Memory Verses: And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered. 2 Chronicles 31:21 | 7 Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: 8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. 2 Chronicles 32:7-8

When it comes from a cartoon, seeing a “little devil on your shoulder” may draw a chuckle. But when Satan is whispering in your ear, that’s no joke! The enemy knows that for many of us, if he stood with a pitch fork and pointed tail and horns in front of your face, you would “just do it” and take off running. That’s why he tries to be cute. That’s why he wears a nice suit or a new dress. If you are not on your guard, the heathen with look like heaven on earth.

WARNING!! When the “time is right,” – when you have compromised your integrity; when you have denied the Lord thrice; when you have excommunicated yourself from all things holy; that’s when the enemy will show his true intention. Those flowery words will turn to disdain. The stilts he (or she) has been propping you with will be targeted with comBAT phrases like, “I thought you were a Christian.”

And when your head stops spinning, you will have to make a choice.

In today’s reading, the King of Assyria played the role of  “devil on the shoulder” (2 Chronicles 32:9-19).

Satan wants to be the devil on your shoulder. Do not fool yourself. Just because the enemy has a nice word today, does not mean that he (or she) has good intentions. If you are walking in the Lord’s will, the enemy wants to plant a bug in your ear – something that will spark the natural flesh. When you think the devil is supporting you, you have bought into the illusion. What he is really saying is, “Who do you think you are?” If he can’t get to heaven (and he can’t since he was kicked out), he doesn’t want you to believe  you are worthy to go there – since he can’t kick you out – but he can try to make you doubt that’s where you’re supposed to go (and if you don’t believe it, you won’t make it).

When you know that you know that you know that you have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, you can say to that devil, “I am a Child of The King. I am an heir to the throne of Grace. I am who God says I Am; and what you say is of no consequence, becuase I resist you. Now get to stepping (flee from me).

Remember that God knows the intent of the heart; and since God knows it, he can also reveal it.

But let’s not forget the end of this matter. Yes, King Sennacherib of Assyria was not able to fool Hezekiah. That’s what happens when you resist the devil.

20 And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven. 21 And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword. 22 Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side. 23 And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth. 2 Chronicles 32:20-23

Be careful not to get too prideful when the Lord exalts you.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7