“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)

Once a year Halloween comes parading around with children and adults alike celebrating the occasion. They masquerade themselves in all types of costumes from scary, to evil, and even cute. While in disguise, it is hard to determine who is really behind the fabrication. Regardless of the childish deception, we know without doubt that such ploy is a counterfeit. A genuine individual hides within the cover-up.

As followers of Christ, we need to be on guard to the schemes, deceit, and lures stemming from our real enemy. We must be very careful not to allow Satan to mislead, guide, nor trap us into falsehood, sin, or darkness. He was crafty with Eve and he is ever so cunning today. The word of God warns us, “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3)

We are like sheep and the Lord is our Good Shepherd. Jesus said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Mathew 10:16) Daily we must graze upon the Word of God in order to acknowledge, comprehend, and understand who our enemy is.

He is sly, a liar, and he wants us to take his bait. He may whisper, “You don’t have an addiction, go ahead have a drink or take that pill”, “Don’t worry nobody will find out you look at pornography”, “You don’t have to forgive that person who wronged you”. Subtle lures such as these and a multitude of others are his deceitful ways of getting us to fall into temptation and sin, which will hinder our relationship with God. Instead of being in the protective pastureland that Christ our good shepherd governs, we may find ourselves wandering in forbidden territory.

Thus, like children at Halloween putting on costumes to play a trick while seeking a delightful treat, it is imperative that we heave to the Bible’s instruction to, “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:11)  Which do you prefer, to be tricked by the enemy or to receive a blessing from the Lord? Shun evil and seek God.

Heavenly Father, We know that you love us and you do not want us to stray away from you. Pardon us if we have allowed the enemy to invade any area of our lives. Holy Spirit we ask that you guide us into truth so we can distinguish the lies of the enemy. Help us to live in triumphant over our foes. Amen     

Question: How can you guard yourself against the schemes, deceit, and lures of the enemy? How has God helped you overcome these things?

“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?”" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

There are all sorts of ads on television and on radio. Frequently, when it gets down to the fine print, the announcer speaks so fast that you can’t keep up with him. Why does he speak quickly? He’s reading the part the company would rather you didn’t hear. The important message: Buy it now.

Satan makes the same presentation: Don’t worry about the future; you can have immediate fulfillment now! The strength of Satan’s temptations is that worldly things are available immediately. You can have them – for a price – and they will provide temporary gratification.

The Enemy doesn’t bring up tomorrow. He invites us to forfeit our future by demanding immediate fulfillment of our desires. There is nothing you or I “must have” now that is worth stepping out of God’s will or losing the privileges and opportunities He has prepared for us. God has a plan for our lives, and there is absolutely nothing that can compare with His will, His purpose, and His goals.

Our relationship with God is the most important aspect of our existence. No experience at any time in our lives compares in the slightest with knowing Him. Yet every day, because we must “have it now,” we’re tempted to choose what Satan has to offer.

We sacrifice our future when we make irrevocable decisions during times of emotional weakness. Jesus Christ can help us face any temptation or trial Satan can throw our way. The Lord is there for us, and He will never leave us or forsake us.

Question: How does the enemy tempt you? How can you see the enemy using your weaknesses against you, and how does knowing this is occurring help you to prepare for his attacks?

Are you ready to explore who you are as a child of God? Try our life lesson “Becoming a Woman of Purpose”

“But the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them.”

But the new Pharaoh said to his people: “Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we” (Exodus 1:7 & 9, NKJV).

How interesting, Pharaoh noticed that the Israelites were MORE and MIGHTIER than the Egyptians. He recognized that they were a threat and in the event of war they could join with the enemy and fight against Egypt. Even worse, they might leave! So Pharaoh decided the way to deal with them was to put them to work, keep them so busy that they don’t realize the potential that they have to overtake. The Egyptians were even in “dread” of the children of Israel! However as long as they could keep the Israelites intimidated and distracted, they could continue to control them.

