Deceit
The Bible says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the
Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the
devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness
of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that
ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about
with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the
helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication
in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
And for me, that utterance
may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel” Ephesians 6:10-19
(KJV)
In late September 1864 Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest was leading his troops north from Decatur, Alabama,
toward Nashville. But to make it to Nashville, Forrest would have to defeat the Union army at Athens, Alabama. When the Union
commander, Colonel Wallace Campbell, refused to surrender, Forrest asked for a personal meeting, and took Campbell on an inspection
of his troops. But each time they left a detachment, the Confederate soldiers simply packed up and moved to another position,
artillery and all. Forrest and Campbell would then arrive at the new encampment and continue to tally up the impressive number
of Confederate soldiers and weaponry. By the time they returned to the fort, Campbell was convinced he couldn’t win
and surrendered unconditionally!
Paul wants us all to stay on guard against the master of wiles who is attacking God’s people
with wiles that are personally formed to hit us individually where we are most vulnerable. Also Paul has a very important
request which should be echoed by each and every Pastor out there. I unashamedly request verse 19 for myself as well!
Daily Chronological Bible Reading: Psalms 43-45; 49; 84-85; 87
