DISCERNMENT OF SATAN'S DEVICES: Let God's 'Done' Be Our Victory Won

November 20th, 2023

The theme for this week’s Devotional is DISCERNMENT OF SATAN'S DEVICES. Our God has bestowed upon us the spiritually intellectual ability to comprehend beyond what our natural eye sees, beyond face value. Oh what a gift and our team of writers will encourage your hearts through God’s Word and their testimonies!

SCRIPTURE: "...be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6: 10-12

There is an active and harsh evil reality which the Bible is not bashful about describing. "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD and Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan "From where do you come?" Then Satan answered the LORD and said, "From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it." Job 1:6,7. It is in this world, but not of it, though it is an influencer of much and many within it. "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves." Matthew 7:15.

The ill-equipped soul lacks the capacity to withstand it, for its persuasiveness through either charm or harm is well-practiced. "A thousand may fall at your side, and ten-thousand at your right hand; but it shall not approach you." Psalm 91:7. It can be as evident as a ravaging beast, or as subtle as a chameleon. "And the LORD God said to the woman "What is this that you have done?" And the woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." Genesis 3:13. ["...the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made." Genesis 3:1]

It enjoys our systems. "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world." 1 John 2:16. By the Bible account, it is real. "Be of sober spirit. Be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8. It thrives upon the margins where history meets fable, and it welcomes our spiritual fatigue. This evil enjoys our customs and conventions. It is at home where we rest our heads, and but for God, it would be victor. God’s goodness, and tender mercy however is our banner!

"Put on the whole armor of God" not so much that we resist in, and of our own power, but that in humility, submitted to the LORD, He fights the fight with, and through us. Our own armor won't do, nor will we do well enough through the power of our own might, no matter how practically impressive it is. The call is to be prayerfully yielded. Let go, and let God!

Thank You LORD for Your living presence. In You we can be lovingly holy, and righteously compassionate, yes, even in this world. Thank You for Your Living Word! Thank You for the counsel of Your Spirit, who indwells us, and for that precious attribute called 'the anointing'! We await that One, "Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth, the One who loves us, and released us from our sins by His blood! He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father; to Him be glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." Revelation 1: 5,6.

Yes, "Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. Even so. Amen." Revelation 1:7. Thanks be to God. We shall behold Him, and the devil is defeated. Thanks be to God! "Behold, I am making all things new." Revelation 21:5

Prayer: LORD God, with all letting, let us fight the good fight, and let us 'wrestle' with Thine own joy being our strength. We bless Your name, grateful by grace! Selah and Shalom!
By Bro. McNeal Brockington