Monday, October 25, 2010
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Song of Sol. 1-3 & Galatians 5
THANKFUL SUBMISSION – Submission of the Heart
SCRIPTURE READING
1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV); “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
Ephesians 4:27 (NIV); “… do not give the devil a foothold.”
A stronghold is a well-equipped fortress that is nearly impenetrable, offering refuge and safety for those within. For the righteous, David says, God is their salvation and their stronghold. We can look to God as our Defender and Protector. However, Satan also likes to erect strongholds in our lives – territory that he can claim as his own. When we refuse to submit to God’s leadership, we offer a foothold to Satan and give him an opportunity to possess territory.
The Bible is clear that God does not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can handle. Upon acceptance of and commitment to Christ, the chains of sin and death are loosened and we are no longer slaves to sin. Christ lives in us and the Holy Spirit indwells us, offering us life and freedom. Where there is light, darkness is extinguished, therefore Satan cannot possess one who is following Christ. Nevertheless, he can still capture territory in our lives when we allow him to. Every time we choose to ignore the Spirit, we disobey, rebel against God and allow Satan ground to add a block to his fortress. Let us be attentive to the Spirit’s convictions and quick to confess our sins!
PRAYER & MEDITATION
1. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes today to any rebellion that is in your heart. Ask Him to reveal where you have allowed Satan a foothold in your life. Confess it to Jesus and ask Him what steps you need to take to be free.2. Spend some time meditating on Romans 6 today. As you read, thank God for saving you.Thank Him for truths that He reveals and pray about things you don’t understand. How does God want to use this chapter to spur you on to follow Him today?
