TAKE YOUR STAND AGAINST THE DEVIL’S SCHEMES

I AM A BRIGHT NEW STAR

March 1, 2018

LEARNING TO EXERCISE YOUR FAITH IN GOD

March 3, 2018

TAKE YOUR STAND AGAINST THE DEVIL’S SCHEMES

March 2nd 2018

Today’s Scriptures: ”Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” - Ephesians 6:10

The devil is seen to be the reason for our spiritual warfare encounter, even though he may not be truly responsible for any of these attacks. For instance, Jesus sometimes cast out demons from the people; other times, he healed people with no mention of demons. Also Apostle Paul instructs Christians to wage war against the sin in them, and warns us to oppose the schemes of the devil. This means that the devil or demons is not behind everything that happens to us. For some very obvious reasons, we agree or assume that the devil or demons are more powerful than us; this is not correct. We are more powerful, as the blood of Jesus and his righteousness has given us a new life, which is indestructible. In fact, we operate in a realm higher than the negative powers. Jesus offers a good example to us on how to ward off evil by combating each temptation he had with the words “it is written.” The Word of God is the most powerful weapon against the temptations of the devil.

The word of God teaches us today, to stand strong in the Lord for our offensive weapon is the Word of God, not our own opinions and feelings. And we are to take authority with God in prayer by praying in the spirit, and will of the Holy Spirit. If we feel attacked, we must not waver in faith; rather, we must continue to trust the promises of God, and believe strongly in His word, not minding the severity of the attacks. To succeed in spiritual warfare, do the following: ONE- Stop talking to the devil directly, you have no business with him. When you talk to the devil, you create an opportunity for him to attack you, and you are easily led astray. Talk to God instead; focus on God and confess His word. TWO – Rely on God’s power, not your own. We draw on the power of Scriptures—the Word of God is the Spirit’s sword. THREE - We pray in perseverance and holiness, making our appeal to God all the time.

Prayer

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I stand on your word today, and I declare I am delivered from bondages and every evil machination. Lord, speak life into me and fill me up with your spirit. AMEN

Further Reading - Ephesians 6:13-14

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Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi was born in Nigeria to Patrick Abuda Obeakemhe and Juliana Fatimatu Obeakemhe, both from Ogbona Town. With a master’s degree in law, she was called to the bar at the age of twenty-two, and she is currently the principle partner of the law firm Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi & Associates. She is also the founder of two philanthropic organizations: the Living Waters Mission and the Rose Croix Foundation. In addition to law, Lawrence-Dokpesi was drawn to spiritual pursuits at an early age, having begun studying philosophy, theology, chaplaincy, and spirit therapy by the age of eighteen. Inspired by her spiritual calling, she has produced ten intensively researched manuscripts on spiritual matters. Although Understanding the Spiritual was the last to be written, it is the first to be published. Lawrence-Dokpesi is a mother and a wife living in the city of Abuja, Nigeria.