Good morning, everyone

Back in the 70’s, I read a book authored by Hal Lindsey entitled ‘The Late, Great Planet Earth’, which greatly influenced the beginning of my Walk, and my interest in prophecy.  I also read one of his follow-up books, “Satan is Alive and Well on Planet Earth’, which is the direction in which I want to go today.  

Perhaps many of us, myself included, at times underestimate the power of Satan and his schemes:  

“Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”  [I Peter 5:8]  

But Satan’s first visitation to the earth to deceive mankind was not exactly like a roaring lion, was it?  Instead he, perhaps quietly, made Adam and Eve question what God had actually said:  

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made.  He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?'” [Genesis 3:1]  

As easy as it is to blame Adam and Eve for getting the Sin Train out of the station, I submit that people today also fall victim to the subtle whisperings of Satan.  For example, the devil might craftily suggest the following to us.      

    -“The Bible was written so long ago.  It can’t be relevant today, can it?”  

    -“It’s OK if he marries him, or she marries her.  Love is love.”

    -“God can’t possibly hear all of your prayers, can he?”

    -“The government wastes so much money.  You don’t have to pay all your taxes.”  

    -“How can God possibly know you before the foundation of the world?”  

    -“Isn’t ‘turning the other cheek’ kind of old fashioned?”  

    -“I know you’re a young boy, but in your mind don’t you feel like a girl?”

    –“Does Jesus really expect us to pray for all those who persecute us?”  

    -“Is it really that important to go to a worship service every Sunday?”  

I actually believe that most of us can handle the ‘roaring lion’ part.  It’s the crafty whisperings that we need to be on our guard against.  I read recently that the last stand against evil in this world is the church.  As much as we would like to wave a magic wand to rid the world of Satan, we have to start with our local surroundings.  And I submit that I only personally know of two people placed by God to do just that.  Me. You. 

Blessings to all, 

Keith