Daniel 3:16,17,18 Things may not turn out the way we have prayed and hoped, but God will give an answer that results in a bigger, better outcome than we can imagine.

Characteristics of The Enemy

I need to be able to spot the real enemy.

• He tempts.
• He deceives.
• He destroys.

Genesis 3:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13 The serpent is crafty and deceptively clever. His intelligence is used for trickery. The serpent is the creation; he can only do what God allows him to do. His approach is to ask a question. He wants me to question my faith in God and my understanding of what God wants. He wants to bring doubt, which can turn into unbelief and then disobedience.

Eve should have walked away, but she was trying to reason with the enemy. The enemy’s response was ridiculous and full of promises he couldn't fulfill. God will always find us. We can’t hide from God. All the enemy can do is tempt, deceive, and destroy. This is the mark of a loser and a bully.

1 Peter 5:8 A lion doesn’t have mercy. Sometimes the enemy is slippery and sometimes he is bold.

Matthew 4:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 Jesus was alone and not functioning at the highest level. The devil knows my weak areas and weak seasons. It’s good to know my own weaknesses. This may not even be something I have control over. It could be physical or mental difficulty. The enemy is persistent. He doesn’t give up, but I am to resist the enemy and he will flee. He may be back but I must resist again. The enemy is persistent and bold. But remember he makes ridiculous statements.

Wiles are calculated strategies and methods. The enemy is looking for whatever way he can find an entry. Pests look for an entry and become comfortable. You have to make them uncomfortable so they leave.

Luke 22:31 A sifter separates. The enemy wants to separate the good. He wants to separate from others.

Ephesians 4:27 Don’t allow the devil any place in your residence. Not even an inch! He will work on my weaknesses. Fortify your weak points. Practice resisting the enemy. The more I resist the easier it becomes. I build my spiritual muscles.