Deliver Us From Evil

And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:13

When you recite the Lord's Prayer do you ever think about the words you are saying or perhaps you hear it so much you never picked it apart and gave it much thought. When you think of evil what comes to mind? I think of people like ISIS terrorists who hate Christians and Jews and saw their heads off while the victims scream. For sure that is the height of evil.

Evil is associated with Satan. Evil can also be subtle as it is one of the tricks of the enemy to lure us into his trap. If things are not good and righteous they are evil.  There is good and bad, right and wrong. Evil is very wrong. We are to be praying for those we may know who are being captivated by wrong thinking and do not make a habit of studying God's word for truth. Evil forces would love to ban the Bible for they know it is truth.

 Be on your guard my friends. Satan is prowling around seeking whom he may destroy. Stay in the word of God on a daily basis. Start with the book of John in the New Testament and  be strengthened for spiritual battles ahead.

PRAYER: I resist the enemy Satan and he has to flee. I reject the lies of Satan and his demonic forces. I pray for protection for those whom I know who are being captivated and do not realize it. In Jesus' name. Amen.

DEVIL IS NOT A CARTOON CHARACTER

Many in the Christian community have not heard very many sermons in their life about Satan, the devil, the great deceiver. Because of this, many are ill equipped to defeat this enemy who scripture says in 1 Peter 5:8 is "prowling around like a roaring lion". Why is it that this enemy of our souls is hardly ever mentioned from the pulpit of many churches? 

The devil is not a joking matter. He is a liar, a thief, and out to "kill, steal, and destroy" according to John 10:10. When evil happens Satan is there. Satan has got his subjects working for him and some are unaware as they have been taken captive. Their hearts are seared. All they can do is hate and destroy because the light of Jesus is not in them. This is why it is so vitally important to pray and read the word of God daily. Some have just enough "religion" they feel they do not need to battle the enemy. 

In order to get rid of darkness we need to shine the light of Jesus. In this world we are in spiritual warfare. Take a moment and read Ephesians Chapter 6 found in the New testament.

Be on your knees in a constant state of prayer. Quote scripture. Revelation 12:11(NIV) says 'They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.' Romans 12:12(NIV) says 'overcome evil with good.' God is good all the time.

Putting little red devil outfits on children at Halloween may seem cute but it is just what the enemy loves. Making himself into a "cartoon character" so he does not seem so sinister. Great tool in his arsenal. Today you know the truth so be on your guard against his evil schemes.

PRAYER: I thank you for the Bible which lights my path to help me see the way in the dark word around me. I can defeat the strongholds that the enemy puts in my path by praying and quoting scripture. Help me to not take this lightly.