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"So that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes" (2 Corinthians 2:11). "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (Ephesians 6:11). "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
As a young Christian I enjoyed the music of the late Christian artist, Keith Green. He wrote a song concerning the devil's work written as if the devil himself had written it. The devil is gleeful as his strategy in convincing people that "no one believes in me anymore" is very effective. That song is just as true or even more so today!
Naturalism has taken a toll in regard to people's belief in God but also their belief in Satan. Another book popular at that time was "Satan Is Alive and Well on Planet Earth." I personally know of those who came to faith after reading this book.
Satanology is the study of Satan and though such a study should never be our major focus we do well to understand his activities. Taught in the Scriptures and brought to light in contemporary and ancient hymns we are reminded, "But still our ancient foe doth seek to work his woe."
We must recognize that Satan is our adversary, seeking whom he may devour. "Schemes" in the second daily text translates the Greek word "methodia", from which we get the English word "method". From the beginning Satan's method has been to discredit God and overthrow His plan to redeem the fallen race.
Satan has a plot for our doom, but God has a plan for our triumph. Satan's plot is summed up by Jesus in John 10:10 who says that he came "to steal and kill and destroy." God's plan is to give abundant life in our journey below and eternal joys in our life to come.
Satan’s original plot causing the fall of man (Genesis 3) provides many clues to help us recognize his ongoing schemes and methods. He causes doubts; he distracts; he distorts; he deceives and he brings about utter destruction. We must not be ignorant of his schemes but rather we must thoughtfully put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6) and take a bold stand. We must be sober rather than frivolous and we must remain vigilant. Let us do so today so that we do not cringe in fear from our adversary, but instead we take a bold stand against the devil's schemes.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, though Satan has a sinister and deceitful scheme for our lives we will not fear. Your guidance for us in discerning his evil schemes is revealed throughout the entire Bible. Not only do we receive warning through the prophets, the disciples and other people of faith, but we see Jesus as the supreme example of One who resisted the temptations of the evil one. His time of testing in the wilderness and in the garden of Gethsemane reveal that resistance to temptation brings present and future reward. Though Satan wants me so that he can destroy me, You want me so that You can save me, here and now, and in the hereafter. Thank You for providing spiritual armor that protects me from the evil one. Amen.
"No One Believes In Me Anymore (Satan's Boast)" Video This is the song I referred to in the opening paragraph by Keith Green. Remember it's written from the perspective of Satan!
"Dear John Letter (to the Devil)" Video Another Keith Green song on this topic.
"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" Video Steve Green
An online article about Satanology.
Friday, January 22, 2010
"Satan's Schemes"
"So that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes" (2 Corinthians 2:11). "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (Ephesians 6:11). "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
As a young Christian I enjoyed the music of the late Christian artist, Keith Green. He wrote a song concerning the devil's work written as if the devil himself had written it. The devil is gleeful as his strategy in convincing people that "no one believes in me anymore" is very effective. That song is just as true or even more so today!
Naturalism has taken a toll in regard to people's belief in God but also their belief in Satan. Another book popular at that time was "Satan Is Alive and Well on Planet Earth." I personally know of those who came to faith after reading this book.
Satanology is the study of Satan and though such a study should never be our major focus we do well to understand his activities. Taught in the Scriptures and brought to light in contemporary and ancient hymns we are reminded, "But still our ancient foe doth seek to work his woe."
We must recognize that Satan is our adversary, seeking whom he may devour. "Schemes" in the second daily text translates the Greek word "methodia", from which we get the English word "method". From the beginning Satan's method has been to discredit God and overthrow His plan to redeem the fallen race.
Satan has a plot for our doom, but God has a plan for our triumph. Satan's plot is summed up by Jesus in John 10:10 who says that he came "to steal and kill and destroy." God's plan is to give abundant life in our journey below and eternal joys in our life to come.
Satan’s original plot causing the fall of man (Genesis 3) provides many clues to help us recognize his ongoing schemes and methods. He causes doubts; he distracts; he distorts; he deceives and he brings about utter destruction. We must not be ignorant of his schemes but rather we must thoughtfully put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6) and take a bold stand. We must be sober rather than frivolous and we must remain vigilant. Let us do so today so that we do not cringe in fear from our adversary, but instead we take a bold stand against the devil's schemes.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, though Satan has a sinister and deceitful scheme for our lives we will not fear. Your guidance for us in discerning his evil schemes is revealed throughout the entire Bible. Not only do we receive warning through the prophets, the disciples and other people of faith, but we see Jesus as the supreme example of One who resisted the temptations of the evil one. His time of testing in the wilderness and in the garden of Gethsemane reveal that resistance to temptation brings present and future reward. Though Satan wants me so that he can destroy me, You want me so that You can save me, here and now, and in the hereafter. Thank You for providing spiritual armor that protects me from the evil one. Amen.
Today's
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(In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.)
(In some cases you may also need to click again to start the song.)
"No One Believes In Me Anymore (Satan's Boast)" Video This is the song I referred to in the opening paragraph by Keith Green. Remember it's written from the perspective of Satan!
"Dear John Letter (to the Devil)" Video Another Keith Green song on this topic.
"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" Video Steve Green
An online article about Satanology.
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Brooksyne.
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