Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY THURSDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying another beautifully sunny Friday eve. I thank you for your prayers and support, I know sometimes I ramble but I love to write, and it's therapeutic to share my thoughts with you. I appreciate the time you take to read them, and your continued prayers. If you have any concerns or questions, or just need a prayer, please let me know, because we are in fellowship together. Today's Black History month quote is: "I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear." (~Rosa Parks) Enjoy the rest of the evening, and be blessed family!

Today's scriptures are about the attacks of "The Enemy". It's said that the enemy was an Angel in Heaven, and the director of music. He’s now known as a Fallen Angel, because he wanted to be more powerful than God. (Isa. 14:12) Lucifer was his name when he was still an Angel, but after he was cast out, he was referred to as Satan, the Devil, the Enemy, etc. He’s the reason for the Spiritual warfare we fight everyday. He first introduced sin to the world, as the serpent that tempted Eve in the Garden (Gen. 3:1), and he still reigns on earth today. He has a legion of demons working for him non-stop, tempting us to stray from the will of God. He's powerful, crafty, and smart. He knows God very well, because He used to be one of His top ranking Angels. He knows every word in the Bible and will use it to his advantage. For example, Jesus said: “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly." (Luke 21:34) He’s warning us to always be prepared for His return, and to avoid being drunk, wild, or fearful, but focused on Him. However, the devil would say something to us like, "It's okay to drink as much as you want, because even Jesus turned water in to wine at a wedding" (John 2:1-12), or he'll constantly try to get us to worry, and feed us that line "Life is short party and have fun". He twists the Word of God to manipulate us into thinking, doing, and saying what he wants. This is why it's so important to study the Word and meditate on it daily, and stay in constant connection with the Holy Spirit through prayer. A great rule of thumb for a Christian is, "If it doesn't feel right, then it probably isn't". The enemy loves to play mind games with us, and so Jesus warns us: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves". (Matt. 10:16) When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus used the Word of God to defeat him, and like Jesus we can only defeat him with God’s help. The Devil will never completely win the battle, but God does allow us to be tempted for certain reasons, and we learn that in the book of Job. We're constantly being tested because God needs us to be on a certain “faith level”, before we're promoted to a greater "life level". How could we expect Him to bless us with a lot if we cannot handle the little we have? The Bible teaches us that enemy attacks will happen, especially when he thinks we're in the midst of a breakthrough with God. He'll send different demons to trip us up, by any means necessary. He’ll persuade us using a loved one, music, television, food, alcohol, or anything we could think of. The enemy has used all of us at some time in our life. He's constantly working on our weaknesses, until we become strong enough to endure. He wants our life to be a living hell because he knows that God wants us to experience peace, joy, and happiness every day. It’s necessary for us to study our enemy, because at times of war, each side gains as much intelligence on their enemy as possible. Before attacking, they need to know their weak spots, and how to defend against their counterattacks. The Word of God, prayer, and love are the only ways to fight evil. Through Jesus we have the strength to withstand anything the devil will throw at us, but we must put on the Amour of God (Eph 6:11), and most importantly REPENT [or turn away] from sin. Always remember this: 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) The first step to defeating Satan is joining the army of the Lord through Salvation. Jesus is the only way to God, so ask Him to come into your heart as your Savior, and allow Him to strengthen you. My favorite verses today are: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455253&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547

I love you!