In Canada, Christians make up about 9% of the population. As “special interest groups” go, that is a high percentage. When you consider that just 2% of a population has the ability to change a nation in the course of about twenty years, if our 9% mobilized for the cause of Jesus, we would have a significant impact. Couple that with the fact that we have the Spirit of God in us, and you have to admit that we are a formidable force, bound for victory against the attempts of the enemy to keep us down.

The devil has noticed that we are “more and mightier” than him too, and he and his troops are in dread of us. However he too has recognized that if he can just lay heavy burdens on us, keep us distracted and very busy, we will not notice, that we in fact, do have the upper hand and the ability to dominate and overtake. As long as we allow the cares of this world and the burdens of everyday life to keep us distracted from the reality of who we are and what we have in Christ, Satan can continue to keep us and those around us in slavery and captivity.

It is time for us to lift up our heads and recognize the deception that keeps us from being all that we are meant to be. We need to begin to fully engage as a mighty people, exercising the authority we have over the enemy that was won for us at the cross. It is time to stand together in this great Kingdom work of taking back all that the enemy has stolen and see the people of this and other nations come to know the one who loves them.

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4, NKJV).

“But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57, NKJV).

Questions: What is keeping you from being all that you are meant to be? How does the enemy keep us from doing Kingdom work?

“Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business” (Luke 2:49)?

These are the words spoken by Jesus to His Mother, after she had anxiously been looking for Him. It was their custom to go to Jerusalem at the Feast of the Passover every year.  At that time, Jesus was only twelve years old. His parents, not knowing that Jesus had stayed behind, began their journey back home.

An entire day went by, when they discovered He wasn’t with them.  When their own relatives and acquaintances also didn’t know where he was, they went back. After seeking Him for three days, they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

I can only imagine the look on Mary’s face, when she finally found Him, and asked, (I’m sure with a stern voice) “Son, why have You done this to us?  Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously”.

Jesus answered her and with words they couldn’t understand. His words held a profound truth. If we can understand and take it to heart it will have a great impact on us.

When Jesus said “I must be about My Father’s business”, He was not referring to Joseph, but to His Heavenly Father.  In John 5:19 Jesus said that He can do nothing by himself  but only what he sees His Father doing.  Again, in John 6:38 He says that He came down from heaven, not to do His will, but to do the will of the One who sent Him.

Jesus did nothing apart from His Father and longed only to live the purpose His Heavenly Father had for Him.  Only He truly knew what it entailed and all He was called to, likewise, only you know your Father’s purpose for your own life.

Do you know that God created you with purpose? You are His Workmanship and He prepared works for you even before the foundation of the earth was laid.  I believe that if we take the stance Jesus took – living out of a heavenly perspective, being aligned with the will of God our Father, knowing His thoughts towards us for our lives – His purpose will prevail and succeed through us, giving Him glory!

Nothing could stop Jesus from fulfilling His purpose to destroy the works of the devil, set the captives free, bring good news to the people and heal all those who were oppressed by the devil.   No, not even His own earthly  parents.

We must be about our Father’s business.  We must ask Him what it is He created us for and be obedient walking into His perfectly chosen destiny for our lives.

Heavenly Father, I ask that you show me what Your will is for my life.  I ask that You reveal to me what You have prepared for me to do, Lord, and that You would open my eyes to see as Jesus saw what You had for Him to do, and that  You would open my ears to hear Your voice speaking to me the truth of Your will.  Strengthen me to do what you ?have called me to do.  In Jesus’  Name.  Amen.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP: Find your purpose

Questions: Do you know for what purpose God has created you? Is there something that is keeping you from being obedient to what He wants you to do?

About the Author Brigitte Straub

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“Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him” (Matthew 4:11).

Most people avoid it. Some find it uncomfortable. Others consider it a form of rejection. But for the Christian, there should be no fear of being alone, as these are the moments God speaks to us the most.

