The Father of Lies
Something is really wrong. Have you noticed?
We all see the obvious issues. Race, politics, health, etc., but there is something we may be missing. Some days, it’s easy for me to get caught up in the emotional rollercoaster of crazy running through this country. Someone says something that upsets me and gets my heart pumping. I see a comment that takes mind other places than the thoughts of Jesus. I read a news article that gets my mind racing.
I get distracted.
Hey, remember that evil guy? The one who prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) He is smart, he is subtle. He is often unrecognizable.
He is the accuser. Has anyone accused you of something lately? Have you accused someone else?
He is the tempter. Have you been tempted to do or say something you shouldn’t?
He is lawless. Have you seen any lawlessness going on from all kinds of humans?
He is the deceiver. Have you been so sure that you were right about something based on the information you received (maybe even for years), only to find out that it was twisted?
He is a murderer.
He is the father of lies, and we fall for it almost every time. I believe all of these things happening today, are directly a part of his plan to take us all out. The thing is, he’s so good at what he does that we rarely see it, and we end up being the ones to take ourselves out. He comes in the form of a news story. He reveals himself in a comment on social media. He sneaks in through a conversation with a loved one. There are times when his words slip out of my mouth.
Friends, this is the time to put on the armor of God. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” -Ephesians 6:10=13
Did you catch that? Our struggle is not against flesh and blood.
Though it is a spiritual battle, many of us get distracted by other humans, and the belief we are fighting for the Lord, when we are really fighting for ourselves within our own sense of pride. It’s an easy trap to fall into.
Satan is winning in many areas, and we believers are letting him, while some of us are helping him. We often make his job so easy.
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.” -1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT
Stop and pray. Ask Him to reveal the parts of us that did not come from above, and draw us together.
The amazing fact is, that we are not in this alone.. We do have a wonderful Creator who loves us and will never leave us. He is our strength. We can get through this time victorious. I have great hope for the future. I have hope for us, because my hope is in the Lord.
“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” -Lamentations 3:22-24
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