THE DEVIL IS AFTER US

          An old friend of mine recently posted this picture on his Facebook page.  I have seen this sign hundreds of times driving on I-65 between Birmingham & Montgomery, Alabama.  I remember the first time I saw it, I laughed.  My first thought, nobody knows what the devil looks like, but this is the way he is so often charactered.  My second thought was, "don't these people know that the devil can get you even if you are in church?!"  One could even make the case that he works harder on those who are in church than those who are not. My third thought, and this isn't humorous, the devil is after every one of us, all the time! Scripture says, "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8) Paul reminds us that we are in a Spiritual battle each day of our lives (Ephesians 6:10-13).  

     So, how does the devil get after us?  According to James he tracks us, teases us, tests us, then traps us (James 1:12-16).  He can get us when we are in church and when we're not. He can get us when we are weak and when we feel strong. He can get us when we are discouraged and when we are encouraged.  

     God has provided a way for us to escape every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13), however the devil will stay after us. The ability to overcome is ours, and ultimately the choice is ours. God has done His part, we must now do ours.  Our Master taught us that the best way to defeat the devil is through the Word (Luke 4:1-13).  No wonder David said, "Your Word have I treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against you." (Psalm 119:11).  The beloved Apostle John also helps us learn how the Saints can overcome our adversary (Revelation 12:11). Yes, the devil is out to get us, but thanks be to God, we can be victorious over him (1 Corinthians 15:57).

     Father, please help us to know the devil's devices, to know our weaknesses, and to know Your Word, so that we might defeat him every time he comes after us.