Let’s dive in and start our second day. Read Acts 19:11-41.
When Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesian church he did not need to convince them about demonic influence. They were already aware of this and would use magic to try to defend themselves. Paul showed them otherwise. In today’s culture, when demonic influence is mentioned people think you’re crazy. Why is that? Why do we believe God is all around us but deny Satan and his deception? That is his goal- to not be seen, to deceive, to attack, to tear apart. Do you overestimate him? Or do you underestimate him? These are important questions to ask ourselves. It is so easy to only focus on what we can see and touch. We need to be aware and look for when he tries to attack.
The enemy’s approach is cryptic. He keeps his activity so hidden that we almost forget his existence or only recognize his presence in a theoretical, nonthreatening way. We have become a culture of unaware of the enemy’s presence, unaware of his conspiracies to destroy our lives, and unaware that he is distracting us from becoming who we are meant to be through Christ. “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14. Spiritual victory is directly connected to your ability to undisguise the enemy. Unveil him. Unmask him. Uncover him. He doesn’t want us to see this, for once we do, we begin to threaten his tyranny. Read Ephesians 6:12, what are the four entities which are engaged in battle? Now read John 8:44; Revelation 20:10; and 2 Corinthians 4:4. What is the enemy’s true nature? Deception.
More than anything, Satan wants to blind us towards God’s truth, because once he does, we pull away from God. My sister, that is EXACTLY what the enemy wants. He wants to lead us further into sin and further away from God. Satan wants to break our fellowship with God- the God who gives us true power and strength. Everything that we learned in our last study, all the things that we place above God and make our idols, these things are not developed by chance. The evil that leads us into temptation are not accidental. He waits to strike and separate us from the ones we love most. Read Ephesians 1:3, 1:20, and 2:6. What do these verses say about heavenly places? Not only are our spiritual blessings in heavenly places, but right now, as we are doing this devotional, we are seated in heavenly places with Christ at the right hand of the Father. Colossians 2:15 says he is disarmed and embarrassed. Ephesians 1:20-22 says he is overruled. Philippians 2:9-11 says he is mastered. Hebrews 2:14 says he is rendered powerless. 1 John 3:8 says all his hard work has been destroyed. Once we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we are now transported to a position of victory.
Let’s start using the acronym PRAY for intentional prayer.
Praise- give God the praise every day, He is worthy!
Repentance- this word always confused me. Growing up, I thought that repenting was getting on your knees and begging for forgiveness. What this word actually means is asking for forgivenesses and choosing to be better. Ask for repentance where you are resisting Him. As Him to take away whatever is holds you back and stop resisting against what He has I store for you.
Ask- Make your desires and your requests known. He is our Father and He wants a personal relationship with you.
Yes- say yes to what He asks of you. You won’t always understand the why behind everything, I still don’t understand the why behind my mother passing, but I know He has my very best interests at heart and I want to say yes to whatever He asks of me.
I hope you enjoy this study and decide to come back. Tomorrow we will go over Lazy Days. I hope you enjoy the beautiful sunset that was made by our loving Father and y’all have a wonderful night.