[Note from Jack Flacco: I have known Erica Hedtke Barreto for several years now. Her love for Jesus and the bible is beyond measure. When I asked if she would like to submit one of her articles to me for publication, she jumped at the chance. Below is the result. Please join me today in welcoming Erica as a guest contributor for Looking to God.]
What do these three entities have in common: Voldemort, Beetlejuice and the devil? All are evil and all their names are not to be spoken aloud. However, just because we may choose not to say their names, does not mean all of them are fantasies.
Not saying “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” does not change the fact that in fictional reality, this utterance would cause him to appear. In the same way, ignoring the devil’s presence will not change the fact that in our reality he very much exists and very much interferes in our everyday life. By ignoring his presence, we end up giving him power. We are like a parent who looks the other way as the child steals the piece of candy off the shelf. Rather, what we should do is call him by name and catch him in the act. Otherwise, we let him win. He goes about his time thinking that he owns us and knows exactly how to mess with us. We let him wreak havoc on our days, on our confidence, and on our relationships.
We need to recognize that the devil is as real as God is. We need to be okay with saying his name. We need to remember that he is that evil, little monster whose job it is to play mind games and to manipulate us into thinking we are not good enough for anything. From that point on, you call him on it. Do not allow him to sneak into your thoughts; he does not deserve any power over you. Confess in that moment, “The Lord is my light and my salvation,” as it says in Psalms 27:1. And if you notice that he is using his number one warfare tactic—fear—then continue that verse by saying, “whom shall I fear?” We are children of the King and our God Himself told us that if we are His, then we have no reason to fear anything.
So listen up devil: we see you. We hear you. And we are not afraid to put you back in that rightful place our King has sent you!
Let us rise up in 2019 not to be afraid to speak our salvation aloud. Let us not be afraid to take down these evil enemies. Jesus already won the war. Now, with His help, it is up to us to win the battles.
Looking to God 
Amen. Not being on the offensive with the enemy has weakened a large portion of the church – so then us because we all affect one another. We are at war BUT we have the full power of God in Jesus’ name to subdue Him – IF the church as a whole only would. Lord, that Your church would no longer be passive and walked on by the enemy but do Your Word and see him squashed under ALL our feet.
Amen to that, very well said!
How awesome it is to know that the most powerful being in the universe, the One who created everything with a word, is on my side and fighting for me in my life. It is such an awesome revelation and I am thankful to have Christ on my side!
I couldn’t agree with you more Kevin!
Matthew 7:21 – Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
John 14:6 – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Acts 4:12 – Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.Thank you for this inspiring post. CHRISTIANS MUST ABSTAIN from all appearance of evil, and we must read the King James bible daily, in order to keep the full armor of God on us. We must WARN others to flee temptation, and even pull some out of the fire that they are heading towards.
Thank you for adding those beautiful lines of scripture! You are correct, we all need to armor up because this battle isn’t over just yet!
Amen…and well done!
Put on the Armour of God to protect ourselves from the wiles of the enemy. YES, Rise Up and in Jesus Name plead His blood over our Body, Mind & Soul and the devil must flee from us.
God’s Blessings,
Vicki
Thank you Vicki!
when you need help, think of David and Goliath, you just need to believe and show it, Amen
Great piece of advice!