Satan

April 28th – 1 John 2:15

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

1 John 2:15

I used to struggle when I would read John telling believers to love God and each other, but not the things of the world. Because what about my loved ones? Is it a sin to want to both be with God and to stay in the world with them? But then I learned that when John was speaking of the world, he didn’t mean the people in it. But rather the sinful system of values and beliefs that are opposed to God’s will. If we are in love with a society that promote selfishness, pride, materialism, and other worldly values, we can’t be in love with the Lord. And we won’t be dedicated to living lives that glorify Him and seeing His will done. When it comes to worldly living, I love what evangelist John Wesley has to say. “The best means of resisting the devil is, to destroy whatever of the world remains in us, in order to raise for God, upon its ruins, a building all of love. Then shall we begin, in this fleeting life, to love God as we shall love him in eternity.”

April 28th – 1 John 2:15 Read More »

April 15th – James 4:4

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

James 4:4

The Bible tells us that the Christian walk is made up of two paths. Daily we must make the choice of either following the path of godly living or the path of worldly living. For as James reminds us, we can’t walk with God and hold hands with the devil. We live in a society which encourages us to live for our individual glory. It tells us that it’s not wrong to pursue a life dedicated to pleasing the lust of the flesh. We are fed lies that say we are god in our lives and it is us who deserves worship. And if we don’t agree with the sinful and destructive ways of the world, we are laughed at, ridiculed, and in some parts of the world even tortured and killed. So how do we stand strong against the pressure from the world? “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will resist you.” (James 4:7) The enemy loves nothing more than to see God’s people weak both in mind and spirit. But we can withstand whatever he throws our way by submitting ourselves to the Lord and walking hand in hand with Him.

April 15th – James 4:4 Read More »

March 13th – 1 Corinthians 10:13

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

1 Corinthians 10:13

Evangelist Billy Sunday once said, “Temptation is the devil looking through the keyhole. Yielding is opening the door and inviting him in.” Temptations are everywhere, and not even the strongest Christian is immune to their pull. But thankfully we have the blessing of knowing that God will never let Satan tempt us beyond our ability to resist. And by turning to Him when we are at our weakest, we can resist any enticement. Through prayer we can ask God for strength and wisdom. By studying His Word we can gain God’s insight to help us overcome. And through the mighty power of His Spirit living inside of us, we can discern right from wrong. We serve a God who knows firsthand the temptation of sin. So when when Satan is enchanting us to wickedness, by turning to God and fellow believers we can turn aside from sin. And we can be victorious, living a life that is pleasing to God.

March 13th – 1 Corinthians 10:13 Read More »

March 10th – Matthew 5:13

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Matthew 5:13

Not only a call from God, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ is a blessing we as Christians get to have. And oh what an honor it is to experience the joy of leading another to a saving relationship with the Lord. But currently, the world in which we live is hostile to God and His teachings. Yet a world desperate for His saving grace all the same. And with the Lord’s soon return upon us, it’s important that we be the salt and light to a flavorless, rotten, and darkened society. How? To be the salt means to flavor the world with joy, love, and positive influences. While preserving and protecting what is good and right. To be the light means exposing the darkness and evil of Satan and his lies. Putting a spotlight on what is true and right. By shining our lights on God’s path to salvation, we bring the Lord’s assured hope of everlasting life to those who are lost and in despair. And how awesome is it that the Lord lets us work hand in hand with Him in growing His kingdom!

March 10th – Matthew 5:13 Read More »

March 1st – Philippians 4:1

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Philippians 4:19

An old Indian proverb says, “a harvest of peace grows from seeds of contentment.”  A wonderful but difficult sentiment. Especially in a world that constantly bombards us with images of how we should look and what we should have in order to be happy and successful. Discontentment is one of Satan’s most powerful tools of the trade. He loves for our focus to be on what we don’t have instead of all that we do. But what we want isn’t always what we need. And no one knows that better than God. That’s why He promises to always supply everything we require, not everything we desire. From His abundant grace and love, our Heavenly Father is faithful to meet our needs, both physical and spiritual. And as His children, we can have confidence in His faithfulness goodness, love, and provision.

