STAYING OUT OF SATAN'S RADAR

Warm greetings, everyone. Welcome to today's edition of Gospel Daily.

How has your day been? 🙂

Today, we will be considering something further along the lines of what we have been discussing - the journey of faith that begins with the consciousness that God created the heavens and the earth. The understanding that He also created us, and He also loves us.

We discussed that He thinks and cares about us, and His thoughts for us are thoughts of good. Not only does He have thoughts, but He also has plans for us. And not only does He makes plans, but He has also made provisions for the fulfillment of those plans.

We considered those provisions to be both internal and external. Yesterday, we looked at one of the biggest provisions He made for us, which is the person of the Holy Spirit.

Today, we are to also know that Satan also has plans, thoughts, and provisions against us.

It is crucial we recognize that Satan has thoughts, plans, and provisions against us, just as God has thoughts, plans, and provisions for our good. Ignoring the devil's plans would be an error.

God doesn't want us to live in ignorance concerning Satan's thoughts and plans.

Key Scriptures to consider:

2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices (KJV).

1 Peter 5:8-9: Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (NLT).

The Bible describes the devil as a roaring lion, roaming around, seeking to devour.

Recognizing this reality is key to navigating the spiritual landscape for our victory.

God didn't leave us in the dark about the components of Satan's thoughts, plans, and purposes against us. Jesus told us that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy.

His is perpetually against us. However, he's smart enough to not always reveal his evil intentions from the start. Instead, he uses different approaches to make his plans appealing, often masking them with seemingly good intentions.

One easy channel for Satan's plans to manifest in our lives is through our desires, particularly unguarded desires.

We may have a sincere desire for something good - knowledge , power, lifestyle or wealth.

Satan takes note of these desires and plans how to use them against us.

He subtly corrupts that sincere desires of ours until they became lust.

After successfully converting our desires to lust, he further converts lust to sin, and then sin becomes death.

Do you remember what James told us about this progression?

In Genesis 3, Eve did nothing wrong by admiring the fruit and the accompanied benefits.

Satan only corrupted that desire to lust, and then to sin, and then to death.

Satan takes time to fashion his attacks based on who we are and what works against us.

We have seen in Scripture how Satan exploits people's unique weaknesses.

He starts by exploiting our sincere desires, corrupting them, and leading us down a path from desire to lust, from lust to sin, and from sin to death. This progression may take time, but if it's Satan's plan, it will ultimately lead to destruction.

It's crucial to note that Satan's thoughts and plans are anti-God's thoughts and plans for us. At times, they may appear to be a copy or resemble God's plan, but in nature and essence, they will be contrary to God's plan for us.

Satan's plans may mimic God's plans, but their underlying motivations and ultimate goals will be opposed to God's will for our lives. Therefore, it's essential to discern and understand God's plans for us, so we can distinguish them from Satan's counterfeit plans.

While it's essential to be aware of Satan's thoughts and plans against us, it's equally important to remember that God has made provisions for us against the devil's plans. He has given us weapons and provisions to fight against Satan's schemes and ensure God's plan for our lives comes to pass.

Scripture is filled with strategies and provisions from God to help us navigate the plans of the devil and emerge victorious.

Ephesians 6:10-11 tells us:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil".

Paul went on to list the components of the armor in verses 14-17.

1. The Belt of Truth,

2. The Breastplate of Righteousness,

3. The Gospel of Peace

4. The Shield of Faith

5. The Helmet of Salvation

6. The Sword of the Spirit

Revelation 12:11 tells us:

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

As we conclude, let's remember three key points:

1. Satan has thoughts and plans against us.

2. God wants us to be aware of Satan's plans.

3. God has made provisions for us against Satan's plans.

It's our responsibility to:

1. Stay aware of Satan's plans against us.

2. Acknowledge and appreciate God's provisions for us.

3. Search out and deploy those provisions against Satan's plans.

Let's stay vigilant, tap into God's provisions, and enjoy the victory He has made available to us.

Shalom 🙏🏾

____________

Participate in insightful conversations; join Goodlife Community, learn Jesus, and grow!

You're welcome. 🥰🥰

THE GOSPEL DAILY (Season One)

Comments

Posts most visitors viewed

PARABLE OF THE UNFORGIVING SERVANT

Jesus teaches on forgiveness “Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened to a certain king, who took account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25) But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his Lord commanded him to be sold and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26) The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all'. 27 Then the Lord of the servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28) But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him a hundred pence. He laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me that thou owest’. And his servant fell down at his feet, and besought him saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all’. 30) And he would not listen, but went and cast him into prison till he would ...

Full article...

PARABLE OF THE TWO WORSHIPPERS

(The story of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee) a. “ And he spoke this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others. b. "Two men went up into the temple to pray. One, a Pharisee and the other a Publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in a week, I give tithes of all that I possess’. c. “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heavens, but smote upon his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner’. d. 'I tell you', Jesus continued, 'This man went down to his house justified rather than the other. For everyone that exalts himself shall be abased, and he that humbles himself shall be exalted. (Luke 18: 9 – 14) Do not Trust in Yourself/Your Works Jesus shared this particular parable because he wanted to cor...

Full article...

