Dad - Stand in the Gap!

“Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, so that the mute man spoke and saw. All the crowds were amazed, and were saying, ‘This man cannot be the Son of David, can he?’ But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, ‘This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons.’

And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, ‘Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? For this reason they will be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters.’” Matthew 12:22-30

The devil wants your family. Does that grab you by the throat? It should. Our adversary, Satan, is a crafty foe whose intention is to deceive and destroy you and your family.

Some Christians live as if Satan doesn’t exist. Others are aware of his opposition but do not have a clue how to resist him. Although each person is responsible for his personal choices, Satan is always involved in sin as the tempter, the deceiver, the liar. He would like for nothing better than to keep your family in constant turmoil, arguing, fighting, quarreling, and bickering.

Sometimes his tactics are less noticeable. There could be more subtle forms of rebellion - lack of communication between husband and wife, a chill in your emotional oneness. Maybe your children are not on drugs or engaged in immoral behavior. But they could be trapped in the mire of low self-esteem or distant in their personal relationship with Christ. Prayer is the last thing on their minds.

Understand this: your family has a cruel enemy who wants to divide our home, seeds of discontent, and create as much turmoil as possible. This is spiritual warfare, and it requires spiritual weapons. Remember, no one can enter a strong man’s house until he first binds the strong man! Dad, be the man - stand strong!

“...Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8