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I live in a state where there are lots of snakes. One of my best friends tends to us the word “cute” when describing them. I’m not a fan. But it’s always good to know how to identify the safe ones from the venomous ones. The old “Red touches black, venom lack. Red touches yellow, kill a fellow” only applies to coral snakes, so that’s not very helpful. If you live in snake territory, it’s good to be educated. The same can be said for our spiritual lives. The Apostle Peter warned believers to be on the alert because Satan was like a lion prowling around looking for someone to devour. The Apostle Paul told the church in Corinth that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Let’s pray a morning prayer to recognize evil so we won’t be caught unaware.
“Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).
Dear Father, as I start my day, draw me close to you. Help me hide in the shelter of your wings. You are my fortress and my defender. There is nothing that can touch me when I am with you. Even though your Word says that my enemy, Satan, is prowling around like a lion, seeking whom he can devour, I know that if I am hidden in you, he can’t do a thing.
I don’t want to live afraid of falling, and I know that you don’t want that either, but you want me to be wise. You want me to be able to recognize the wolf in sheep’s clothing, the angel of light that is just an illusion. Truth has substance. Jesus is the truth.
Help me to know Scripture so well that I can tell a counterfeit. Help me to know your voice so intimately that I won’t mistake anyone else’s. You will never lie to me. You will never tell me you will do something and then not do it. You are always kind, always faithful, and always good.
There are a lot of things out there telling me they’re good for me. Help me discern through Your Spirit what is not good. Like the sirens in the old fables, there are those who would lure me onto the rocks with their beauty, but the will cause me to die. You are life. You will never call me to something that isn’t for my good.
Thank you for giving me the Holy Spirit, the Counselor who will guide me in the truth. Thank you for your Word, that is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Help me to listen to that still, small voice that is there to show me the way.
Thank you for walking with me through this day. I love you. Amen.
Now listen to this short devotional from Abide based on 2 Corinthians 11:14.
All the meditations, daily devotionals, and sleep stories on Abide are written to help you draw closer to God. The more time you spend in His Word, the less likely you are to fall for a counterfeit. Download Abide and invest in your spiritual life with a premium subscription. This link will get you 25% off. Pray this morning prayer to recognize evil anytime you need discernment. It’s not just for mornings! God will reveal truth to you if you ask.
