Do Not Be Deceived By The Devil

August 11, 2026

Read: II Samuel 20:6-10 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%2020%3A6-10&version=NKJV

Verse: "Put on the full armor of God..." - Ephesians 6:11

"Be self-controlled and alert..." - I Peter 5:8

When Joab the military commander of David met Amasa, the captain of Absalom's army, Joab was wearing his military tunic, and strapped over it at his waist was a belt. In it was a dagger well hidden in its sheath. He stepped forward, pretending to greet Amasa in a friendly way, and asked him "How are you, my brother?" As Amasa went near Joab, to answer him, Joab took him by the beard with his right hand, and plunged the dagger into Amasa's belly. His whole intestines spilled out on the ground and he died on the spot.

II Samuel 20:10 says, "Amasa was not on his guard against the dagger in Joab's hand." If Amasa had been alert and if he had been wearing his armor given by the Israelite army he might not have been instantly killed.

Dear friends, let us be always alert to the attacks of the devil. Let us put on the full armor of God mentioned in Ephesians 6. Let us stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around our waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place. Let our feet be fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all these, let us take up the shield of faith with which we can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Let us wear the helmet of salvation and take the sword of Spirit, which is the Word of God and let us be alert and keep praying always.

I Peter 5:8 says that our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. So let us be on our guard. Let us be filled with the Holy Spirit. Let us live by the Spirit, led by the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, let me not be deceived cunningly by the devil. Let me not become his victim, but let me be alert and put on the full armor of God. Let me be filled, be led and keep in step with the Holy Spirit and defeat Satan in Jesus' name. Amen.