Ready for Battle (part 2)

Since we know that Satan's primary tactics are accusing, deceiving and tempting in order to keep us separated from God, it is important for God's men to have a game plan to deal with each one of these.

1) Accuse the accuser---Satan tries to trap us in our own guilt and pull us away from God when in fact he is guiltier than anyone else God ever created. Sometimes, Satan will try to make us think that even having flash thoughts of sin that we don't even act upon is sinful in an attempt to shame us into believing God's forgiveness is conditional. Never forget that Christ took our sin debt---past, present and future---and nailed it to the cross at Calvary.

2) Turn Satan's lies into God's truth---Never forget that every one of Satan's lies is contrary to God's Word. His first lie to Eve in the Garden ("You shall surely not die") resulted in the original sin and he's been lying and deceiving mankind ever since. He will always try to use our insecurities against us and keep us tangled up in fear and doubt. A steady, daily dose of prayer and Scripture reading will enable us to recognize his lies and replace them with God's truth.

3) Be prepared to battle temptation---Temptation is often Satan's most effective weapon. We must train our minds to focus on the big picture rather than the immediate pleasure he is offering. We must be proactive in identifying our weaknesses---the areas where we are induced to sin---and recognize the conditions under which we are most likely to yield. Trust in the Lord that He is in control and will limit temptation to what we can handle through His strength. Continually allow the discernment of the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and guide us to make the right choices---choices that bring honor and glory to God.