Prayer Target: DEFEATING THE DEVIL'S STRATEGY

By "Knowing Those Who Labor Among You."

"Am I serious about this," you ask? .... Absolutely! I am serious about this, because God "is" serious about it! You see, God has made a "sure" way for us to recognize those who labor among us, and our old adversary, the devil, is doing all he can to deceive us.

Brothers and sisters, we must not underestimate the impact of this demonic strategy. If we lack the ability to recognize ones God has sovereignly called into ministry for the equipping of the saints, (Ephesians 4:11) we will miss God's best.

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;" Ephesians 4:11 (KJV)

For example, I know someone who had been praying for quite some time for a mentor. Yet when God answered their prayer, and sent a mentor into their life, they failed to recognize them.

And what if our failure to recognize those who labor among us, puts us in the wrong place at the wrong time, instead of the right place at the right time?

Then there is the issue of unity. We all know God desires unity within his body, but how can we come into unity with ones we don't even recognize?

What better way for the devil to destroy us, than to cause us to be unaware of the ones God is sending alongside us to support strengthen and equip us? OUCH!

So, let's not help the devil out, by shooting ourselves in the foot! ... Instead let's pay attention to Paul as he gives us some very practical advice in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.

12 "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;"

13 "And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves." (KJV)

Paul points out exactly "how" we can recognize those who labor among us. We can "know" them by their "service" ... by their "labor on, our behalf." ..... It's that simple!

Dear Heavenly Father,

I rejoice knowing Satan has no power over us. Instead, we have all power over him. I rejoice knowing we can stand firmly on Your Word, covered by The Blood of Your Son, Jesus, fully indwelled and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Lord, I thank you for ordering our steps, ... For helping us to walk in your ways, and for giving us your precious Holy Spirit to teach us all things. I thank you that we don't have to be deceived, and that you have given us the ability as well as the authority to walk in truth... Your Truth! Thank you Lord, for empowering us to 'know".. to "fully recognize" those who labor among us.

I thank you for defeating the enemies lies, and destroying his strategy. I give you all the glory, honor, and praise for the battle truly belongs to you! Thank You Lord! Thank you for breathing life into the darkness of deception and destroying the enemies plans! ..... GLORY!
      In Jesus precious name..... Amen

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