September 5 Thought for the day...the way the devil works

Today is going to be a little different because I have a few verses I need to share with you. This is very simple but profound at the same time. Are you ready? This is how the devil works...

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

The word translated "wiles" means travel the road. In other words, what Paul is saying is the devil is like a person who prepares for a trip. The course is strategically plotted to get to the right destination without taking any detours, going the quickest most direct route. The devil has a goal to accomplish in your life, and he has plotted the best course that will wreak the most havoc. So where is he going?

This verse begins to answer that question, 2 Corinthians 2:11, "lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." The word translated "devices" this depicts two things we need to understand first it references the devils scheming deception in the mind. Second, it describes his subtle, crafty way of attacking his victim's minds. The primary destination of the devil is to get into a person’s mind and fill it with lying emotions, false perceptions, and confusion.

So what can we do to frustrate the enemies plans? 2 Corinthians 10:5 "We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ." I want to focus on the phrase "we capture." When the Romans captured an enemy, they would march them bound in front of them, and the soldier would keep his spear in the back of the enemy so the enemy knew if he went anywhere, the soldier would thrust his spear through him. This makes it, so the enemy is truly afraid to make any move. This is what Paul is expressing through this verse, the tense makes it even more intense. The tense is telling us this is something that we must continually, always, do so as not to give place to the enemy.

The devil has a strategy to take over our minds. He works in very subtle ways and knows exactly how to attack, lying, giving you false perceptions and confusion. We must make a choice to be alert, not allowing any lies or confusion to even have a little place in our minds. We must stick to it, standing our ground, driving every lie and insinuation from the enemy out of our minds.

Now that you know his plan, his ways choose to think the Lord's way every time. Peace love and joy should always rule your heart and mind!