Devotion for Friday, August 4, 2023

“It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority was given to him over every tribe, people, language, and nation” (Revelation 13:7).

Look at the world and you see the ebbs and flows of civilization.  Of late, the church has been shrinking in the west while growing in the south and east.  There is constant warfare against the faithful.  We are told all kinds of things, but the simple truth of Jesus dying for our sins and the hope that because He was raised from the dead, we too shall be raised gets lost amidst the lying antics of the devil.

Lord, help me to understand the simple truth of the Gospel so that I do not fall prey to all the lies that are out there.  Keep my eyes open so that I begin to understand what has happened.  It is not that society is smarter now and does not need you, but that they have been deceived and do not understand the truth that every child understands.  We need more than ourselves.  We were created by You, need community and desire love.

Love Incarnate, You have come to establish an eternal relationship with all who will turn to You.  No matter the cost, nor the difficulty, help me to abide in You.  Help me not listen to the world around me, which tells me to disconnect from You.  Guide me in the truth.  Your Word is truth.  Lead me as You know I need to be led and keep me from the lies of the wicked one.  Keep me in You, Lord.  Amen.