Scripture of the day
Ephesians 6:11 - Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
When you look at most Marvel movies, the superhero put's on his armor to protect themselves and eventually defeats their evil enemy. But unfortunately, our evil enemy won't be defeated until the day Jesus casts him into the Lake of Fire. Until that day, we can put on our own armor that will help us stand firm against the devil's strategies.
The strategies of the devil are vast. I've seen them in my own life and I've seen them over the years throughout society. Satan can be rather persuasive. He can make bad things look good. In fact we're at a time now where our world is running rampant doing and saying things that were once evil and now are good. Isaiah foretold this in his prophetic book:
What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. - Isaiah 5:20
The devil is also patient. He was right their with Adam and Eve since the beginning of time. He can be as cunning as a snake as he slithers through the grass. He can wait and roam around like a lion waiting for the perfect time when we are weak or slip up. He will pounce and devour us. We need to be constantly aware of the evil around us.
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
Satan is smart. Yes he is our enemy. But one that was amidst the glory of God in heaven. And has millennial of years of experience (both in heaven and earth). He knows human nature and it's weakness. He knows what tempts us and builds upon it.
The devil also does not work alone. Many people think we fight against people but in reality it is the devil's army we fight that have corrupted the minds of men. Satan has his own minions working for him. Demons that roam the earth looking to turn our eyes away from Jesus.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. - Ephesians 6:12
It often feels like an uphill battle. Even a losing battle. But as Christians, we know how the story ends for the devil and his people and they will suffer miserably. So what can we do until that great and terrible day of the Lord? We must guard and protect ourselves against evil schemes. We must put on the armor of God to help us.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. - Ephesians 6:13-18
Take a look around. See what people are saying. Look at what the world is becoming. You don't have to look far to see how far downhill we've come. Laws are being put into place to uplift what was once taboo. People can scoff at you and say, "C'mon - get with the times!" But we, as Christians, are aware of what times we are in. The End Times!
Heavenly Father, your Word is so wonderful. Full of wisdom. Help us stay strong in the face of evil. May we always put on your armor to protect us. Let us not be foolish thinking we can take on the devil by ourselves. We need you! The protection you give us will keep us safe. May we continually pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ to be safe as well.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
