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Living Free - August 23, 2016

Satan’s Schemes

Today's Scripture

"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith." - (1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT)

Thoughts for Today

Walking within God's boundaries means we must be prayerfully aware of triggering devices. Satan conjures up schemes to tempt us to move out of God's boundaries and the personal boundaries God has helped us establish. Boundaries bring freedom—and Satan doesn't want us to be free.

Satan uses many devices in an attempt to take away our freedom in Christ—to bind us and keep us from growing . . . to prevent us from becoming all God has designed us to be and accomplishing what God has called us to do. Our enemy uses guilt, discouragement, and lies. And he tries to expose us to triggering devices that could lead us to violate our boundaries. 

Consider this …

Once you have established some boundaries, take a serious look at temptations. Watch for triggering devices that could cause you to step outside your boundaries.

Take inventory of past experiences that caused you to make inappropriate decisions or engage in unwise behaviors. Then avoid those triggering devices. Don't put yourself in a situation where you know you will face temptation. It may be a relationship . . . a website . . . a place . . . an activity . . . a television program . . . or even a particular group of friends.

Identify your triggers and then determine, with God's help, to avoid them. Don't give in to Satan's schemes.

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 NLT)

Prayer

Father, help me wisely set boundaries and then stay within them. I know I cannot do that on my own. I need your guidance. Your strength. Help me to resist the devil and his schemes and stay humble before you. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

Free to Grow: Overcoming Setbacks and Disappointments by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. The purpose of this group study is to help people overcome disappointments and setbacks that have arrested or are presently hindering their emotional and spiritual development. The group study will help participants understand how to be set free so that they can grow and become all that God has designed them to be. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

 

 

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