“HALT moments (hungry, angry, lonely, and tired) are some of [Satan’s] easiest footholds. Remember, what you tolerate will eventually dominate. The good news? We are not unaware of his tactics. We’ve got game film going all the way back to the Garden of Eden.”- Mark Batterson
“For we are not unaware of his schemes.”- 2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV)
Mark Batterson concludes Day 17 of Do It for a Day with three monikers that reveal Satan’s methods.
1. Accuser of the brethren. Since the beginning of time, the Enemy’s engaged in blackballing. Thus, it’s imperative that you identify the false accusations. Because they lead to false identities and false narratives.
2. Angel of light. As the angel of light, Satan uses smoke and mirrors to distract us. But if that tactic fails to work, he blurs the distinction between right and wrong.
3. Father of lies. When you believe a lie of the Enemy, you lose hope. Fake news represents his native tongue. Furthermore, Satan always redefines right and wrong. Hence, when you identify a lie you believe to be true, you need to renounce it.
The art of making and breaking rules sits at the heart of habit formation. Jesus, though, broke the rules of religiosity when he ate with sinners and touched lepers. Yet, Mark observes, many of us see rules in an adverse light. As a result, the word rules conjures up negative connotations.
In conclusion, Pastor Batterson explains a legal concept called bright-line rules:
” . . . the bright-line rule [is] a clearly defined rule that eliminates the need for decision-making. Why? The precedent has already been set. . . .
When it comes to establishing priorities and establishing boundaries, bright-line rules are critically important. You need to write them down and put them in visible places. You need to say them out loud over and over again. Why? We tend to believe what we hear ourselves say out loud.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses block Satan from using HALT moments to gain footholds in your life? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “
