Saturday, September 7, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

The Villain of Our Faith

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

If you have ever been around toddlers for any length of time, you certainly must have realized that they are discovering and exploring INDEPENDENCE. When offering to assist them, they often inform you that they don't NEED you. After all, they are big boys and girls! Sometimes they are successful, other times they succumb to tears because of failed attempts.

Since we live in such a face-paced, technologically advanced and self-sufficient society, it would be easy to feel as if we don't necessarily need our Heavenly Father. However, God warns against the man who believes that he himself has it all under control...He warns that destruction is sure to follow.

When most people envision Satan, images of a disgustingly ugly creature boasting horns on his head and a pitchfork in his hand are brought to mind. On the contrary, scripture states that he was an exceedingly beautiful angel before he was hurled from Heaven! Actually he was said to be the most beautiful of all of God's creations. Sadly, he was not content in his position. Instead, he desired to be God and rule the universe.

In Ezekiel 29:17, God describes what happened to Satan. "Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings."

Satan's goal from then on was to bring down as many as possible along with him. John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy..." His easiest victim is the man that is filled with pride...the man that isn't searching for a Savior because he doesn't THINK he needs one.

I challenge you today to realize that we ALL need God, and He is responsible for our very existence. Psalms 25:9 says, "He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way." Remain humble before Him, and He will continue to lead and direct You always.

Additionally, if our nation would turn back to God, He would bring the healing we so desperately need. He says in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "if my people who are called by My Name HUMBLE themselves, and pray and seek My Face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

Dear Lord, Forgive me for the times that I relied on my own understanding. I need You in my life now more than ever! Fill me with Your presence. I am nothing without You. Also, for the sake of me and my family, please pour out Your Spirit on our nation.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

Villain Series

Day 1: Introduction

Tomorrow, we will begin looking at some of the tactics used by Satan, the villain of our faith. That may not sound inspiring, but it definitely is.  When we better understand his tactics, we can respond more appropriately...and achieve victory through Jesus Christ.