In the weeks leading up to my Baptism I was warned that Satan would constantly be challenging me before and after the event and this has been so true…He cast doubt in my mind about the event, I was nervous about my testimony, financial challenges raised their head (customers not paying me and affecting my margins), even on the day before the event Satan was trying to poke a large hole between Lisa and I by causing us to argue about previously inconsequential items. After the event I was bombarded by negative feelings and a sense of depression I had not felt for a while BUT…
Through this all we prayed and used the Word of God to help and protect us.
I learnt five lessons to fight his influence:
1. Guard our emotions - When we feel restless, anxious, exhausted, hungry, lonely, angry, fearful, one of Satan’s demons could be battling in our mind. He tries to influence our behaviour and decisions. Conversely, God calms our emotional storms helping us feel content and peaceful.
2. Guard our thoughts - How can we tell the difference between thoughts from Satan and God? Although the difference should seem obvious, Satan appears as an angel of light and twists even the Bible to his advantage (2 Corinthians 11:14; Luke 4:10). Therefore, we must not trust our own understanding. Every thought we think must be taken captive to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5). Ask the question (and I learnt this last night) – “Is this the wise thing to do?” when challenged and you need to make any decisions (Ephesians 5:15-17).
3. Put on the full armour of God - (Ephesians 6:13-18) 13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, 
so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 4. Get to know the Bible in context and use it - Use the verses in the bible that are specified for the particular troubles you are facing.
5. Pray together
God Bless
Anton Dinkelmann
(22/06/07)
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