… [Satan] was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

— John 8:44

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

— Romans 12:2

and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,

— Ephesians 4:23

3 For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh.

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

— 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, salvation and joy from Jesus Christ to you.

Satan’s tactics depend upon spreading fear and deception. Because God’s enemies cannot overrule His truth, the only option left is to spread lies. We need to protect ourselves from Satan’s deception which dominates much of the thinking in today’s world. Even Christians can succumb to the world’s pressure and propaganda and be unconsciously molded by godless ideology. Often Satan distorts truth with dangerous subtlety. Aligning our lives to God’s Word helps us believers recognize Satan’s lies. God’s unchanging truth provides awareness of Satan’s deceptive and destructive agenda. Only salvation in Christ and a mind renewed by the Holy Spirit can protect anyone from Satan’s schemes that prey on the sinful appetites of the flesh.

John calls believers to patient endurance, faithfulness, wisdom, and insight. How can we believers obtain the strength and perspective we need against Satan and his attacks? Spiritual battles cannot be won by mere human strength. God knows well our inherent vulnerability and weakness. He does not intend for us to seek isolation from the evil world but to represent Him in the world; therefore God provides us what we need to stand steadfast for Him. Let’s look to God, not our own fortitude to persevere through this life’s challenges and face whatever lies ahead. We endure, not because we are strong, but because God is mighty! Amen!