By now you are familiar with the twisty paths that God leads my mind down, so if you’re curious, follow me as we sojourn along this one. Sunday, the pastor at my church brought up this scripture: “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. In today’s enlightened church, there are many who don’t believe in either hell or the devil. The thought of a ferocious enemy, prowling around ready to pounce, is tantamount to thinking that the Boogie Man exists; it’s ludicrous!!
Please note this clever segue…just as boogies are real, and must be dealt with, so is our adversary the devil. His presence is felt everywhere, even inside the church itself. Every notice how much back-biting goes on in there? Remember in the book of Job, when Satan appeared with the angels before God? God asked him where he’d come from, and he answered, "From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it." Job 1:7. Even then he was busy sniffing out his next prey, and he hasn’t stopped one day since. He knows how the bible ends for him, so he’s always on the prowl for the spiritually weak, ill-equipped, people who don’t believe in him, and especially those who think they can never be tempted. Don’t be surprised to feel his hot breath on your vulnerable neck.
So how do we counter his attacks? Is there a Devil Wipe? Well, funny you should ask, because in a way there is, not that most Christians realize it. God has given us the ultimate Boogie/Devil Wipe in the form of his word. Jesus called on this power when he was being tempted in the wilderness. Each time Satan came close to sinking in his teeth, Jesus responded from the word of God, and the old serpent had to retreat, but always looking for another opportunity to strike. We have that same power available to us, and that’s why it’s vital to be familiar with what the scriptures teach. James exhorts us with this effective verse. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.
Don’t ever become so smug that you think you can fight the enemy in your own human strength; YOU CAN’T!! However, when you submit to our Supreme General, God, and stand firm in his word, repeat it to him and the enemy must flee!! That’s good to know, and better yet to employ. So keep it in mind when you hear him growling hungrily outside your door. So, be prepared, always keep the power of your Boogie Wipes handy !!
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