“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12, NLT)
While a pastor at an inner-city church in St. Louis, I witnessed a man who was in torment. He would walk down the street mumbling to himself. At times, he would cry out or cower in a corner. No doubt there were psychological problems. However, one summer morning, as I looked out in the courtyard of the church next to my window, I saw that man standing by a tree. As he stood there, he was looking up into the tree and mumbling to himself. My heart felt sorrowful at his psychological suffering. Then, as he continued to peer into the tree, he shouted: “Get away! Leave me alone! I am so sick of you, devils! Why do you continually torture me? Leave me be. I’m on holy ground!”
His words got me thinking that not only was this man suffering from psychological issues, but he was also tortured by evil spirits. I thought about going to speak with him and pray with him to bring some comfort. However, I knew he would just run away as he usually did when people approached him. Instead, I offered him prayer cover. I asked God to banish any evil spirits in that courtyard and give the man a safe space to rest. After praying for a short while, I noticed that the man had stopped yelling. He didn’t stay long, but he did seem more at peace. I know in my heart that God gave him some protection in that moment from the evil spirits tormenting his soul.
Because evil spirits, dark forces, and spiritual torments are invisible to the naked eye, humans often are oblivious to their presence. Many in modern times are convinced that evil forces and evil spirits do not exist. They have relegated them to long-ago times when people were “less knowledgeable” or “barbarian”. How wrong they are. Evil spirits continue to haunt, harass, and influence the thoughts and actions of humanity. Demonic forces continue to impact human beings with the help of dark forces of evil. Don’t allow yourself to ever assume you can’t be influenced by evil or manipulated by the deceptions of Satan.
In an article by a person who recently became a Christian and left behind a life of sin, there was a warning. This young woman named dozens of people she knew who were practicing witchcraft, satanism, and sorcery and using “dark magic” in order to hold sway over others in Hollywood. In another article, I read how witches attempted to sway the U.S. presidential election in 2024, uttering curses and hexes at Donald Trump while offering evil protections for other candidates. Some of those in that article even made sacrifices of animals to enhance their evil desires.
Evil forces, evil spirits, evil intentions are alive and well in this world. Satan is active just as in the days of Jesus. People are as deceived by evil now as in ancient times, maybe even more so.
In Ephesians 6:12, we are given insight into evil’s place in this world. This scripture reiterates that all who are faithful are fighting “against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places”. Clearly, this verse sees evil as the source of much suffering not only in the world but in the life of the faithful. Evil spirits love to attack faithful people. Evil spirits look for a way to deceive and subvert those who are good. Demonic entities are determined to fight all things godly.
There is an interesting scripture on how evil can wheedle its way into your life. It is also found in this very book of the Bible, Ephesians! Ephesians 4:26-27 teaches: “…don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” I find these verses very informative. They explain that by letting anger gain control over you, sin will soon follow. If that goes on long enough, the devil will use it to wrest away control over your mind, your thoughts, and your attitude. Sooner rather than later, evil will have a place of influence in your spiritual life. There are other ways to give the devil “a foothold”. There are sins that can sway your emotions. There are resentments and urges that can subvert your faith. All in all, it doesn’t take much for the devil to get a foothold and evil to come upon you.
Inside a church in Sucevita, Moldavia, there are paintings on the walls. These paintings were made centuries ago depicting Bible stories. The paintings helped those who could and couldn’t read to understand the more important aspects of a faithful life and God’s truth.
One of those paintings in that church in Sucevita contains a stairway that goes to Heaven. On that stairway are the faithful attempting to reach God in Heaven. Below the stairway are demons trying to pull the faithful down into the flames of hell. Above the faithful all along the stairway are angels attempting to help the faithful to reach God. In essence, this painting shows good and evil influencing the lives of all those who desire to be with Jesus. It makes clear that the follower of Jesus is constantly harassed by demonic forces who would love to see the person in the flames of hell. It also shows God’s desire that help from angels and godly forces also exert their holy influence.
The scripture for today sets the stage for your life. There are “evil forces” and “evil spirits” all around. They want to drag you down and destroy your faith. God has given you the Holy Spirit, Holy Scriptures, and Holy Angels to help you along your way. Don’t let evil gain a foothold in your life. Let your faith be pure, your confession be honest, your willingness to follow God be true.
Ephesians 6 mentions that every day you need to “put on the full armor of God” to fight evil around you. You need the Holy Spirit inside of you. You need to reject any foothold the devil may use to sway your allegiance. You are in the fight of your life! Hold fast to what is good. Stand firm against evil. Let God show you any lies and deceptions that may influence your faith. Is evil seeking a foothold right now in your life? What is it using against you?
