Never get into a conversation with the devil. Refuse to speak to him. "He is a liar and the father of lies" (Jn 8:44); he's a fallen angel, superior to us in intelligence. You're a fool to talk with the accuser, adversary, and liar.
That's the mistake Eve made. The devil initiated the conversation, but "the woman answered the serpent" (Gn 3:2). It wasn't long before Eve thought God was depriving her of opportunities. She put faith in Satan's lies and withdrew her faith in God.
Don't get into a verbal or mental conversation with the evil one. Take authority over him and command him to leave in the name of Jesus. Don't dialogue, but take the sword of God's Word and attack the father of lies with the word of truth (Eph 6:17). That's what Jesus did when tempted (Lk 4:1-12). The only words Jesus had for the devil were: "Get out."
What good can it do to talk to a liar? Speak to Jesus, think of Jesus. Leave the devil out.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I not waste my breath on the devil but dedicate my voice and thoughts to praising You. |
| PROMISE: | "At once the man's ears were opened; he was freed from the impediment, and began to speak plainly." –Mk 7:35 |
| PRAISE: | Matthew has learned to pray the news, not to get upset by it. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College