One of the largest and longest snakes known to exist on earth is the anaconda. Native to the tropics of South America, some of these species have been discovered in the Florida Everglades over the last decade according to Animal Planet. Similar to a reticulated python, this non-venomous snake uses its teeth to hold on before squeezing its victim to death. The power of this beast essentially snuffs out the life of its prey through suffocation.
Lucifer or Satan is portrayed as a crafty serpent in Genesis 3:1 and Revelation 12:9. However, the ruler of the air, Ephesians 2:2, known as the devil, only has one of his demons referenced in the New Testament. While the term legion is used by John Mark in Mark 5:9 in context with a demon possessed man, the word actually refers to a number, commonly used by Roman military leaders. This leaves Acts 16:16 as the only place an individual demon is named. The King James version uses the phrase “spirit of python,” translated into most modern translations as a spirit of divination or foretelling the future.
The thought of money had blinded this girl’s owners from the internal struggle within her soul. Upon seeing Paul in Acts 16:16-18, she cries out for help, a last ditch effort before having any chances of a spiritual life snuffed out. Entangled by the grips of a demon, Paul saves her life while endangering his own. The devil poisoned the minds of these greedy owners, convincing the towns people to place Paul, Silas and Luke in prison. Immediately following one victory, Acts 16:19-24, Satan tries to squeeze out of the love of Jesus from these men.
Today, the devil is up to his usual tricks, using defeat, failure and trials to suck the life out of individuals. John 10:10 isn’t just something written over 2,000 years ago that no longer applies. Rather, every day is a spiritual war, a battle that won’t end until heaven and earth pass away. Therefore, if you feel the presence of depression, stress or worry begin to wrap around your neck, use prayer to put on the full armor of God, Ephesians 6:13-18. Fight fire with spiritual fire, 1 Timothy 6:12, to avoid having your life snuffed out prematurely.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 