Jesus made a habit of separating himself from the voices of others. He treasured the silence. As a matter of fact, he was immediately led to the desert following his baptism. He was alone for 40 days and nights, fasting and praying just as his ministry to others was in its infant stages.

Satan tried every trick in the book to derail Jesus, preying on his weakened state, but to no avail. But then an interesting thing happens. Satan finally gives up. Matthew says it like this. (Matthew 4:11 NIV) “Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.”

No doubt Jesus was stronger because of the time spent alone with God. He was able to fight off the devil before the angels came to assist him. He expected the fight, and was ready for it.

This is what I crave in my own spiritual life. I want nothing more than to send Satan running and for angels to then attend to me and give me strength. In order for this to happen, I believe that sometimes, all the people in my life must be stripped away for a season.

Relocation. The loss of a job. A new school. A family situation no one else can relate to. The words of a doctor that change your life with a simple test result. All of these leave us alone, with no one else to call on but God himself.   He is okay with this, and we should be as well. If we learn to embrace the alone times, we might just find ourselves strong enough to fight the battle that looms on the horizon.

Dear God, we are not used to the silence. We don’t know quite how to handle it. We find it unsettling, as if we have been forgotten by the world. Teach us to find you in these places. Teach us to listen for your voice above all others. Send angels to attend to us, and give us the strength to make Satan flee from our lives, once and for all. In Jesus’ name, Amen

TAKE THE NEXT STEP: I was a quiet time quitter

Questions: Do you need to spend some time alone with God? Why do we avoid being alone? What does one fear?

About the author Janet Morris Grimes

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“Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up” (1 Peter 5:8-9a, The Message).

Ever been mugged? I hope not. Praise the Lord, I haven’t. Hmmm…or have I?

What exactly does “mug” mean? The dictionary defines it as to assault, menace or threaten a person with the intent to rob. In the Old Testament, God told His people not to consort with those enemies surrounding them (you know, all the -ites – the Amalekites, the Canaanites, the Amorites, and the others) because of their unholy ways. God separated His people to keep them holy.  He knew that, if they mingled with the -ites, their holiness would be stolen.

As insatiable suitors, enemy -ites always prowl around in the back alleys of temptation, lurking under the shroud of seduction. Just waiting to jump out and mug us! Peter warns us of The Enemy -ite, “Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up.” (1 Peter 5:8-9a Message)

What did the disciple John say was the enemy’s purpose? “The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy.” (John 10:10 TLB)

So, what areas of our lives does the enemy target? Our:
* joy
* peace
* health
* comfort
* finances
* holiness?

What are those sticky-fingered muggers, those spiritual pickpockets, that the enemy uses to assault us, menace us, and rob us?

How about doubt, worry, unbelief, strife, unforgiveness, bitterness, cheating, stealing, depression, murmuring, jealousy/envy, complaining, rebellion, hypocrisy, bitterness, lying, lust, pride, judging, gossip, addictions, marital affairs, porn, other impure thoughts, negative attitude, speaking against others, busy schedules, or anything else that grieves the Holy Spirit?

Any one of these -ites can be hazardous to the health of our bodies and our spirits. Guarding our hearts is so vital, in all we see, hear, and do.

So, what are the -ites, the petty thieves that entice you, desiring to invade your heart’s home and snatch away your treasures? Does their wooing prompt you to pack your bag of temptation, sneak out the window of your room of separation, climb down the ladder of immorality, and run off with these vendors of swill?

Unless a “No Solicitors” sign is posted, a heart that does not fully pursue God will be enticed by outsiders selling their wares and will run off with any swindler.  Remember, where you are on Saturday night represents who and what you say you are on Sunday morning! What you do and who you are with will either draw you toward God or draw you away from Him.

Let me encourage you to hang onto what you have gained spiritually. Guard those treasures with all your might and all your faith, as Solomon said, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23 NLT).

Question: What picks your spiritual pockets?

