the devil lies with the truth

Today in the One Year Bible, we read from Luke 8:22-39. Jesus confronts a demon, and everything the demon says is true! "Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?" And when Jesus asks its name, it replies, "Legion, for we are many."

That's an important thing to remember. When the devil lies to you, he will usually use the truth to do it. Remember when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he actually quoted the Bible to Him. He might take verses of the Bible, or truths from your life, and use them against you. So be prepared for his lies.

You can tell, usually, when he's lying to you, because of how his words make you feel. He will usually make you feel afraid. That fear sometimes turns into anger or resentment towards others. Because besides being a liar, he is THE accuser. And he will often use truths to accuse you of things that are TRUE, but unkind. He'll remind you of your failures. Your sins. Your instances of stupidity. He'll get you focused on yourself and your inadequacies. That's his game.

Jesus will take your focus off of those things, because He'll bring your focus to where it belongs: on Him, and on other people. On loving them. He'll take away your fears and fill you with joy and love. That's HIS game. And it's a game you'll want to play forever.

God, thanks for teaching us about the enemy. Help us be on guard against him.