You formerly walked . . . according to the prince of the power of
the air . . . the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience
(Ephesians 2:2).

The devil is alive and functioning as the god of this world, and he
often disguises his operation as intriguing, harmless fun. The fact that
he is enjoying success in the entertainment industry is evident. Popular
movies like Ghostbusters, Poltergeist and Field of Dreams glorify
experiences with spirits. Psychics and channelers are frequent guests on
talk shows. New Age philosophy is being modeled in Saturday morning
cartoons. And on Halloween we dress up our children as witches, goblins,
slashers and monsters. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Satan is
systematically destroying the fabric of our society because he has
convinced us that he’s just a harmless little man in a red suit carrying
a pitchfork.

In 1990, a newspaper in Los Angeles reported that more women
consulted mediums and spiritists than professional counselors for
personal help and guidance. Isn’t it amazing that a gullible public will
accept such obvious expressions of the occult! Just change the name of a
medium to a channeler and a demon to a spirit guide and suddenly it’s
acceptable, even sought after. The lure of knowledge and power is
deceptive, sucking millions into the abyss and away from divine
revelation and the ultimate power that is extended to those who believe
(Ephesians 1:19).

The concept of Satan was not manufactured in the twentieth century.
Orthodox Christianity has always held the belief in a personal devil
(not just an impersonal force). C.S. Lewis wrote: "There is no
neutral ground in the universe: every square inch, every split second,
is claimed by God and counterclaimed by Satan" (C.S. Lewis,
Christian Reflections, Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdman’s Publishing
Company, 1967, p. 33). A very real devil is intent on spoiling your
life. But be assured that in Christ you have the authority to defeat
Satan’s schemes.

This daily devotional is published and distributed by
http://www.GOSHEN.net/ . It is written by Neil Anderson at
http://www.freedominchrist.com/ .