August 30 devotional

Scripture

2 Corinthians 4:4 “Satan, the god of this evil world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe, so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them. They don’t understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.”

Observation

This is an important truth concerning evangelism. Do you ever wonder why someone doesn’t get it? You share Jesus with them. You witness to them. You invite them to church and the go but nothing happens. They don’t get it. They don’t seem to understand. They don’t want to change even though their lives are miserable. Why are some people like this? Paul tells us that Satan has blinded their minds. They are unable to see the truth of the gospel even when it is shining brightly. They don’t understand the message no matter how simply it may be presented to them. Before they are going to accept the truth about Jesus and repent of their sins, their minds have to be open. I, personally, believe that the thing that blinds most people is pride. They do not see or understand their need for salvation. That cannot admit they need of a savior. They are "all right." They can make it. They will find a way. Pride blinds sinners from seeing their need for salvation. Pride hinders them from from being saved.

Application

We must act in spiritual warfare. We must go to battle for our unsaved family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. We can bind the spirit of blindness. We can tear down imaginations. We can bring every thought into captivity. We can demolish strongholds. The Bible teaches that our weapons are not weak but strong with God’s power. What am I talking about? I am talking about intercessory prayer. I am saying that before we witness to someone we need to intercede for them. We need to demolish the stronghold of pride. We need to tear down their imaginations. Intercession prepares the way for the witness. We need to bring our lost loved ones to God in prayer and witness to them. It is not one or the either. It is both/and. We intercede for them in prayer. We live Godly lives before them. We tell them about Jesus and witness to them. All of these things are a part of evangelism.

Prayer

I ask that you prepare the way for people to be saved this morning in the service. I ask that you destroy pride and anything else that would hinder one person from receiving Christ. I ask for an anointing upon the preaching of Your Word. I ask that your word will not come back void today. I ask for the harvest and I ask that you prepare the harvest now. Work in their hearts to make them ready to respond to the gospel.