In the Christmas Classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey, who scrambles to locate $8000 which his cousin Billy misplaced at the bank. Retracing his uncles steps, George runs into Mr. Potter played by Lionel Barrymore at the bank. Instead of handing George the money that he found wrapped in a newspaper, Potter accuses George of various crimes. This dilemma leads George to pray for a miracle. When he receives is a right hook to the face at his local hangout, George turns to suicide as a logical solution to his problems. When prayers lifted up to God go unanswered, Satan replaces this silence with perverted whispers in the minds of human beings.
And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, 2 Corinthians 11:14.
During one of his visits to what is now modern day Greece, the apostle Paul seems to have uncovered some type of demonic activity going on in or around Corinth. Just like Darth Vader in the Star Wars movies, Satan has a history that does not include the dark side. Anakin Skywalker followed the force, on pace to become the next Jedi. Likewise Satan, known as Lucifer was an arch angel, one of God’s most magnificent creations. At some point, this fact went to his head, wanting to glorify himself. Despite being kicked out of heaven, this ruler of the air, Ephesians 2:2, didn’t lose his angelic powers. Thus, Satan is able to disguise himself as a vessel of light.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour, 1 Peter 5:8.
If there is a word that best describes the Devil today its relentless. This demonic entity is always scheming, using lust and temptation as open doors to come into and ruin lives. Murders aren’t on the rise just because of crime, drugs and hatred. Rather, when broken, desperate and lost souls continue to experience silence after cries for help, the enemy perverts silence. According to Isaiah 1:15, God is silent when individuals fail to repent. Any type of addiction furthers distance between you and God. If you want to end this silence, follow the blueprint within Isaiah 1:16-17. As genuine confession and acts of penance follow, God promises grace, forgiveness and healing. Don’t let the Devil’s deception to continue to ruin lives of loved ones. Rather, fast, pray and worship the Lord so that evil will be exposed and brought to the light.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 