Give No Place

"One Year Bible" New Testament Passage (for Wed., Sept. 26, 2012)
Ephesians 4:17-32

and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:27 (NIV)

Scripture is clear: we have an enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy.  He goes about seeking opportunity to invade and inflict pain upon believers.

This should not throw us into fear or anxiety.  Scripture describes many ways and weapons whereby we can always defeat the devil.  God promises us that He will never leave us defenseless.

Perhaps our biggest challenge is not in the area of straight-up confrontation with the enemy.  It is in the secret and sly ways he seeks to slip in the "back door."  Concerning this, the Lord instructs us to be vigilant, not allowing a foothold in our lives.

The devil uses small things.  Perhaps it is a stray thought, or a season of tiredness. Perhaps it is an unintentional comment made by a "friend" that is then misunderstood.  Perhaps it is a growing friendship that one day goes beyond normal limits. 

Satan's traps are deceptive.  At first they look good.  Then they turn bad.  They make promises that cannot be kept.  Once the devil gets his foot in the door, he then seeks to take up permanent residence. 

It is a wise thing to periodically take inventory.  In what areas am I vulnerable?  In what ways am I letting my guard down?  It is far easier to KEEP THE DEVIL FROM ENTERRING than it is to KICK HIM OUT once he has built his nest.  May the Lord guide you today in resisting the devil in all his endeavors to ensnare.