Thursday, June 1, 2017
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 NLT)
THOUGHTS FOR TODAY
The enemy prepares a deadly mixture to deceive people by mixing a grain of truth with his lies. For example, the original temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden involved a bit of truth about eating the forbidden fruit followed by a big distortion of the words God had spoken to Adam (Genesis 3:1–5).
Have you ever noticed that the “tape” the devil plays in your mind contains a kernel of truth but then draws conclusions that contradict God’s Word? That can make the accusations feel so real that you may not even question their source. It is so important to know your enemy and his tactics so you can recognize them for what they are. Lies. Lies you can overcome!
Martyred saints of old overcame the terrible accusations of the devil by their testimony, and so can we.
CONSIDER THIS . . .
Martin Luther, the founder of the Reformation of the church in the sixteenth century, struggled against depression all his life. Nevertheless, he lived victoriously, and his life changed the whole course of Western history. In his daily times of prayer, his confession of faith was open and verbal. He often shouted at the devil such words as, “Devil, I defy your accusations in the name of Jesus. You are a liar who will suffer forever in the lake of fire. In the name of Jesus, I command you out of my mind!”
The devil even tried to use his tricks on Jesus. Read about Jesus’ forty days of temptation in Matthew 4:1–11. Again, Satan mixed truth with deception. But Jesus showed boldness and perseverance in his spiritual battle. He used the truth of God’s Word to defeat the devil soundly.
You too can defeat Satan’s deadly mixture. Resist him with the truth, and he will flee from you!
PRAYER
Father, help me recognize the deadly mixture of truth and lies the enemy throws at me. Help me keep my eyes on Jesus and the truth of your Word. Help me resist the devil and boldly declare the truth. In Jesus’ name . . .
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THESE THOUGHTS WERE DRAWN FROM . . .
This study deals with depression, a condition common throughout the world, and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.
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