Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18
There are many things that can be dangerous -- matches, guns, knives, saws. These items and many others have positive uses, but can also endanger those who use them and those around them.
There is one thing that is a greater danger to us than all other potential dangers combined. What is that danger? Satan.
Satan is real. Satan is a real danger to us.
According to Matthew 25:41 there is a place of "eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." The devil, Satan, would love to drag you and I down with him. He would love to keep us away from all of the wondrous things that God has for us.
Satan is a threat to our eternal reward. He is a threat to our earthly happiness. He is a threat to our physical well-being and safety. He threatens our peace of mind. He threatens our hope. He threatens all that God has for us.
There are precautions that we take with any potential danger. We store dangerous items out of the reach of children, we put dangerous things in locked cabinets or drawers, we put dangerous people in prison.
There are precautions we need to take to protect us from Satan and his evil desires. James 4:7a tells us the first step: "Submit yourselves, then, to God." The first thing we need to do to protect ourselves from Satan is to put God in charge of our lives.
The second half of James 4:7 gives us the second step we need to take to protect ourselves from Satan. Verse 7b says, "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
In today's Bible reading God gives us instructions for resisting the devil: "Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil... Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness...put on the peace that comes from the Good News...hold up the shield of faith...Put on salvation as your helmet...take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God... Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion...Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."
I urge you to follow God's instructions. Start by reading, studying, and obeying the instructions in today's Bible reading. Move on by resolving to read the Bible and pray every day. The only way we can fully resist the devil and his schemes it to live continually in God's presence.
"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 still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:13
Prayer: God, help me to always obey You and live in Your presence. Help me to always stand firm and resist the devil. In Jesus' name. Amen.