“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
One may not need exact military training to know that one of the rules of engagement is to first clearly identify the enemy. Just imagine a situation where on attacking a foe you are not clear of the target. The likelihood of being hit from the one with a vantage position who knows exactly how you look is quite high. In fact, not only must soldiers first identify their enemies positions clearly, they need to be very well versed in all his manner of dressing, communication style and anything that can clearly mark him out!
Christians too have an enemy: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8). He is wily and cagey. While this deadly enemy has done all the ground work to identify his targets, unfortunately many of them have not been as diligent. A strategy of his is to penetrate the ranks of believers in Christ and start fighting from within. Little wonder that on occasion the war starts from within the church. Only those who know his ways can quickly spot him out.
You can fight a loosing battle by hitting the wrong target. For believers we need a mastery of the word of God to quickly discern the spirit behind what might be a scheme. As well, we must also be conscious that once it comes to fighting the devil ours is not a carnal battle. For “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” ( 2 Cor 10:4). And by this is meant the power of prayer, which enables us to “demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God..” (2 Cor 10:5).
Today, take time to dig into the Word of God to understand clearly your enemy and pray as much, which is your blue print to level him off.
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray for discernment to identify the enemy and through the power of your Word and might of prayer, to fight him off, in whatever way he sets himself up, for victory, in Jesus’s name I pray!
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21/05/2024 - 22/05/2024 All day“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet. Do not fear sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare” (Proverbs 24-26)
Anyone who has taken a long walk through dark forested woods knows the fear and trepidation of suddenly coming face to face with some dreadful creature stirring from nowhere. Hence, one walks gingerly, with his sixth senses fully alert.
In life, there are also those situations where we too can find ourselves fearful of the worst, a terror suddenly unleashed upon us by some nemesis, just as we had lowered our guard. Yes, some evil was waiting for the right time to knock us down.
In our verse today we see here some of the blessings of placing our confidence in the Lord. People tend to lose sleep when there is something there are most anxious of, especially when there are uncertain of the outcome. Also, there are certain job situations where in a rat chase one has no idea of the next move of his competition, and is ever fearful of a wicked surprise. When we walk with the Lord, we are at peace because it is not much of the circumstances around us that determine our fate. But it is His protection.
Our lives are much like how pilots enjoy a panoramic view of all that is below. For the traveler who has not that vantage view there can be that anxiety especially once caught in the thick of the jungle. But then by looking up to God who knows and sees everything hovering over us, why worry! This is why Paul writes, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray that your peace may abound upon me in whatever situation I face as I know you are in supreme control.
