Yes, that’s right. The devil does show up at your door. Say what? Say, that’s reality. As long as you and I are alive, the devil will tempt, lie, and try to make us serve him. Why?
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for 40 days he was tempted by the devil (Luke 4:1-2).
Yes, that’s right. The devil does show up at your door. Say what? Say, that’s reality. As long as you and I are alive, the devil will tempt, lie, and try to make us serve him. Why?
He wants to rob glory from God. He wants to render you powerless. He may have lost you for eternity, but right now he’s doing damage control.
If he can keep Christians like you and me powerless, then we won’t will others to Jesus or make trouble for him.
Now just a couple pointers for when the devil shows up!
Satan has been around a lot longer than you…and often knows your weaknesses better than you. So don’t argue or debate with Satan. Jesus didn’t; He simply said, “It is written.”
In other words, “I don’t care what you say devil, ’cause God says…” Then, speak the Word of God! The devil’s always trying the same old tricks and treats. He appeals to your lusts, your senses, and your self-desires.
So look out for who Satan may be sending your way.
Finally, the devil would like to give you what you want so he can use it for himself. So here’s the temptation, ever thought this thought? If I just had that [whatever it is you want, not what you need], then I could [do whatever I want]?
So look out for those selfish desires and wants.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
Excerpt permission granted by Albury Publishing
Carman Domenic Licciardello is an enigma in Christian music, often described as part evangelist, part Vegas Showman. His concerts were more like a rock and roll Billy Graham Crusade than a Christian music event. After all the singing, dancing, clapping, and preaching, crowds of people would stream down to the counseling area to accept Christ-many times as many as 5,000 in an evening.
Admission was usually free; a simple offering was taken, similar to 30,000 churches on Sunday mornings. And he filled the largest stadiums the world over. Carman held the record for the largest Christian concert ever in Dallas, Texas. But it even goes beyond that. Take the Mega Stadium acts that played the famed landmark such as Pink Floyd, U 2, Madonna, The Jackson Five, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, and even Metallic. As the newspapers noted, you'll see that the one-act that drew the highest attendance in Texas Stadium was Carman, with 71,132.
Carman (1956-2021) was a popular contemporary Christian singer and songwriter.
Born Carman Licciardello, he began recording under his first name and released his debut album in 1980. Carman began charting contemporary Christian hits in 1984 with "Sunday's on the Way," reaching No. 1 with "The Champion" (1986) and "Radically Saved" (1988). His other hit songs include "Lord of All," "Jesus Is the Light," and "Satan, Bite the Dust!" Carman reportedly holds the world record for the largest audience at a Christian concert. His popularity was at its height in the 1980s and early '90s, but he continued releasing albums for years, including his most recent release, 2014's "No Plan B." In 2018, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
