Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people! – James 4:7-8
This world is tough and maintaining one’s integrity is hard. Temptations are everywhere, and the devil (evil), it seems, never takes a day off. Your challenge is to see those temptations for what they are: dangerous and destructive.
In his letter to Jewish Christians, Peter offered a stern warning: “Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NASB).
What was true in New Testament times is equally true in our own. Evil is indeed abroad in the world, and it continues to sow the seeds of destruction far and wide.
All one has to do is turn on the news to see a litany of evil actions that are carried out on a daily basis.
In a very real sense, our world is at war: good versus evil, addiction versus moderation, hope versus suffering, praise versus apathy.
As Christians, we must ensure that we place ourselves squarely on the right side of these conflicts: God’s side. How can we do it?
By thoughtfully studying God’s Word, by regularly worshiping with fellow believers, and by guarding our hearts and minds against the subtle temptations of the enemy. When we do, we are protected.
It’s out there, and it can hurt you. Evil does exist, and you will confront it. Prepare yourself by forming a genuine, life-changing relationship with God. There is darkness in this world, but God’s light can overpower any darkness.
There is nothing evil in matter itself. Evil lies in the spirit. Evils of the heart, of the mind, of the soul, of the spirit—these have to do with man’s sin, and the only reason the human body does evil is because the human spirit uses it to do evil. – A. W. Tozer
Light is stronger than darkness—darkness cannot “comprehend” or “overcome” it. – Anne Graham Lotz
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. – Edmund Burke
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, thank you that greater is He who lives inside me than he that is in the world. Thank you, Lord that at your name demons flee. In my times of trouble and temptation help me to remember that there is power in Your name.
Rob Dunbar, Chaplain, Maj,