This quote is such a good reminder from "Uninvited" by Lysa TerKeurst in chapter 12.

"The devil is vicious, but he is NOT victorious". I'm so thankful that Jesus' work on the cross was complete and whole. Everything that I have ever done or will do, is covered by His precious blood and saving work. He is risen and completely victorious!

She begins the chapter in Africa, at night, hearing a lion outside her tent and imagining all of the horrible things that "might" happen to them while they were inside. Nothing happened, of course, but she lost a good night's sleep by not taking the sleeping pill the guide had provided.

Our enemy, the devil, is just like that lion...he seeks to devour us. I Peter 5:8, "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." However, "the devil is not victorious...and he is predictable. "For everything in the world, the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does, come not from the Father, but from the world." (I John 2:16)

The enemy's tactics fall into 3 categories (see below). Lysa shares the 3 Scriptures (truth) that Jesus used against the enemy (lies) when He was tempted in the wilderness.

Crave: I feel empty. This is when we feel alone or "not enough" and try to fill the emptiness with physical pleasure. For me, I too often find that satisfaction in food. "Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord". (Deuteronomy 8:3)

We need to be fed and made alive by the Word of God. His Word is Truth. Physical satisfaction is a poor substitute and can numb our minds. "Numb souls are never growing souls."

Lust: I feel deprived. By seeing what others have, either a person, possession or position, the enemy seeks to lure us that we can sneak outside God's will, get what we want and it's all ok.

Deuteronomy 6:14 says, "Fear the Lord your God, serve Him only and take your oaths in His name." (serve Him only).

"Is my attention being held by something sacred or something secret" other than God? I need to put my whole focus on Jesus and what He wants for my life. Everything else is just a poor imitation.

Boast: I feel rejected. Somedays, this is so obvious not only in social media but also in conversations. Do you ever listen to a friend's triumph or difficult circumstance and in your mind you are already trying to come up with your own story to "one up" them?

Deuteronomy 6:16 "Don't put your God to the test". This verse is just after verse 14 (see above and also Deuteronomy 6:15, "Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God."

Our feelings of rejection can only be displaced by the truth of God's love for us! As I read this, the Lord reminded me of the song "He Loves Us", by John Mark McMillan"

My prayer is that you will replace the enemies lies with His truth in these 3 areas and let the words of this song sink deep into your soul that you can feel Papa's immense love for you this day!

Check out Blog #13 in my Uninvited Series. 

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