A SERPENT

The analogy of lions discussed in the previous devotions represents the easily recognizable

spiritual threats, trials, and attacks that you confront in the world. But Satan is also called a

serpent, and snakes represent hidden dangers. These challenges are concealed--like snakes

hidden in grass or rocks--but they are equally as deadly as lions.

To understand the meaning of the analogy behind this name of Satan we must go back to the

beginning of time in the Garden of Eden where the enemy first appeared in the form of a snake (Genesis 3:1-7). Satan used the physical form of a serpent to lead mankind into sin. From this point on, serpents--snakes--are used in scripture to represent evil. The Apostle Paul makes reference to this in 2 Corinthians 11:3 when he cautions, "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."

Using the natural example of snakes, there are numerous spiritual parallels that may be drawn to help us gain understanding of the strategies of the enemy. For example, the venom released by poisonous snakes when they attack affects your nerves, your blood, and your heart. Satan also attacks in these three areas. He attacks your nerve--your courage to live for God and fulfill your divine mandate. He attacks the work of the cross, trying to sabotage every benefit of Christ's blood in your life. He also targets your heart, trying to get your focus and affections on things of the world.

Snakes in the natural world are difficult to see because they are disguised to look like the dirt, rocks, grass or trees in which they dwell. Likewise, Satan is also deceptive. He subtly blends right in as he sets his traps for you. Some species of snakes in the natural world make frightening sounds by hissing or rattling. This is true in the spiritual world also. Satan will bring terrifying and anxious thoughts to mind in order to generate fear. God has not given you a spirit of fear however, so if fear is not of God you know exactly where it is coming from (2 Timothy 1:7).

A snake captures its food in four different ways: Through a swift strike; by throwing its weight around its prey to overcome it; by holding the target in its fangs until the poison venom paralyzes it; and through constriction where it wraps itself around the victim and slowly squeezes out its life. Do you see how these methods parallel those used by Satan in spiritual attacks? Sometimes Satan attacks with swift and deadly strikes. Other times he tries to squeeze the life out of you spiritually by the cares of the world and sinful weights and entanglements. Satan is always trying to "throw his weight around" to terrorize you. He especially wants to paralyze you with the deadly venom of bitterness, unforgiveness, anger, etc.

You need not fear your enemy, the serpent, however. because Jesus promised, "I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and

nothing shall by any means hurt you" (Luke 10:19).

PRAYER:

My FATHER, My God, this year let my life reflect the blessing of the Lord, I shall not be static, I decree PROGRESS, FAVOR, HONOR, AND INFLUENCE are my portion. My life is SALTED, My speech is SALTED, My Home and Business are SALTED in the name of Jesus.