Be aware of your enemy

As a Christ follower, we are under spiritual attack. There is a battle raging against us. satan is described as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 Think of the lion and how he watches and waits and looks for the one who is weak and then attacks and kills it. satan does the same...He looks for those who are weak, who aren't standing on the word of God. satan's attacks may come at a time when you are really tired or frustrated or times when you haven't been in the Word like you should. We are to put our armor on daily and be prepared as a soldier prepares for battle. A soldier never goes into a fight without his protection. We are to do the same. We must always put on the belt of truth, the mind of Christ and the sword of the Spirit-which is God's word. When we do this, we will not fall into temptation and we will not fall victim to satan's schemes. When you take a stand for Christ, you can expect opposition. This opposition may come in the form of your family, your friends or your workplace. satan will use anyone and anything to try and steal your joy and your testimony. We have the power, however, living on the inside of us to stand firm under any and every situation. "Resist the devil and he must flee" James 4:7. When Jesus died on the cross and rose again, He crushed satan and sin under His feet. We are victorious because Jesus is victorious. We don't have to live a defeated life. satan cannot read your mind, but he can certainly put thoughts there that are not good. It all starts in your mind. If he can cause you to entertain impure thoughts, you will eventually give in to sin. This is why it is so important to stay in God's word on a daily basis. Even if you only have five minutes, that is a start. If you don't know the word, you don't have a chance of standing against satan. Renew your mind in Christ. When you do have thoughts that are not of God, cast them down and choose on purpose to think of good things. Studies have been shown that people who are depressed, consistently think negative thoughts. This pattern can be broken. Jesus can and will set you free from that bondage. Begin replacing those thoughts with the promises of God. You are righteous in Christ. You are beautiful. You are dearly loved. You have been set free by the blood of Christ. Sin does not have dominion over you any more. You are a child of the Most High King. You are favored in the sight of God. He will give you the peace that passes all understanding. His peace will be with you in every situation. You are victorious-the battle has already been won! Don't try to do it in your own strength, you simply cannot. Ask God to give you His grace and strength to stand firm. When you have doubts or are struggling, begin praising God...you may not "feel" like doing this at first, but when you do, the feelings will come. Praise Him in all things knowing that He will work whatever it is out for your good because you love Him and are called according to His purpose. Don't get weary in well doing, for in due season, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 Another thought, if you are under attack, this is a sure sign that you are doing the right thing and you are a threat to satan and the kingdom of darkness..."if you suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed." 1 Peter 3:14 "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9-11

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