Reading: Psalms 120-131
Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth (Ps. 124:6-8).
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (I Pet. 5:8). The devil is our mortal enemy. He hates us and would like nothing better than to ruin our lives, kill us, and hurl us into eternal torment. He will attack us from every angle as personally as possible. At times, his attacks will occur with such ferocity that it will seem as if there is no hope in sight, and we may fear that we are about to be overtaken. Satan is a mastermind when it comes to attacking God's people. Even so, Satan is not someone that we have any reason to fear.
Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Through the grace of Jesus Christ, we can stand as victors, not cower as victims. With God on our side, we will never be defeated by the enemy, a fact that He makes abundantly clear to us in His Word. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us (Rom. 8:37).
We live in a fallen world, and, as God’s children, we will constantly find ourselves surrounded by spiritual warfare, but we must hold fast to the promise of the Lord to help us during our times of distress. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. We don't have to depend on the resources of this world or our own devices. In the heat of the battle, the Lord Himself has promised to rise as our protection against harm. So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him (Is. 59:19).
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33). The next time we find ourselves under an attack from the devil, let us remember the words given to us by the psalmist. Instead of dropping our heads as if beaten, we need to stand tall in the truth of the Word of God. We will not be defeated. As believers, we will rise victorious over the enemy. The ultimate fate of the devil is sealed. He has already lost the war. God has given us His Word as both a shield and a sword (Eph. 6:16-17). With it, we can be secure in our protection, but we can also send Satan on His way. There is an old saying, “The next time the devil brings up your past, remind him of his future.” When you feel him closing in, remind him that you have God's Word, and let him know that you like the ending!
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever(Rev. 20:10).
Thought For Today The devil’s strength comes from our weakness; sadly, most find it easier to fall than to climb.
Word Studies: 130:3 mark = record; 130:4 feared = reverenced with awe; 131:1 exercise = concern; too high for me = far beyond me.
Christ Revealed: As our Protector – the One who shall preserve thy go- ing out and thy coming in (Ps. 121:8). By Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture (John 10:9). And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly Kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (II Tim. 4:18).
Pray For Government Officials: Rep. Mike Rogers (AL), Rep. Jim Banks, Rep. Babara Lee (CA)• Country: Taiwan, Republic of China (23,359,928) 77 islands Southeastern coast of China • Major Language: Mandarin Chinese • Religious Freedom • 93% "Chinese Religions" (Buddhist/Taoist/Confucian); 4.5% Christianity; 2.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Declare the wondrous works of God with thanksgiving (Ps. 26:6-7).
Optional Readings:II Timothy 1