Dear Friends,
This week we turn our attention to the devil. Now, we’re not talking about that fictional character with a red satin suit, neatly trimmed Van Dyke style beard, and horns; we are talking about Satan, the accuser, the deceiver, the adversary. We are warned about him in 1 Peter 1:5 (NLT), “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
The Message Bible offers the following ending for the Lord’s Prayer: “Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.” Luke 11:4
The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:11 (NIV), “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”
In James 4:7, James, the brother of Jesus wrote “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” The devil will do everything he can to tempt us; our challenge as Christians is to avoid taking the devil’s bait.
THE DEVIL’S BAIT SHOP The devil crossed his arms and smiled with delight.
He didn’t need to interfere, he’d simply let them fight.
He’d let them tear each other down; he’d let them castigate.
No need for him to stoke the fire; he merely had to wait.
Oh! He might whisper in her ear To kindle thoughts of shame;
Or give a nudge to those who judge to show them who to blame.
The devil uses each of us to spread his deadly bait;
With unkind words or selfish deeds we seal another’s fate.
So watch the words you’re casting, and watch which hooks you take.
Reflect, instead, the love of Christ with every choice you make.
And pray the Holy Spirit will guide you through life’s maze,
Avoid the Devil’s bait shop. Let Jesus name be praised.
Comedian Flip Wilson popularized the expression, “The devil made me do it.” Each of us, like the Apostle Paul, can say, I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NLT) We don’t have to take the bait!
Verse for the week: Colossians 3:13-15 (NLT) “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ
Because He Loves Us Press 