*TOPIC: MESS UP THE DEVIL.*(Series 9) *Scripture Reading:* Ephesians 4:27 *"And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness]."*(AMP) *"Neither give place to the devil."*(KJV) Continuation from where we stopped yesterday. That word “place” in Ephesians 4:27 is from the Greek word topos. It describes a specific, marked-off location. But rather than a physical location that we use a map to identify, this “place” may refer to a rough spot in our relationships, our finances, our thoughts, our personal habits, or to lingering areas of disobedience. Whatever it is, it’s an identifiable location that the devil seeks to find and use as an open door into our lives. If the doors to your life are closed to the best of your knowledge, you’re already in good condition. If they’re closed because you’re deliberately living a life of holiness and obedience, you’re in an even better condition. *But if you’re living loosely, you need to know that some door to your life is not only unlocked — it is likely standing wide open, literally inviting the enemy to come in and wreak havoc in your life!* This is why you must be so circumspect in answering the question: *Are there any open doors I need to close that will allow the enemy access to my life?* We need to be serious about our lives because the devil is always looking for a door, a window, or a crack, any entry point, through which he can access us. *We must circumspectly look at our lives to see if there’s any area we’ve left open or unguarded that has allowed the devil to find a way to attack us. These types of “places” are the open doors he seeks.* Also, the word “devil” in Ephesians 4:27 leaves no question about his intention to attack us as believers. It is the Greek word diabolos, which is a compound of dia and ballo. The word dia means through, as in all the way through an object. The second part of the word “devil” is from the word ballo, which means to throw, to hurl, to inject, or even to beat. When these two words are compounded to form the word diabolos, the new word categorically means that the *devil is one who strikes repetitiously — trying to find a way to break through into our worlds and mess up our lives.* You will not be a prey to the devil in Jesus Christ name. Amen! To be continue tomorrow morning by God's Grace. Good morning and do have a fruitful weekend, peace. *Prayer point:* Holy Spirit, set a guard on my life and help me to be spiritual sensitive by hindering the devil to gain access to my life in Jesus Christ name. Amen! T.S. AFOLAYAN