Day 2: Pray to God, post a guard
I realized that God had not sent him… (Nehemiah 6:12).
All through Scripture, from the garden of Eden where we see Adam and Eve deceived, we are warned and instructed, and shown the examples of the devil's ruthless schemes, his cruel lies, his cunning duplicity and his deadly deceptions.
We are shown that he is the enemy of our souls (Revelation 12:10, Ephesians 6:11-13) — the master of deceit whose servants masquerade as servants of righteousness, and who himself masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
The Lord Jesus Himself was clear and candid in His warning about the devil's primary characteristics: 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 (John 8:44).
The evil, corruptive influences of the devil are in stark contrast to the light and life and truth of the Lord Jesus, and serve as our standard of measurement (John 1:4, John 8:12, John 14:6, Revelation 9:11). And over and over again, we are taught to rely on God's Spirit, His divine power, and His armor as the only defense against this powerful adversary (2 Corinthians 10:4, Ephesians 6:10-17, 1 John 4:4).
The wisdom of Scripture warns us that The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps (Proverbs 14:15).
Our Father and our God, in these times, bring us back to reliance on Your power, Your truth, Your word! Teach us the discernment of Nehemiah, who understood that deceivers and manipulators masquerade as friends and allies in order to advance their evil agenda (Nehemiah 6:2, 10-13).
Teach us to post a guard even as we pray to God— mindful of Your instruction to be alert and of sober mind (1 Peter 5:8). Open our eyes to see the true nature— the evil and duplicity of those who live as enemies of the cross of Christ — whose minds are set on earthly things (Philippians 3:18).
Help us to rely on Your Holy Spirit, Your divine power, and Your armor as our defense against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). Thank You that through You we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).
Help us to heed the words of our Lord Jesus, “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name… Do not follow them” (Luke 21:8).
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