The tactics the devil uses doesn’t change. It is important we get conversant with his tactics so that we can better prepare ourselves and safeguard our destinies with the help of the Holy Spirit from falling into his traps.
That is why the scripture says
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. -2Corinthains 2:11 (KJV)
The Amplified version says:
To keep Satan from getting the advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his wiles and intentions. -2Corinthains 2:11 (AMP)
We must by the Spirit of God protect ourselves so that he does not get an advantage over us in our relationships.
Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? –Genesis 3:1 (KJV)
In verse one of the above verse, he said:
“Yea, hath God said…”
He still does the same today. What he does is to challenge the truth of God’s word in your heart.
He did the same thing for Jesus Christ!
The temptations of Jesus Christ were crafted to challenge the word of God. That was why the moment Jesus Christ responded with “It is written…,” he won!
Why would the devil always challenge God’s word?
The reason is obvious. The moment he makes you doubt God’s word or reject God’s word, he would have a foothold to operate.
So he comes and says things like:
“Did God really say we should not have pre-marital sex?”
“But everybody is compromising! Why should I be different?”
“Can I really marry someone without ‘testing’ that person in bed?”
Sometimes he even comes quoting scripture and misapplies it. He says things like:
“The scriptures says we must be wise as a serpent, so I don’t think it is wrong to fight for my job at workplace by sleeping with my boss”
“Is it really wrong to be involved in adultery? David was adulterous, and yet God still said He is a man after His heart. Did God not approve adultery there? If God hates an adulterous life, He would have killed David!”
He comes and tells two people who are in courtship:
“See, there is nothing wrong in kissing and petting. It is something we should do in order to express our love since we are sure of getting married!”
He tells another:
“There is nothing wrong with masturbation. We must find a way to relieve the pressure, in as much as we did not fornicate. Even one Pastor said it is okay…”
To be continued…
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY In all things, I give thanks, including for the priceless gift of a good spouse and helper. I will not allow the devil, pride, pressures of life, and ignorance direct, and lead me astray.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Lord, give me your wisdom to be a good partner to my future spouse
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Do you see what we’ve got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander. –Hebrews 12:28 (MSG)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Make up your mind to stand strong in God
In the early days of our marriage, I get angry very easily. It was a kind of subdued anger, not enough for me to raise my hands against my wife!
I have never done that and will never do that, no matter what! That is not a manly thing to do! It is unscriptural, and your prayers will be hindered when you raise your hands against a lady.
But, I used to be impatient. I am a quick person but my wife takes her time. I wanted to change her. When I am angry, I start lecturing my wife. After a while, I just had to change because the lecturing thing was not working. I had to learn early in marriage, to calm down when I am angry and then discuss it.
Over the years, I have come to learn to smile at some of the things that get me bothered and aggravated and looking back at those years, I wondered why I had to be angry in the first place! We were not meant to be the same way! A book on temperament I read was what delivered me!
If you are married to someone with an anger problem, here is some advice for you.
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. –Proverbs 15:1 (KJV)
A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire. –Proverbs 15:1 (MSG)
Don’t get angry together and at the same time! Learn to calm down for each other! Get books and read and deal with that anger so that you don’t end up raising angry children who will take the anger to another level.
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. –Proverbs 16:32 (KJV)
A few things to do if you have problems with anger
1. Pray about it and ask God to help you by His Spirit
2. Seek help from your pastor or mentors
3. Stay in God’s word. Your soul can be restored when you meditate regularly on God’s word
4. Get good books that address the weakness and study
5. Discuss with your spouse and look at how you can deal with the weakness
6. Learn to keep quiet when you are angry. You often say things you will regret later, but the words, like swords could have done harm.
7. Do not make quick decisions while you are angry. Your sense of judgment is warped at such times.
8. Forgive easily. Don’t be revengeful and stubborn. Let God handle the situation for you.
9. Don’t allow anger and hurts to push you into sexual sins because you want to get back at your spouse. That will complicate issues for you.
10. Don’t listen to someone who appears ‘nice’ and wants you to sin when you are hurting badly. It is usually a trap of the devil to complicate issues when a ‘nice’ person suddenly shows up when you are at loggerheads with your spouse. Be careful!
I rebuke every spirit behind anger and wrath in your life, marriage in Jesus name. I pray for God’s help over you in Jesus name.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I am calm. I am not an angry person.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY Pray that God will give the grace to resist unnecessary anger
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go –Proverbs 22:24 (KJV)
ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY Read a book on dealing with anger
Hello dear, today I will be telling you a story about two children. I trust you will learn from what they did in understanding self-control.
Anne is a five-year-old girl who loves chocolates, but her mum only gives her chocolates once in a while. There is this new girl in Anne’s class who also loves chocolate and brings it to school all the time.
It was already Wednesday and Anne’s mum had not given her any chocolate that week. She wanted at least just a little taste of it, as it felt so long since she tasted chocolate. Here comes the new classmate with two big chocolate bars, and Anne was tempted to beg for just a bite. Since she knew begging was wrong, she choose to have self-control over that situation and walk away, resisting the urge to beg.
Another story is Joe’s story. Joe is a 7 years old boy in primary four. One day, he got into a fight with one of his classmates. This classmate of his called him names, provoking Joe who gave him a punch on the face in return.
Between Anne and Joe, who do think showed self-control?
Anne! That’s correct.
I told you yesterday that Self-control is the ability to control one’s emotions or behaviour, especially in difficult situations. Understanding self-control is important.
I also showed you what the Bible says about self-control
… Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28 – (NIV)
You see, God has made this easy for you and me. How do I know?
See what the Bible says;
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, – Titus 2:11-12 [NIV]
One amazing thing I want to show you today is that the Holy Spirit can actually help you have self-control. It’s one of the fruits of the spirit listed in the Bible.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentlenesses, and self-control. Gal 5:22-23 (NIV)
If you find yourself acting like little Joe in our story, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you.
Prayer: Lord, help me in understanding self-control, and to live a self-controlled life. Amen