UNITY AND TOGETHERNESS

The scriptural guide to a peaceful coexistence " I say to all of you, do not think of yourself more highly than you should. Instead, be modest in your thinking, and each one of you judge him according to the amount of faith that God has given him. (Verse 3) " Love one another warmly as brothers in Christ and be eager to show respect to one another . (Verse 10) " Show the same spirit towards all alike. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourself as wise. If someone does evil to you, do not pay him back with evil. Try to do what all men consider to be good and honest. (Verse 16-17). " Do everything possible on your path to live at peace with all men. Never take revenge my friends, instead let God's wrath do it. For the scripture says, 'I will take revenge, I will pay back, says the Lord.' " (Romans 12:3, 10, 16 - 19) This is God's Way; It May Not be Popular The recommendations promoted in this article may not s...

Full article...

🌱PARABLE OF THE SOWER (3) 🌱

[The stony ground] "And He taught them many things by parables and said unto them in his doctrine, 'Hearken, behold, there went out a sower to sow. And it came to pass that as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on a stony ground where it had not much earth, immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up, it was scorched and because it had no root, it withered away’. Mark 4:2-6 Not Much Earth The stony ground represents the second phase in the heart and faith level of a believer or one who is yet to be saved. Here, God's Word is sown and immediately it springs up. This condition is better than the way side at least. At this stage, you receive God's Word with gladness and immediately begin to act upon it. Consequently, the Word begins to grow towards fruition and then before the fruits show up, a season of tests set in. The sun beams on it. The plant could not wi...

Full article...

NOT JUST A GOD, BUT A FATHER (1)

“And Jesus said, 'As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then your Father in heaven will give you good things to those who ask him!' ” (Matthew 7: 11) Parents Care Have you seen a mother monkey bear hee young on her shoulder at her bosom? Such a lovely view! I remember watching a monkey dragging her baby with a crocodile who violently pulled the baby into the water. After a long struggle, the monkey won. She took the baby, but unfortunately, the baby died. However, the monkey was partly satisfied that she returned with her kid. She kept her down, cleaned the stains and blood from her skin and patted with her hands in a bid to revive the baby, but to no avail. For a long time, she sat there with the baby. She had done her very best. She cared. How Much More the Father of Us All That is an example of a mother monkey, demonstrating so much concern for her young in danger. All around you, you notice how c...

Full article...

PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL

Jesus' lessons on covetousness, greed and giving " And he spoke a parable unto them saying, 'The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully. And he (the rich man) thought to himself saying, 'What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?' And he said, 'This I will do: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 'And this I will say to my soul (the rich man continued), 'Soul, thou has much goods laid up for many years. Take thy ease, eat, drink, and be merry.' "But God said unto him, 'Thou fool, this night, thy soul shall be required of thee. Then whose shall those things be which thou has gathered?' So is he that lay up treasure for himself and is not rich towards God." (Luke 12:16-21) The Story Something led to this parable being shared. Someone in the congregation Jesus taught brought a petition: 'Master, speak to m...

Full article...

Father Abraham (The Letter Series)

This man.. Small boy like you don get pot belly. For your mind, you be big man. 😂 Gerrout jor. AB, you no try o.. You know say I no dey hide my mouth. I met Udeme last two months, and she said you evicted her. Guy wait oh, shae you be father of nations, or father of your small head. 🤷 AB, you don forget wetin Abraham mean? It means 'father', and to be father no be beans. I understand the stress of bearing other people’s burdens and excesses. Remember school days guy.. Na you teach us hospitality by example. 💚💚💚 Na you ask am make she come stay with you since she lost her job and could not renew her rent. Guy you forget say she be your sister; and family should be there for one another. 🫂🫂 She was making plans to leave, which you knew she was 80% ready. 🖐️ Ette, keep your excuses, it is never easy to be good sometimes. Like Jesus, you may have to walk long distance to raise Lazarus. I guess this one was tough for you, but you acted hastily. She told me wh...

Full article...

I AM HE

Revealing the person of Jesus “ The woman said unto Him, ‘I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ. When He comes, he will teach us all things’. Jesus said unto her, ‘I that talk to thee, I am he’. ” (John 4:25 – 26) Are You Expecting a Saviour? At this time, the Jewish community had always expected a messiah, a sort of saviour who would save them from the grip of their tax masters. The prophesy common among the Jews then was that the Messiah will establish the kingdom of God, thereby nullifying the oppressive government. The Samaritan woman also anticipated this messiah. I am He 👤 Right beside this woman, was the very Messiah she and the rest of the people were waiting for, but she never knew. Right beside her was the living water, but she never recognized. Remember, in the early verses of this text, Jesus had told this woman that if she gave him a drink, he would give her water that she would no longer thirst. Yes, Jesus is the living ...

Full article...

HOW COULD I?

This was the question Joseph asked himself when Potiphar's wife asked him to lay with her. " How can I do this wickedness and sin against my God?" For Joseph, having an affair with Potiphar's wife wasn't only going to displease Potiphar if found out, but it would affect his relationship with his God. How often have you called yourself to order? Where are your standards? Where are your deliberately upheld principles? What are your no no's? Your never never! For Joseph, prison was better than compromising. Laying with his master's wife was a NO NO! Daniel decided in his heart that he will not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank. This was the resolution Daniel made in his heart in honour to his God. (He refused to eat because the royal delicacies were dedicated to Babylonian gods.) Have you made this kind of resolution to honour God with your choices, your body, to please Him in the face of opposition or r...

Full article...

Search This Blog