 

March 1st – Philippians 4:1 Read More »

January 27th – Matthew 4:1

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Matthew 4:1

The Bible teaches that Jesus is both fully man and fully God. And it was the flesh side of the Lord that Satan was targeting. Like us, Jesus felt hunger, loneliness, and hardship. Yet instead of those feelings leading Him to sin, the Lord stood on the Word of God to stop the enemy in His tracks. And when we too stand on God’s Word, we can have that same victory over temptation. For when we resist the devil by turning to God, the devil will run from us. (James 4:7) So why did the Enemy start a losing battle? I’m reminded of the old saying, “Give the devil his due, but don’t overpay him.” While Satan is many things, the one thing he is not, is God. That means he isn’t omniscient. He doesn’t know the future, nor has he ever. And his failed efforts show us how rebelling against the will of God only leads to failure and destruction.

January 27th – Matthew 4:1 Read More »

January 8th – Psalm 56:3

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Psalm 56:3

There are many fears in the world today. And while some are real, legitimate, fears, most are rooted in the lies of the Enemy. For he knows the power he wields when we are afraid. And as cunning as he is, Satan offers ample, worldly solutions to overcoming our worries. Because for every fear and phobia, there’s a book, exercise, or yoga pose hailed as a cure. Anything and everything, except the only thing, that can truly help us defeat our fear. And that’s having a close, personal, relationship with God. Our Heavenly Father cares about every aspect of our lives. He knows our hopes, dreams, fears, and doubts. And He loves us beyond measure. So much so that every tear we cry, our Father remembers. And He wants us to face each fear hand in hand with Him and in His strength. To trust Him with every worry on our hearts, and lay our fears at His feet.

 

January 8th – Psalm 56:3 Read More »

January 6th – Psalm 36:3

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Psalm 36:3

It’s estimated that around 45% of the world’s population are active on some sort of social media platform. This has caused a rise in the very lucrative business of social media influencing. And one of the greatest influencers out there is Satan. Without restriction or consequences, the Enemy goes about influencing the world to be wicked, rebellious, and hostile to God. He spreads lies about the joy of worldly living and the need to find our worth in followers, likes, and shares. And sadly, many Christians fall victim to his deceit. That’s why it’s so important for us to routinely take stock of our lives to see if we’re living for instant gratification, or eternal gratification. Eternal gratification recognizes that true, lasting joy can only be found in dwelling in the shadow of God’s wings. And instead of following influencers, eternal gratification influences the world by spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ!

 

January 6th – Psalm 36:3 Read More »

December 29th – Ephesians 1:4

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Ephesians 1:4

Did you know the word “beloved” appears nearly 120 times throughout the Bible? It’s a word reserved for those who are adored, cherished, treasured, and greatly loved. And a word God uses about us. He created each of us intentionally, purposefully, and lovingly. He calls us beautiful, valuable, wanted, and His. And unlike the world who turns away when the shine fades from our star, God never will. For His love never falters, fails, or grows cold. So the next time you find the world trying to define your worth and the Enemy whispering lies of inadequacy in your ears, remember this. You are a child of the most high God. There is no Hollywood trophy, social media following, nor worldly accolade that could compare with the value of knowing one day we will spend eternity dwelling and reigning with the Lord. So wear your crown proudly, have a heart longing to serve God, and never forget how much you are loved!

December 29th – Ephesians 1:4 Read More »

Spetember 8th – Romans 7:18

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Romans 7:18

Christian author, Lysa TerKeurst once wrote, “You are more than the sum total of your feelings and perfectly capable of that little gift from Jesus called self-control.” Being a Christian means no more excuses for sin or being satisfied with merely the desire to do better. And no more saying, “I can’t help it, the temptation is too great.” Jesus faced every temptation we ever will. And the same power He had to walk in righteousness is available to us. Satan knows our weakness. And He takes great glee in dangling the carrot of sin before us. But God has always been one step ahead. He knew left to our own devices, we’ll choose sin every time. That’s why in His great love and mercy, He provided a way out. When we receive Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit indwells us. And through Him we have the strength to triumph over sin, win every battle, and overcome any temptation. So claim the power that is yours, and never again fear the enticement of the Enemy!

Spetember 8th – Romans 7:18 Read More »