Surrounded by Believers, I smelled the devil in church last night.
He was a well-groomed bully who knew enough manners to get himself beyond the threshold many, many times.
Oh, how some dislike him, even if they couldn’t explain why.
Others idolized him.
Some felt in their guts the trouble that lingered beyond his words.
I might have even liked him if I hadn’t known who he was. Thanks be to God for His protection. Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have not heeded the warnings.
Predator, don’t shake my hand and call me sister.
Don’t give me that friendly smile: you’re a beggar wanting to steal my soul.
We’ve met a time or two in past seasons — you know the score, and so do I.
Scars remind me of your strengths and my weaknesses, but the One who heals all wounds has no contender.
Last night, a few left the service with the devil’s cologne on their clothes: haunting, sweet, intriguing, pungent, beautifully laced with demise.
Some were unaware, others felt provoked, and a few felt aroused. Most felt anxious, blaming circumstances and exhaustion.
The devil and his playthings are molded like the bread he offers, bringing death to those he feeds.
The world is the liar’s lair.
The Tempter has memorized scripture, but it lands on hard ground. His expression of faith is only in himself, as his words contradict the Word.
The freedom he offers is an illusion, infested with depraved motives that harvest false peace.
Still, many Christians remain distracted and live in defeat even though the crown of victory has been secured.
Watch your focus, Believers. Watch the doors.
Do not concentrate so much on your disappointments that it distracts you from the redeeming blood shed by Christ Jesus, who wore the crown of thorns.
Guard your heart, mind, body, thoughts, words, actions, time, home, friends and family. Guard your witness.
The devil’s demons often come through doors held open by preoccupied Believers who have set their minds on too many earthly things and too little on the character, power, grace, peace, and love of Christ.
Stand firm in the Lord, armor up so you may feel the soulless draft the devil brings when he draws near. Resist in God’s power. Do not keep company with death disguised as life. Gather your wits and wisdom in the Lord, and inhale the breath given to you by the grace of God so that you may speak life eternal.
This column was initially published by CherryRoad Media. ©Tiffany Kaye Chartier.