Knowing Thine Enemy - Introductions Are In Order

Okay, folks, if you're reading this then you're probably all too aware of the fact that I don't make any bones about being a Christian. Fair enough, you know where I stand. Now, to get down to business.

What GOD has been laying on my heart recently is the less-than-committed nature some I've seen out there, at the job site, in Wally World - some who purportedly have made a decision to submit themselves to (and under) the Lordship of our Savior Jesus Christ.

I mean, it's one thing for folks to say they believe in GOD, believe in Jesus, trust the Bible... but to say (and believe, of course) all that just to turn around and dismiss the presence of demons? Well, now you're talking CRAZY-talk.

Sure, most Christians we run into (run over, tear down - just kidding) believe in angels; but, very few actually believe that there's a Devil and demons. And, here's the kicker, even if they DO acknowledge the existence of Satan - they often ascribe more power to him than he's capable of... or discount him to something akin to an old Warner Brothers cartoonist's object of laughter.

Oh, don't get me wrong - Satan IS powerful. But, you must - with that same breath - remember that prior to any of us being here, Lucifer led a revolt and was cast out with a third of the hosts of Heaven. Lucifer (Satan) was an angel and took multitudes of his co-conspirators with him, down to Earth.

Satan (Lucifer) is not all-knowing, all-powerful, or ever-present. Those are traits of our Sovereign GOD. Satan commands all the demons (a.k.a. fallen angels, the aforementioned third of the hosts of Heaven which revolted with him). Make no mistake... they are organized, efficient and plentiful... much like a Roman army, and much more so than our federal government - a blog for another day, perhaps?

Back on track, per se.

Demons possess unbelievers - to what extent, I am unclear. But, Christians - because of the Holy Spirit within them - cannot be possessed. With that being said, however, I believe whatever pockets of 'self' we harbor, keep from the LORD, affords demons an opportunity to harass, toy with, and malign Christians to the point of defeat.

Imagine, if you will... tendrils of fingers going into the back of your neck, with an unseen demon perched upon one of your shoulders, manipulating headaches, anger, clouding judgment, etc. Do the phrases, "a monkey on your back" or "a devil on your shoulder" seem accurate in the instance? To be "pressed but not crushed", hmm?

As I understand it, and after reading Scripture, I'm beginning to think that if any of us were to battle the true persona of Satan in spiritual warfare - we would've remembered doing so and would be able to brandish our bruises to boot.

Brothers and Sisters... do not ascribe Satan any more consideration than he needs, were he to show up. But, when the demons press you, confess any sin in the name of Jesus, admit disobedience, and beg GOD - in faith - in the name of Jesus that every demon within the sound of your voice to flee.