I end today with what the Apostle Paul told the Thessalonian faithful. Don’t just read the words, put them to good use in your life!
“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14–24, ESV)
His words got me thinking that not only was this man suffering from psychological issues, but he was also tortured by evil spirits. I thought about going to speak with him and pray with him to bring some comfort. However, I knew he would just run away as he usually did when people approached him. Instead, I offered him prayer cover. I asked God to banish any evil spirits in that courtyard and give the man a safe space to rest. After praying for a short while, I noticed that the man had stopped yelling. He didn’t stay long, but he did seem more at peace. I know in my heart that God gave him some protection in that moment from the evil spirits tormenting his soul.
Because evil spirits, dark forces, and spiritual torments are invisible to the naked eye, humans often are oblivious to their presence. Many in modern times are convinced that evil forces and evil spirits do not exist. They have relegated them to long-ago times when people were “less knowledgeable” or “barbarian”. How wrong they are. Evil spirits continue to haunt, harass, and influence the thoughts and actions of humanity. Demonic forces continue to impact human beings with the help of dark forces of evil. Don’t allow yourself to ever assume you can’t be influenced by evil or manipulated by the deceptions of Satan.
In an article by a person who recently became a Christian and left behind a life of sin, there was a warning. This young woman named dozens of people she knew who were practicing witchcraft, satanism, and sorcery and using “dark magic” in order to hold sway over others in Hollywood. In another article, I read how witches attempted to sway the U.S. presidential election in 2024, uttering curses and hexes at Donald Trump while offering evil protections for other candidates. Some of those in that article even made sacrifices of animals to enhance their evil desires.
Evil forces, evil spirits, evil intentions are alive and well in this world. Satan is active just as in the days of Jesus. People are as deceived by evil now as in ancient times, maybe even more so.
In Ephesians 6:12, we are given insight into evil’s place in this world. This scripture reiterates that all who are faithful are fighting “against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places”. Clearly, this verse sees evil as the source of much suffering not only in the world but in the life of the faithful. Evil spirits love to attack faithful people. Evil spirits look for a way to deceive and subvert those who are good. Demonic entities are determined to fight all things godly.
There is an interesting scripture on how evil can wheedle its way into your life. It is also found in this very book of the Bible, Ephesians! Ephesians 4:26-27 teaches: “…don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” I find these verses very informative. They explain that by letting anger gain control over you, sin will soon follow. If that goes on long enough, the devil will use it to wrest away control over your mind, your thoughts, and your attitude. Sooner rather than later, evil will have a place of influence in your spiritual life. There are other ways to give the devil “a foothold”. There are sins that can sway your emotions. There are resentments and urges that can subvert your faith. All in all, it doesn’t take much for the devil to get a foothold and evil to come upon you.
Inside a church in Sucevita, Moldavia, there are paintings on the walls. These paintings were made centuries ago depicting Bible stories. The paintings helped those who could and couldn’t read to understand the more important aspects of a faithful life and God’s truth.
One of those paintings in that church in Sucevita contains a stairway that goes to Heaven. On that stairway are the faithful attempting to reach God in Heaven. Below the stairway are demons trying to pull the faithful down into the flames of hell. Above the faithful all along the stairway are angels attempting to help the faithful to reach God. In essence, this painting shows good and evil influencing the lives of all those who desire to be with Jesus. It makes clear that the follower of Jesus is constantly harassed by demonic forces who would love to see the person in the flames of hell. It also shows God’s desire that help from angels and godly forces also exert their holy influence.
The scripture for today sets the stage for your life. There are “evil forces” and “evil spirits” all around. They want to drag you down and destroy your faith. God has given you the Holy Spirit, Holy Scriptures, and Holy Angels to help you along your way. Don’t let evil gain a foothold in your life. Let your faith be pure, your confession be honest, your willingness to follow God be true.
Ephesians 6 mentions that every day you need to “put on the full armor of God” to fight evil around you. You need the Holy Spirit inside of you. You need to reject any foothold the devil may use to sway your allegiance. You are in the fight of your life! Hold fast to what is good. Stand firm against evil. Let God show you any lies and deceptions that may influence your faith. Is evil seeking a foothold right now in your life? What is it using against you?
I end today with what the Apostle Paul told the Thessalonian faithful. Don’t just read the words, put them to good use in your life!
“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14–24, ESV)