RESIST THE SKULKING ENEMY
The prompt word for Day 9 of #write28days is skulk. One of the definitions according to Rhymezone is: lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner. A synonym is the word, prowl, and I think that definition fits the description of the devil in 1 Peter 5:8. The next verse tells us how to resist the skulking enemy. It also shows us that we are not alone but part of a worldwide community of those who trust in the Lord.
Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.
(1 Peter 5:8-9)
Beware the devil
Not the silly guy with horns
He is just a fake
The real devil lives
Though his time is limited
He tries to snare us
Cunningly he skulks
Looking for the right moment
To pounce on his prey
The great deceiver,
Sometimes appearing in light
Don’t fall for his charms
He’s already lost
Christ’s death and resurrection
Won the victory
Stand firm in your faith
You have power to resist
Abiding in Christ
WHEN THE BATTLE IS HARD
Sometimes the battle seems too hard. Deception, lies, chaos and confusion abound in this world. Right is touted as wrong and wrong is praised as right. It’s a topsy turvy world we live in. No wonder our children are growing up with no anchor or guide. When people ignore God and put self on the throne, there is no center to guide us. So, everyone does what is right in their own eyes.
It’s a sad commentary on our world, and it breaks my heart to see how people turn away from the truth to follow the lies of the devil. How can we help others to understand? We who know the truth of who God is and how the devil is already defeated, need to stand firm. Yet, we also need to proceed with grace from a heart of love, desiring that all will come to know the truth.
When we unite in love, guided by the Holy Spirit, strengthened as we read scripture and pray, others will see that there is a better way.
RESIST THE SKULKING ENEMY WITH THE ARMOR OF GOD
Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.
Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:10-18
I’m linking up with: #TellHisStory
So true, he is lurking and prowling but powerless with Jesus so near.
Amen, Rebecca. The only power he has is what God allows, and he knows he’s beaten. So thankful that we have a sure hope because of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Blessings to you!
Praise God for this truth. The enemy is defeated at the Cross!! Amen. He may prowl and scare, he may think he’s caught God’s children for good. And he has: but just not in the way he thinks.
That “for good” is “for our good”: it is God multiplying His grace amongst us, drawing many more to glory in the process, as He humbles us ever more that we might see His lifting up 😊🥰
Oh, yes, God is definitely multiplying His grace amongst us. The devil knows he’s defeated but it doesn’t stop him from trying. May God help us to stand as we put on His armor. Then we will stand and nothing can take us away from God. May He be praised through our words and actions! Blessings to you! xoxo
Gayl … I know I’ve mentioned it before, but I do love this gently falling snow here. It’s so magical, calming, and peaceful.
My hat’s off to you as you write 28 days straight. Wow. And to produce such a meaty, hefty post. Amazing.
Thank you, Linda! Yes, I like the snowflakes, too. 🙂 I appreciate your enouraging comments. I do pray about the posts, and sometimes it takes a while for the thoughts to come together. Other times it comes quickly. And some days I’ve had to combine when I miss a day. But it’s good discipline for me and I love talking about the Lord and His love and justice. I wish everyone could see the truth of who God is. Blessings to you!