Satan is a Liar
For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.
John 8:44 (NLT)
In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, Sauron, the evil villain in the book, deceives a master ringmaker to forge these rings. Why would this ring maker make such a weapon of destruction? He was deceived. Sauron told him it would be a tool to fight evil, not create evil. The ringmaker struggles with this decision, but the persistence and lies of the evil character Sauron eventually win him over. Why do so many people fall prey to the evil in this world? It’s because our enemy, Satan, takes things and twists them. He promises life, pleasure and joy, but all his plans lead to a future of emptiness, death and pain. He never wants you to see that, so he deceives you. He lies to you, and he’s the best in the world at doing it. That’s why you can’t negotiate with evil. You’ll always lose. Satan will take your logic or your thoughts and twist them. Your job is to trust God and where He is leading you! Notice what it says in the verse above: he hates the truth, and he will do anything he can to keep you from the truth. Jesus says that He is the way, the truth and the life. So, Satan hates Him, and if you follow Jesus, Satan hates you too.
You cannot win an argument with Satan. Remember that. Adam and Eve lost. Satan took what God had said and twisted it. It is important to remember that the best lies are the ones closest to the truth. Satan won’t come in with blatant attacks on God; he will try to get you to distrust God’s plans or His goodness when you experience problems. You must set in your heart right now that you won’t turn away. You must commit on the good days that you’ll stay anchored on the bad days because Satan will show up with all sorts of lies. To be the father of lies means he is the original liar, and it’s his craft and creation. So please don’t listen to him. Decide to follow God’s plans for your life wholeheartedly, even if it doesn’t make sense! He’s good!
Application: Jesus is the way, the truth and the life!
Prayer: Thank Jesus that He is the way, the truth and the life. Ask the Spirit to help you follow and obey God no matter the situation. Ask God to give you discernment in places where you might be listening to Satan’s lies. Ask the Spirit to replace it with His truth!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?