AUGUST 24, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

AUGUST 24 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: 1 PETER 5:8-11

We have an enemy! No it's not someone in another political party...or someone of another ethnic group...or someone of another religion. It is Satan! He is a very dangerous enemy, who likes to work in the dark. He is at the same time the most deceptive being and the most deceived being in existence. He hates you if you are a follower of Christ, because he hates God so much. His intent is always to steal, kill and destroy. He is a liar and the "father of lies"...he will lie to you at every turn...he can't help himself, but to lie. He is like a lion on the prowl, waiting for an opportunity to strike. He looks for openings...he looks for weaknesses. The Scripture tells us to be careful, because it's when we think we are strong (in ourselves) that we are about to fall. Don't think you are invulnerable. If this devil would stand in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ and tempt Him, then he has no problem coming after us!

Our safety is in Christ, who has defeated the devil. On the cross Jesus put him to public shame and overcame him once and for all. Christ was tempted in every way we are, yet he never sinned. Our Savior is our source when it comes to overcoming the attacks and temptations of the enemy. We are weak, but it is in our weakness that Christ's strength is made manifest. The devil will use every trick in the book, he will even use other people, including professing Christians. We are not to be ignorant of his schemes, but be "submitted to God, resisting the devil and he will flee." As believers, Satan has no power over us unless we give him that power. If we give him access, he will certainly take advantage of it and come to destroy. Our hope is in Jesus, who once and for all defeated Satan. We must walk in Christ in order to know victory daily over the enemy of our souls.

Please share your thoughts.