Now the serpent was more cunning

than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said ... (Genesis 3:1). The serpent has many other names, the dragon, Satan, the Devil, and he “deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:9).  C.S. Lewis writes “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased with both errors”  (The Screwtape Letters, p. ix).  Be warned!

Our African brethren know well about his power, but it's not a duality as in yin and yang. Satan is a created being (angel) who rebelled (Isaiah 14:13,14).  He will be defeated and cast  into “the everlasting fire prepared for him and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).  What God created was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). He did of course  allow for the possibility of evil. You cannot logically have free will without this possibility,  without it love would be meaningless,  and we would be puppets! Our ability to choose God or not, gives us great dignity and significance. And we are here to choose! I want to be on the Lord's side, the winning side (John 1:12; 3:16; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 25:41).

It's not rocket science “God good, devil bad,” he has an agenda to kill,  steal and destroy (John 10:10a). More cunning than any beast of the field,  he is able to transform himself into an angel of light, and he is the father of lies  (verse 1; 2 Corinthians 11:14; John 8:44). And he speaks (verse 1 again)!

Jesus says of His sheep, His followers,  that we hear His voice (John 10:27).  He is not talking about an audible voice (though He can do that if He wants). No,  He speaks into our thoughts.  His voice can seem very much like our own thoughts, but then so can the serpent's voice. And if you think yourself too sophisticated to believe in the Devil, he has already got you, you have believe his lies! The Devil's voice can come as an impulsive thought to drive the car into a bridge, for example. He often speaks in the first person (I,  me),  placing an obnoxious thought in your mind to do something evil. When we confuse such thoughts and desires with our own, they can lead to self condemnation and self hate. It's crazy making! Again it's not rocket science, if it's about killing,  stealing or destruction, it's the enemy!

Brain research has shown every thought is accompanied by an emotion, and when we obsess on our  thoughts, the emotions and desires are amplified (search Dr. Carolyn Leaf). When we meditate on the good things,  peace and joy follow (Philippians 4:4-9). Many,  thinking the Devil's planted thoughts desires are their own, act out them, and are in essence taken captive to do his will  (2 Timothy 2:26). We need to learn to reject every negative thought,  and to take them captive unto obedience to Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 10:6).

Father, our struggle is not against people (flesh and blood - Ephesians 6:12), but there are people who have been taken captive  to do the Devil's will! We need to pray for them,  and wage war in Your the authority You give (Luke 10:16), and with spiritual weapons,  not the weapons of the world (2 Corinthians 10:4). So I am asking for Your,  love, grace, peace, wisdom,  courage and serenity to do this Your way, in Jesus Name Amen