Daily Devotional

SATAN'S VOICE

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).

Paul warned us against the deception that comes through demonic influence (1 Timothy 4:1). John also cautioned us to test the spirits and to distinguish the spirit of truth from the spirit of error (1 John 4:1-6). Satan's demonic forces are at work attempting to pollute your mind with lies in order to keep you from walking in the truth. Hannah Whitehall Smith wrote:

THE POWER OF THE BELIEVER

You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).

When I was a boy on the farm, my dad, my brother and I would visit our neighbour’s farm to share produce and labour. The neighbour had a yappy little dog that scared the socks off me. When it came barking around the corner, my dad and brother stood their ground, but I ran. Guess who the dog chased! I escaped to the top of our pickup truck while the little dog yapped at me from the ground.

A TRUTH ENCOUNTER

Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:14,15).

Another common misconception of the spiritual world is that demonic influence is only evident in extreme or violent behaviour and gross sin.

THE ENEMY'S POTENTIAL

How can anyone enter the strong man's house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? (Matthew 12:29)

Another common misconception of the spiritual world is that some problems are psychological and some are spiritual. This misconception implies a division between the human soul and spirit, which does not exist. There is no inner conflict that is not psychological, because there is never a time when your mind, emotions and will are not involved.

THE REALITY OF THE SPIRITUAL WORLD

Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

CONFRONTING SPIRITUAL OPPOSITION

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12).

DEALING WITH ANXIETY

The peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Christians have frequently relied upon a sense of peace as evidence of the Holy Spirit's leading. It is common to hear people say, "I just don't have a peace about it." I think that is legitimate. I would be concerned about the person who proceeds when his spirit is disturbed. God doesn't lead through anxiety. We are to cast our anxiety upon Jesus, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

FEELINGS OF ANGER

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice (Ephesians 4:31).

Feelings of anger should prompt us to re-examine what we believe and the mental goals we have formulated to accomplish those beliefs.

YOUR CHILD'S IDENTITY

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

OPEN DIALOGUE WITH YOUR CHILD

Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances (Proverbs 25:11).

All discipline must be based on prior instruction. Make a clear statement of your expectations for a given situation and the consequences for disobedience. Ask your child to repeat what you say to make sure he understands. Then invite his questions and comments. Honest and open dialogue after disobedience is a powerful means of discipline. Even parental silence communicates volumes.