About the Author Lynn Mosher

Soul Cravings Webcards. These are an easy way to invite someone to be mentored. Pin them on notice boards, leave a few in a waiting room or hand them out to friends. Order here >>>

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This is true for older women as well, and middle aged folk, and well . . . all who seek God in their lives.   Picture life as an open road. It stretches endlessly ahead and you cannot see exactly where it is leading, you just know it lies ahead off into the horizon.  On either side of the path are vast fields. It would be so easy to veer off the path into these fields.

Perhaps there are shady fruit trees in one, each with luscious apples dangling from their limbs.  The other may have what looks like a river babbling through it off in the distance. But neither field belongs to us. There are fences to keep us out. To enter would be trespassing. Besides, there may be an angry bull we cannot see, or snakes in the grass, or holes that are camouflaged by tall grass. The row of fences on either side keeps us from veering off into unknown territory. We are hemmed in for our own good. The fences are God’s word.

The more Scripture I know, the more fence I have alongside my life’s path. It keeps me moving in the direction God wants me to journey. Even if I feel hungry or parched, I can trust God will provide, just as He did for the Hebrews wandering in the desert, and for Paul on his journeys, and for countless millions over the last two millenniums.

Yes, it is tempting to climb over or under a row of fences and dash off freely. But in my heart of hearts, I know that would not be wise. Why? Because God’s Word tells me so and because there have been times I did it anyway.

The Psalmist goes on to say in verse 11, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” and in verse 15 “ I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.”

We learn in another Psalm that God’s word is a light unto our path. And what is God’s Word? John tells us it is Jesus, the Word made flesh. Jesus who came to earth for our sakes and left His Holy Spirit as our guide to teach and help interpret the mysteries of Scripture.  He showed us through His own example in the desert how Scripture can send the devil fleeing and dissolve temptation’s lure.

Life has too many choices. I know I need a fence to keep me on the path – I need God’s Word in my mind, heart and on my lips. We all do. And He provides. Safe journey.

Question: How do you see the road ahead for you?  Do you see it as restrictive, or protective?

About the Author Julie Cosgrove

Are you hurting from the pain of having been rejected by a friend?  We want to pray for you.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EST.

The Hurting Church is not an occasional dilemma. The story of people who have been hurt deeply within the family of God is all too common. Sadly we have come to accept that this is the way church is.

The Father’s heart toward us, His children, is so open and loving as He instructs us in living in the day to day challenges of rubbing shoulders with other believers.   The steps God gives us are simple, though not necessarily easy. They are steps that can help us move from being reactive in conflict to becoming proactive in guarding our hearts and our churches.

The framework these steps are built on is love. Love is also the handrail that helps move us along from one step to another.  God says our trademark will be love.

“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

Step 1:  Know your enemy

We don’t like to focus on the devil. We don’t want to give him any glory. Yet, in failing to heed the warning of scripture we forget he actually “prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” (1Peter 5:8). We find ourselves consumed (“devoured”) by all kinds of irritations in one another and in the church.

We get caught up in how the programs run, the personalities of the leaders, worship styles, and people who “just don’t get it” spiritually the way we do. All this begins to rob us of our joy and steal our effectiveness as a body of believers. We are often oblivious to what is really going on in the spiritual realm. Scripture says, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers” (Eph. 6:12).  When in conflict with another believer we need to ask ourselves the question:

“Am I wrestling against flesh and blood?”

The answer in these situations is usually “yes”.  And the solution is so simple we often miss it. As Christians we are in a wrestling match. Yet our opponent is in the spiritual realm. His mandate is to “kill, steal and destroy” (John 10:10). Instead of recognizing that, we put on the gloves and engage in battle leaving bruises and bleeding that may take years to heal and always leaves a mark. The trademark of love becomes so faint onlookers can hardly see it.

Scripture tells us to “be alert” and to “resist the enemy” (1Peter 5: 8&9). Be on your guard and “stand against the schemes of the Devil” (Eph. 6:11).  So when irritation strikes, know immediately who your opponent is – know immediately he has schemes and plans in place that will at best steal from you and at worst destroy God’s people and their effectiveness.

