Here is a powerful revelation for your Monday: “Nor give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:27. We have authority in Christ to resist the enemy. However, he is a deceiver, and a slanderous one at that. That same verse in the TPT version of the Bible says: “Don’t give the slanderous accuser, the Devil, an opportunity to manipulate you!” The enemy, by use of accusations and deception, is always attempting to manipulate you into giving him an opportunity to lead you into sin, whether or not it is to get you into holding a grudge, nurturing anger, harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness. If he can get you into any of those states, He can manipulate you and paralyze your faith. God reminds us today that we are not to give him any place or any opportunity in our lives. Live a live of love and forgiveness, and if something gets you angry, don’t keep it. Resolve your issues quickly and he won’t be able to manipulate or control you. After all, greater is He that is within you than he that is in the world! Read this verse one more time in the Amplified version: ” And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness].
Think before you do this!
I remember so many moments that I simply let anger have its way with me. I would say and do things that I would later regret. The repercussions even caused me embarrassment at times. I have lost friends due to reacting in a moment of anger. Fortunately, my errors have not landed me in jail or caused me to lose my life. I have heard about people that are in prison because of a moment of uncontrolled anger. Anger is a master emotion. It can be a good servant, but it is a bad master. Sometimes you have to get angry enough to change a habit; to stop a bully; to impel you to do something that you have been putting off for some time. Use anger positively. Don’t allow anger to use you. The New Living Translation says, “And don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry” (Ephesians 4: 26-27), Today, when I feel anger welling up within me, I have learned to not speak or act rashly in that state. I wait several minutes until I regain my composure, then I can deal with the issue with a clear head. Don’t allow one moment of anger to destroy a lifetime.
Proverbs 14:17 – Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated.
