Defeating the Devil

Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve spoken about one of Joe’s favorite statements, “The closer we get to God, the more the Devil ‘pokes at us!’” I certainly can attest to that but, can also say, I beat him!

How often in our lives are you tempted by the Devil? Do you even know when it happens, or do you simply believe it’s just the way things take place in this world? Well, the latter isn’t that far from the truth either as the Devil is of this world and not the Kingdom of God.

As Brothers and Sisters of Christ, and children of the most-high God, we’re probably more subject to the temptations of the Devil than everyone else. He deplores the fact that we’ve chosen to follow The Lord and he will do anything within his powers here on earth to sway you away.

One of the easiest ways I know to avoid the Devil and his evil, is to recognize the times he’s tempting you… and knock him down in his tracks! If you read your Bible, you’ll see that it isn’t all that hard to do at all.

The Lies

The Devil lies to us. He “pokes” at us every day. He will use anything at his disposal to bring us down; make us feel like we are undeserving and unworthy.

We need to remember what Jesus said about the Devil… who he is and what he represents in this world… Not in God’s world!

He told us this as he was addressing His oppressors. They challenged his methods and questioned His every lesson, but He knew who they were… who their influence was, and told them so in…

John 8:44 – “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Let’s take a minute or two to talk about all the lies. How many times has the Devil told you: “You’re not pretty; you’re not handsome; you’re ugly and God wants nothing to do with you; your stupid and can’t do this?” We believe him sometimes, don’t we?

Instead of believing him and letting him bring you down and beat you, why not believe instead how the Bible tells us oh so differently…

1 Peter 3:3-4 – “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

How about when we get older? Do you not feel ugly, unworthy and of no use to anyone? Think again… we are children of God. Every day that we live and follow His teachings, we are renewed!

2 Corinthians 4:16 – “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

If we think we’re not smart enough why don’t we remember what is told to us in the book of Job

Job 28:28 – “And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.’”

We do fear our Lord as we know of His infinite wisdom but also of His great Love for us. We do our best to depart from evil, therefore, we have great understanding.

The Luxuries of Life

Maybe you feel you are a poor provider, yet you do whatever you can to support your family. Doesn’t the Devil tell you, once again, you are unworthy? Doesn’t he lower your spirits and try and tell you how you are undeserving of your family?

How important is your money? Sure, it’s nice to have and it makes life a little easier but, quoting an old cliché, “those who have money, only desire more.” Is it ever enough for you? Can any amount of money satisfy your soul; your heart; or the eternal life you await in Heaven? I think not.

I’m sure you’ve also heard, “A fool and his money, are soon parted.” Isn’t this the truth?

What should we do with our money? John the Baptist told all who would listen after his “Brood of Vipers” speech along the Jordan…after they asked…

Luke 3:10-14 – “’What should we do then?’ the crowd asked. John answered, ‘Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.

Even tax collectors came to be baptized. ‘Teacher,’ they asked, ‘what should we do?’ ‘Don’t collect any more than you are required to,’ he told them.

Then some soldiers asked him, ‘And what should we do?’ He replied, ‘Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.’”

John, very clearly told us here, it isn’t wrong to earn money and make a living. It’s only wrong when we abuse it and not give of ourselves.

Remember this as well, Jesus told us in…

Mark 10:25 – “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.”

Jesus knew the ways of man. He knew how we would hoard our money and not share with others as He would have us do. Clearly then, the choice is to simply live humble; work for all that you earn; and be happy with all that you have while helping those who don’t have the things that you do.

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Knowing We Are Protected

God protects us from evil. He protects us from the Devil, but it is up to us to know, and recognize, the signs and… when we do see them, rely on God to protect us from them.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 – “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”

Despite the temptation that does happen to us, God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can handle. I guess it’s simple to say that, while Satan as some power on earth, God will not allow him to destroy us as He gives us the strength to fight the Devil’s temptation and lies.

1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Our Good Works

Here’s the good thing. We can beat the Devil. We can defeat him at every crossroad and stop him in his tracks. How can the Devil harm us at all if we do the things that God has commanded us to do? To keep the Devil from us, we simply need to do as we’ve been told.

Romans 12:20 – “On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Proverbs 16:7 – “When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.”

Think about this too… every time we show kindness; every time we give to others; every time we act with Love and compassion towards one another… we knock the Devil back, further and further away from us as we are “protected” by our Lord!

In Conclusion

Don’t let the Devil get to you. Don’t let him bring you down and make you feel unworthy or undeserving of God’s Love. As you can see, from all we’ve just talked about, he simply can’t do it… not if we follow the words of Jesus and the rules laid-out for us by our Father in Heaven.

You are worth it… to Him! Your beauty shines like a glaring Sun on a summer afternoon. You are Loved; you are cared for and protected. Believe in this and you will defeat the Devil and all he sends before you!

Go with God; be good to one another; always stay humble; always be kind… God Bless!