Be alert to the red flags. Our human nature wants to defend and justify ourselves. God knows the tendency of our hearts to go our own way. That’s why He calls us to pray for our enemies (Matt. 5:44), to do good to those who spitefully use us (Luke 6:27). The trademark of love, remember?  Only His strength invited in at our point of weakness and frustration can remedy this battle that is fought in the heavenlies yet lived out in our churches.

“Be alert and always keep on praying” (Eph. 6:18).  When prayer is no longer the oxygen of our spiritual soul or the heartbeat of our church our defense is down.  Praying for those who hurt us becomes something we don’t even want to do. Neglect in prayer and in the spiritual training of the Word leaves us with open doors for the enemy to turn the wrestling match on one another.

It is so subtle and we can feel so justified, yet the loss in our own hearts and in the Kingdom is an unnecessary tragedy. The stealing and robbing is done long before we have even recognized the enemy was at the door. Knowing he is prowling the neighborhood keeps us in a proactive state and able to recognize and withstand his tactics.

Questions: Why is prayer so important for a vital Christian life?  How can we remain alert at all times?

About the Author Gail Rodgers

Why did Peter deny Jesus? He confidently declared “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” (Matthew 26:35, NIV). But only a few short hours later, Peter did the exact opposite. He denied he knew Jesus three times, just as Jesus predicted. We don’t have to imagine Peter’s sorrow.  We’re told plainly that afterwards “he went outside and wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:75, NIV).

But this doesn’t answer the question of why Peter denied knowing Him. Part of it was fear: fear of losing his reputation by being associated with a man accused of being a criminal, fear of his responsibilities, fear, perhaps, for his own life. But another reason that Peter ended up denying knowing His Lord is because he was away from Him.

Peter lost sight of his Lord. It wasn’t until “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter” (Luke 22:61, NIV) that Peter came back to his senses and realized what he had done. After losing sight of Jesus, Peter had been trying to do things on his own strength. Rather than trusting God, he was trusting in himself.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).

Peter himself explains the immanent danger of trying to do everything ourselves God: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NIV). The apostle James advises us: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:7-8, NIV). While even the strongest of men and women are no match for Satan’s temptations on our own, with God we have nothing to fear.

We can stay near to God by reading His Word, by speaking and listening to Him in prayer, and by living in community with His sons and daughters. Stay near to God, and you will never be overwhelmed.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV).

Questions: Why do we so often give in to fear? How can we remain close to God and not be overwhelmed?

About this Author Darren Hewer

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Running Back to God, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

“Dear young friends, you belong to God and have already won your fight with those who are against Christ, because there is someone in your hearts who is stronger than any evil teacher in this wicked world” 1 John 4:4

“I am afraid of Satan,” a young minister once told me.

“You should be afraid of Satan,” I responded, “if you insist on controlling your own life. But not if you are willing to let Christ control your life. The Bible says, ‘Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.’”

My friend lived in a city where one of the largest zoos in the world was located.

“What do you do with lions in your city?” I asked.

“We keep them in cages,” he replied.

“You can visit the lion in its cage at the zoo,” I explained, “and it cannot hurt you, even if you are close to the cage. But stay out of that cage, or the lion will make mincemeat out of you.”

Satan is in a “cage.” He was defeated 2,000 years ago when Christ died on the cross for our sins. Victory is now ours. We do not look forward to victory, but we move from victory, the victory of the cross.

Satan has no power except that which God allows him to have. Do not be afraid of him, but do stay away from him. Avoid his every effort to tempt and mislead you. Remember, that choice is up to you.

Bible Reading: 1 John 2:1-6

Today’s Action Point: I will with God’s help, stay out of Satan’s “cage,” choosing rather to enlist God’s indwelling Holy Spirit to fight for me in the supernatural battle against the satanic forces which surround me.

About this Author: Bill Bright