As a child I was mesmerized by a record album cover of the country music duo, The Louvin Brothers, entitled Satan is Real. Designed by Ira Louvin, the picture featured the brothers standing in a rock quarry in front of a twelve foot tall plywood rendition of the devil, as several hidden tires soaked in kerosene burned behind them as fire and brimstone. The song itself related the story of a little country church service in which a man stood up and told how Satan was real, evidenced by the fact of the man's destroyed home, family, reputation and essentially his life before he came to God.
Listening to this and looking at the picture impressed upon my young mind that the devil was something to be feared. Naturally, later I came to realize that Satan is not a fearsome red figure with a pitchfork, however he is no less real than that image burned into my consciousness as a tender child. And all though he does possess some power and ability, it is only to the extent allowed him by his victims.
1 Peter 5:8 warns, "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour."
While Satan is one of which we should certainly beware, this is not to say we should be afraid or intimidated. He does have in mind our destruction, but God has provided us protection that is more than adequate. The devil can only be effective against you if you disregard the protective measures given in God's word.
First we must understand he is real, but can only work by using trickery to gain inroads into our lives. 2 Cor. 2:11 tells us, "We are not ignorant of his devices." A device is an invention or scheme to accomplish something beyond the reach of our normal ability. Satan resorts to devices because his power over you is limited by you. It is said that the most successful trick ever played by the devil is to convince people he doesn't exist. His foremost advantage comes when the victim is ignorant of his trickery. The best defense against the devil is to be so God-centered that we allow him no opportunity.
Ephesians 4:27 says, "Neither give place to the devil." Also, let us "put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:11)
Armor up, saint of God! Armor up, young person, mom and dad! This is a fight you can win!
Following that song, Satan is Real, the next song on the record was, There's A Higher Power! As somber as the previous song was the latter was jubilant and uplifting.
Let's sing it, shout it, walk it, talk it!
There's a higher power!
Lay down your soul cause Jesus bought it!
There's a higher power!
Amen, Amen, There's a higher power!
Amen, Amen, There's a higher power!
Praying for you
Pastor Ritchey
