1 Peter 5:8 – Stay Alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

• How does Satan attack you?
• When, where, or with what does he do it?
• When it happens, what goes through your mind?
• We are all slaves of something, what are you a slave to?

Ephesians 6:10… Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against powers in the dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will be standing firm.

The point today’s message is that the enemy is real, his impact on our lives is real, and our continued awareness to this fact prepares us to fight and win this battle every day. Stay connected and in tune with the Father (praying and reading our bible), and “in Jesus’ name” we can win the battle by obeying what God is telling our hearts and mind. We can derail Satan’s plans if we are aware enough of what they are, how he messes with us, and prepare for his tricks for the next time it will happen. I felt compelled to write about this today because it’s when I try to do good–that immediately after I get challenged or tested by the enemy. And it’s so predictable at this point that I am amazed at how the goodness of God’s love for me has changed my heart and mind to desire obedience to him rather than serving myself like it was before I knew him as my Father. This is what I meant when I asked what you are a slave to. Be a slave to hope, to good, to obeying God’s specific word for your life.., don’t give up, he will deliver you. I hope this blesses and encourages you today.

Joshua 1:9 This is my command–be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

God bless!  Rick