, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma City, New York and so many others continue to occur except that Satan is busy. We tend to look at the people and their motives, which we should. We examine the differences in ideologies and beliefs between "us" and "them," which is a valid thing to do. As children of God, however, we must not miss the fact that there is an adversary greater than any of us as individuals and a battle that has raged for longer than we have existed. Ezekiel 28 tells the story of the king of Tyre but scholars say that it parallels the story of Satan and how he became the Enemy of God. The point is that since that time, humanity and even the earth have become the battlefield. Humanity was famously first used by the Serpent in the Garden of Eden, not as much to hurt mankind but to strike against God. With spiritual understanding, the battle is apparent to this day and continues to rage.
For this reason we must "Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil." And we must also "With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints," Eph 6:11; 19. Let us pray fervently to our God, particularly on behalf of those impacted by these acts, but certainly for us all. Come soon Lord.
Committed,
Lee
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Resisting Satan-5/8/2012
"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7
It is sure that Satan exists and that he has targeted humanity as a tactic in his war with God. It is also sure that God knows this and has provided for our protection by equipping us with armor (Eph 6:11-18). By virtue of these facts, it becomes obvious that we have a role to play in this epic struggle. It is certainly up to us to "put on the full armor of God" but prior even to this, we must make a decision to resist Satan rather than submitting to him.
Beloved, it is critical that we understand Satan means us no good. To be sure, we are enticed by him with great subtlety and the use of all kinds of things that appeal to us but we must constantly be aware that indulgence in these things will take us outside the will of our Father. Despite the sometimes very soft and quiet manner in which Satan approaches, it is important to understand that, "Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour," 1 Peter 5:8. He means us no good at all.
I'm reminded of a campaign launched in the late 80's which was designed to keep kids off drugs. It was called "Just Say No!" It was a remarkable effort that accomplished at least three great things. First, it created awareness of a life threatening promise. Second, it provided direction and methodology to deal with the problem. Lastly, it worked. All said, it was simply a new twist on tried and true advice: RESIST! The more we resist, the stronger we will become and the less of a problem he will be. We can literally put the devil on the run. Once we have decided to resist him, the word of God says that we will be successful.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
It is sure that Satan exists and that he has targeted humanity as a tactic in his war with God. It is also sure that God knows this and has provided for our protection by equipping us with armor (Eph 6:11-18). By virtue of these facts, it becomes obvious that we have a role to play in this epic struggle. It is certainly up to us to "put on the full armor of God" but prior even to this, we must make a decision to resist Satan rather than submitting to him.
Beloved, it is critical that we understand Satan means us no good. To be sure, we are enticed by him with great subtlety and the use of all kinds of things that appeal to us but we must constantly be aware that indulgence in these things will take us outside the will of our Father. Despite the sometimes very soft and quiet manner in which Satan approaches, it is important to understand that, "Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour," 1 Peter 5:8. He means us no good at all.
I'm reminded of a campaign launched in the late 80's which was designed to keep kids off drugs. It was called "Just Say No!" It was a remarkable effort that accomplished at least three great things. First, it created awareness of a life threatening promise. Second, it provided direction and methodology to deal with the problem. Lastly, it worked. All said, it was simply a new twist on tried and true advice: RESIST! The more we resist, the stronger we will become and the less of a problem he will be. We can literally put the devil on the run. Once we have decided to resist him, the word of God says that we will be successful.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Monday, May 7, 2012
The Reality of Satan-5/7/2012
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil." Eph 6:10-11
Today we tend only to speak of Satan in passing and then in vague terms. It is almost as if we do not think that he exists (which suits him just fine). We also think in terms of some red guy with horns, a pitchfork and a pointed tail. If only that were the case. Should he fit the stereotype, he would be easily identifiable, we would be able to see him coming and most likely avoid him.
The truth about him is that he is much more subtle than that. Though not called Satan at the time, we have come to understand that it was him that was referred to as "the serpent" in the Genesis account. In one simple conversation he introduced lies, deception, subtlety, manipulation, sin, evil, separation, destruction and death to mankind. These things and more can readily be seen to this day. More importantly, however, his actions in the Garden were not against man per se, but a strategic chess move on the board of eternity against God. We know from Scripture that Satan was once favored of God but was banished from heaven along with a third of the angels whom he had influenced to literally war against God. The battle still wages.
Beloved, God knows that we are being used as pawns by Satan. Satan is attempting to turn us away from the very One and the very reason we were created, to glorify God. Every time he influences an individual to operate outside the will of the Father, he accomplishes another move. God, however, has equipped us for this fight. He has supplied all we need to protect ourselves from his attack. But He has done so in a way that causes us to make a choice just as Adam and Eve did in the Garden and as man has done from that time. We must put on the armor to be protected. Failure to do so leaves us vulnerable and in prime pawn position. Let us not allow ourselves to be used in the fight against God. Let us fight for God. The good news is that the battle has already been won.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Today we tend only to speak of Satan in passing and then in vague terms. It is almost as if we do not think that he exists (which suits him just fine). We also think in terms of some red guy with horns, a pitchfork and a pointed tail. If only that were the case. Should he fit the stereotype, he would be easily identifiable, we would be able to see him coming and most likely avoid him.
The truth about him is that he is much more subtle than that. Though not called Satan at the time, we have come to understand that it was him that was referred to as "the serpent" in the Genesis account. In one simple conversation he introduced lies, deception, subtlety, manipulation, sin, evil, separation, destruction and death to mankind. These things and more can readily be seen to this day. More importantly, however, his actions in the Garden were not against man per se, but a strategic chess move on the board of eternity against God. We know from Scripture that Satan was once favored of God but was banished from heaven along with a third of the angels whom he had influenced to literally war against God. The battle still wages.
Beloved, God knows that we are being used as pawns by Satan. Satan is attempting to turn us away from the very One and the very reason we were created, to glorify God. Every time he influences an individual to operate outside the will of the Father, he accomplishes another move. God, however, has equipped us for this fight. He has supplied all we need to protect ourselves from his attack. But He has done so in a way that causes us to make a choice just as Adam and Eve did in the Garden and as man has done from that time. We must put on the armor to be protected. Failure to do so leaves us vulnerable and in prime pawn position. Let us not allow ourselves to be used in the fight against God. Let us fight for God. The good news is that the battle has already been won.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
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