The devil is a schemer; a master at deception. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He is keenly aware of our weaknesses and the exact areas in our lives to attack and bring us into spiritual defeat. The devil has been dealing with human beings for over four thousand years. He knows what works to bring about spiritual disaster in Christ’s people. And remember the devil’s chief goal against Christians is to do great harm to their witness and testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Ministries
Luke 14:27 – Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
Here you will find activities and information that promotes growth in our personal relationship with Jesus Christ and our journey of discipleship.
It is two days after Christmas. In some homes, the decorations have already been taken down. There will be once brilliantly adorned Christmas trees now lying on their sides at the curb waiting to be hauled away. Or if the “fake tree” was the choice, it might already be boxed up and stowed away for another year. Some people are diehards. They will cling to the last day of the “holiday season”, around January 2nd or so, to start the deconstruction process of the decorations in and outside their homes.
Today’s scripture is a profound prayer. Think about it. The God who is always present and knows all things is being addressed by the Psalmist with very revealing words. To be able to pray, “I love you, Lord” with confidence is a huge big deal and requires at least three things in one’s heart before this prayer may even be considered.
The last book of the Revelation identifies one of the titles and work of the devil. John writes, “And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God” (Revelation 12:10). The devil is a master at accusing God’s children of many things.
The mind plays an important part in our walk with the Lord. When we became Christians, it involved our mind. We responded to facts. The Gospel is a message of factual objective truth. Yes, it involves our heart and affections too, but we first are drawn and moved by objective truth. Even the definition of repentance shows us the necessity of the mind in becoming a Christian.
All Christians know they cannot live the Christian life alone. They need the constant help of God’s Spirit to keep them from sin, promote their holiness, and renew their minds toward eternal things. Remove the Spirit and Christians are done. The commands of God are beyond human capacity. The attacks of the devil are no match for us. And the flesh is so strong, we fail every time we try to subdue it in the strength of self.