What the Lord laid on my heart this morning is fighting. Yes, fighting. We are in a battle for our souls and though we may already know this, we seem to let the enemy tell us lies that throw us off course. It started this morning for me already. I realized I was in the mood I was in because the enemy told me a lie about how my day would go. How dare he! When I realized I had no reason to feel that way, I prayed that the Lord would help me stay on track. It dawned on me that the enemy’s attacks often happen first thing in the morning. We must be prepared for the little lies he will tells us, which can shape our day.
Preparation for battle means we must be on guard always; we must know our enemy, and expect our enemy and his invisible attacks (Like lies that take us off course) With our own knowledge and strength we cannot fight well against an invisible enemy. Therefore, we need to be prepared for the invisible attack with our weapon, the Word of God. Here is what Jesus says to some religious leaders about the enemy’s character:
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44
Jesus is saying to religious leaders that they are not sons of Abraham, because they do not follow in his footsteps. Those leaders chose to adopt some practices which were copies of what the enemy does. He lies! He makes the point that the enemy lies due to his own lying character. Thinking about this reminds me… how much more wonderful a Father is God, whose character is love and truth and light!
So, can we know the nature of our enemy? Yes. Can we expect Him to attack? Yes
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 ESV
How do we fight the enemy? By submitting to God, by choosing His way over our way and listening to His still small voice that tells us when we are being attacked. It is so tempting to think little lies are okay or “little” sins are okay, but all temptation and lies are of the devil. All truth is from God, our Father, the Father of truth! That is who we need to follow.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
So, let’s be prepared for attacks by praying to God throughout the day, that we will recognize and fight the enemy with truth. He just hates that. It goes against his character. By the way, our enemy is not other people in our crazy changing world. It is the evil one that influences them. We can only fight a good fight with God’s truth and HIS wisdom and in a huge part, His love. 🙂
Dear Father,
We are so thankful that You tell us everything we need to know, in order to follow You and defeat the enemy. We cannot do it on our own, nor do we want to. We can’t see the enemy, so please help us to recognize those things that we do or say or think, that are not in Your character. You are so loving and just and truthful to us. We love You so much and just want to please You in all we do. Amen
Have a great weekend, friends! Love and prayers to all,
Just me. Just His.
tina
Glory in the Morning 