Dad, what does the devil sound like?

We had read our books, talked through the day and he wanted to know the answer. Ok, 'bible-teacher-man'...'joe-missionary'........DAD.....Ugh.

My first thought was he/it is the sweetest sound you have ever heard. But at other times it is a murmur drowning out everything. Or is it the whisper of self-righteousness or possibly it is the sound of a far fetched idea which will no doubt lead you away from a truer path. Or it is the ever-so-near sound of fear of things that are unknown--but possible....although far-fetched. Or it is an remembrance of something you have forgiven someone...the seed of bitterness creeping in? Or disappointment that things didn't go exactly how we wished/prayed or asked? Or possibly, just possibly does it sound like us talking to ourselves? alone in the dark feeling...sorry for ourselves?

You see i've been studying Ephesians as of late and come to the conclusion that this Satan/Devil/fallen-angel...is real, is crafty and very busy. The Bible uses words like 'cunning' and 'deceitful' and 'prowls around seeking whom he may devour'. Sounds rather sneaky and, well down right scary. I believe somehow he speaks to us, all of us and by any means necessary draws us away from God who loves us and wants to know us. But I think he does get tired--if he is a created being (fallen angel and all) and yet he is smart enough to know his demise is coming. He isn't a god or even close to the enormity of our creator...in fact he isn't too much different than us. Funny thought though, he was created to worship but choose not to. It appears to me that angels and man have a choice to worship and know this God the creator or...NOT. I think about this with my Toby and pray he chooses to know God. That he doesn't listen to the lies and the ideas that will lead him away form trusting and knowing this God. That he willn't rather be on his own seeking his own betterment and glory. Because that is not what he was created for, but that is another subject altogether.

So whatever it is that draws you further form the truth, whatever tempts you to not trust, whatever makes you think you are alone, worthless, not-quite-good-enough, or all powerful, really swell and in control......guess who's talkn'.

So, Toby, he sounds different to different folks but he always leads you astray either with the truth or a lie....but usually a lie...he isn't your friend and doesn't care about you at all, he is in it for himself. Don't be fooled my boy, there is only One who really loves you well and sorry to say although i try, it ain't me.