Before God created the Universe, He
created angels (Revelation 5:11-14; Hebrews 1:14). Lucifer rebelled against God, and God cast him and his
followers to earth. Then, Adam's sin forfeited dominion over the earth to Satan
(1 Peter 5:8; John
10:10; Revelation 12:10). However, we live in a scientific age now, where technology
reigns and thoughts of the devil seem more like a medieval fairytale.
Most people today doubt the existence of
the devil. They even discount the Bible’s teachings about the devil and demons
and demonic activity in spiritual places. The world pictures Satan as an
impotent, little red demon with a pitchfork, a long tail, and horns coming out
of his head. Most people who believe in God still do not believe in the devil.
One of Satan’s greatest triumphs is in
causing people not to take him seriously. He deceives people by masquerading as
an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14; Isaiah 14:12). Satan will do anything he can, and
use any means at his disposal to oppose and try to destroy the work of God and
to take people to hell with him. Hell is a
place that is prepared for Satan, his demons and unbelievers (Matthew 25:41; John 3:18).
Many people are actually ignorant and
blind to Satan's strategy, power and plans. Our self-confidence overestimates
our own abilities and underestimates the power of our spiritual enemies. Yet,
other people see the devil and demons behind every rock and in every person.
Some churches preach about Satan more than they exalt our Lord, Jesus Christ.
They have more fear of the devil then they have faith in God.
Satan cannot do anything to us without
God's permission. Then, God uses that trial for our ultimate good (Job 1:6-12; Romans 8:28). God advises us
to put on His armor to withstand our spiritual enemies (Ephesians 6:10-18). He gives great spiritual power to
those who believe (Ephesians 1:19). Ultimately, Christ in us is greater than any demon or
person in the world (1 John 4:4).
Prayer:
Father God, the devil targets lost sheep,
in order to keep them addicted to the world, the flesh and his wiles (Ephesians 2:1-3). He walks about the earth as a lion, seeking people to destroy (1 Peter 5:8). Help us to take Your warning seriously
about Satan being a thief who comes to pilfer, wound and mentally, emotionally,
physically and spiritually annihilate anyone silly enough to follow his plan
for their life (John 10:10).
Thought for the Day:
The Bible makes it clear that Satan is
still alive and well on planet earth; and he successfully infiltrates the mind
of unbelievers and deals a mighty blow to each successive generation.
Read:
http://www.amazon.com/Satan-Alive-Well-Planet-Earth/dp/0310277914
Satan’s Names:
Abaddon (“destroyer”) (Revelation 9:11)
The god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4)
Accuser (Revelation 12:10)
Great Dragon (Revelation 12:9)
Adversary (1 Peter 5:8)
Lawless One (2 Thessalonians 2:18)
Apollyon (“destroyer”) (Revelation 9:11)
Liar (John 8:44)
Beelzebul (Matthew 12:24)
Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12)
Belial (2 Corinthians 6:15)
Murderer (John 8:44)
Deceiver (Revelation 12:9)
Prince of the power of the air (Ephesians
2:2)
Devil (Luke 4:13)
Ruler of this world (John 12:31)
Enemy (Matthew 13:28, 39)
Satan (Acts 26:18)
Evil One (Matthew 13:28, 39)
Serpent (Revelation 12:9)
Father of lies (John 8:44)
Tempter (1 Thessalonians 3:5)
