MORNING MANNA 7-11-23
BEWARE
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.”- Luke 22:31–34
Before John Hinckley, Jr. shot President Ronald Reagan, in March of 1981, in an assassination attempt, he was virtually unknown. Yet in the aftermath of the near killing of the president, a thorough investigation revealed that Hinckley had actually been working on an attack that would make him famous for quite some time (he thought it would attract the attention of an actress). Photos of events held by the previous President, Jimmy Carter, revealed Hinckley in attendance. He had been looking for an opportunity to strike for some time, and took it when it was presented.
Every Christian has a real, active, evil opponent who is always working against us and looking for an opportunity to strike. In our own strength we have no hope of defeating him. However, God does not send us into this conflict alone. He gives us armor that is able to protect us from attack—and we need it. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil”(Ephesians 6:11). Any day we do not put on our armor is a day when we are headed for defeat. The devil doesn’t fight fair. He does not wait for us to get ready before he attacks. He does not give warning of his intentions. He uses every weapon at his disposal to bring us down. That truth should make us sober, active, aware, and alert every day. Never forget that Satan is looking for an opportunity to destroy your life, character, and effectiveness for God.(Daily in the Word)
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, Tx.
