Schemes of the Devil

via TJC

“in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”

—2 Corinthians 2:11 NIV

I met with my good friend, George, last night for what I like to call Bulldog Meetings. During Bulldog Meetings, we do four things together:

(1) recite memory verses,

(2) discuss our ongoing discipleship efforts,

(3) share Quiet Times,

and (4) pray for each other.

When agenda item #3 came up, George shared some anxiety he’d been having. He foresaw an attack coming for him against maintaining consistent Quiet Time with the Lord:

“My boss is switching me back to morning shifts, so THAT’S going to throw my routine off big time! And I love watching football on the weekends, PLUS college basketball season is now starting!”

George knew he needed to make changes to his priorities. I read a verse to him, 2 Corinthians 2:11: “...in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”

I said, “George, this is a promise: We are not unaware of the devil’s schemes. You just listed all the things you already know Satan is going to use against you soon! (Thank you, Jesus, he has made this clear to us!) Now, it’s up to you to make a decision whether you’ll let those schemes prevent you from having a Quiet Time or not.”

George shouted, “You’re absolutely right! Stupid devil! I know what you’re up to!”

Daily Battle Order:

Ask yourself right now: What are the devil’s schemes against me today?

If you aren’t coming up with anything, it’s not because you’re unaware. God makes these schemes plain to us—we just need to listen in.

Now that you know his schemes, how do you plan on conquering them? God always provides a way out of our temptations.