Manipulate and Tempt

Manipulate; to negotiate, control, or influence (something or someone) cleverly, skillfully, or deviously.

Tempt; seduce, coax, lead astray.

Satan; manipulator, tempter.

Tonight I was just sitting and thinking about how my Saturday ended and my Sunday started. It was a scene that's played out in my life many times. Sometimes it ends well...sometimes not.
The deal is...sometimes I let satan win...sometimes not. I don't let him win this battle nearly as much as I used to but it is still a battle! The big question really is...WHY do I listen to him? That was what I was trying to figure out tonight. While thinking about it the word "manipulate" came to mind. So I looked it up. Then "tempt" was the next thing I thought of and I looked it up. Right then I realized that really, that's what is going on with me most every Saturday night and Sunday morning. The "master manipulator and tempter" is working on me...in my head...telling me all sorts of things that I don't need to hear. The problem is "I hear" and "I listen" far too much. Instead of doing what I have been told to do so many times...put him under my foot and crush him into the ground...I start believing what he's feeding me. This weekend however, it all ended well...

On Saturday night I was aware that it was satan that was making me feel and think the way I was. By Sunday morning though all I knew was that I didn't really want to go to church...because I was still listening to the wrong voice. But, the closer it got to time to leave I started hearing another voice and I finally begin to listen. Finally, with an hour to go, I got my act together. I made the decision to get ready and go to church regardless of how I felt. I'm so glad I did. As the service went I started to relax and could feel the change taking place inside me. It was a good service and definitely where I needed to be.

We all go through different battles with satan in our lives. What ever the battle is, he fights them all the same way. He uses "manipulation and temptation."  Thankfully for us we have the LORD on our side and we can win. Really it's all up to us. No matter what he tells you that you can't do remember this;

Philippians 4:13

¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

When satan starts getting in your head, you need to respond. Tell him you are a child of the Living GOD and that nothing he says or does can deter you from living for the LORD. Get in his face and quote scripture to him. One of the things Jesus said to him was;

Luke 4:6-8

⁶ And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. ⁷ Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.”
⁸ And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve. ”

Remember where your strength is to get through these battles;

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Psalm 121:2

 ² My help comes from the LORD,
      who made heaven and earth!