[Jesus said] "When he [the devil] lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44 NLT)

He's called the father of lies by the Son of the Most Holy. Lies are his entire modus operandi — his very native language. Why, then, do I even listen? Why do I give any weight at all to the constant barrage of lies Satan sends my way? Perhaps that's part of it — there's no end to the lies. Too often, Satan knows our insecurities and our weaknesses even better than we know ourselves.

"Your husband can't possibly really love you — not when you look like you do — or keep house like you do, or cook like you do." "You're a horrible parent — your poor children don't stand a chance coming from your household." "No way. The sins of your past are too awful, too horrible. What if everyone knew? God can never forgive you completely. You're basically useless to His kingdom."

The lies start so small and innocuous, like a minor but constant drip. They come at me most often when my life is good; at times when I don't feel the urgent need to cling to God for every breath as I do in times of crisis. I am not as well-armed to fend off the attack. As I absorb each lie, they continue to spiral and snowball until I am completely bowed down. I'm a weary soldier, marching to the cadence of an evil leader — a slave to the father of lies. It is then that I BECOME useless to the kingdom of heaven! Ooooh, isn't Satan sneaky that way?

How can I possibly break free?

How can I possibly break free? How do I get out of this trap? That's the glorious part! It's as close as my Bible and takes as long as it takes my knees to hit the floor! When I turn my face to Him, to know His glory, I know without a doubt that I am loved completely by Him. I can expose the lies for the lies they are. InJohn 8:32, Jesus tells his disciples, "The truth will set you free." The good news continues in verse 36, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Hallelujah, and may I be free indeed!

David understood how the whole process works when he wrote: "Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth." (Psalm 26:2-3 NIV) David knew the freedom from sin that comes with walking in truth. Satan is too consistent in his attacks for me not to be consistent in my defense against the attacks.

To me, the best news of all of this is found inJames 4:7-8. Not only do we learn that we, as heirs of the Father, have power over Satan ourselves, we learn that the Creator of all of the universe will come to our aide and be by our side. The lies of the "father of lies" begin to lose their power as I turn to His glory.

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and He will come near to you. (James 4:7-8 NIV)

Managing Your Emotions by Joyce Meyer Joyce Meyer reveals powerful truths from God's Word that will help you learn to manage all of your emotions in the right direction. Don't allow your feelings to determine your destiny, but manage them for a joyful, victorious life.

Sarah (Riley) Stirman graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in Elementary/ Special Education. She currently lives in Abilene, Texas with her husband, Troy, who works for Abilene Christian University. Troy and Sarah have been married 13 years and have 2 children: Ashley, 10, and Riley, 8. Sarah works part-time for Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Central Texas.

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