[At 2 a.m. I finished writing a devotion for today about “communion†– and my computer crashed and ate my devotion! It has taken until now to bring technology back online! So I saw this devotion from 2008 that seemed very appropriate given the circumstances. I hope God will re-dictate the communion devotion for tomorrow! – Jody]
Even Michael, the chief angel, didn’t dare to insult the devil, when the two of them were arguing about the body of Moses. All Michael said was, “The Lord will punish you!”  Jude 9 (CEV)
In my mind, since I was a child, there has been a mental picture of Michael the archangel. He is huge! – like nine feet tall! And his wingspan would not fit in the sanctuary of most churches. He is dressed in armor with a sword in his hand. His eyes are steady – not mean but like he sees the truth of what is really happening and isn’t frightened a bit!
Michael is disputing (arguing vigorously) with the devil about Moses’ body. Remember how God buried Moses and it says that the site of the burial is unknown? (Deuteronomy 34) Do you think that satan might want to identify the spot so a shrine could be built? satan is all about idolatry! Remember that Peter wanted to build a tabernacle for Moses and Elijah? (Matthew 17) satan is sly and slick. Take a seemingly innocent idea and twist it into his own scheme – get us to give worship to someone or something besides God!
This is just one verse – but God just stuffs it with His wisdom!
Michael, the mighty archangel, who is in the throne room of God, when he is vigorously disputing with satan, does not call on his own strength to kick satan down. He uses the name that really has power – His one and only LORD! God has the power and the strength to send the tempter packing. How do you turn from temptation? Call on the name of the LORD!
Praise the LORD and pray in his name! Tell everyone what he has done.
Sing praises to the LORD! Tell about his miracles.
Celebrate and worship his holy name with all your heart.
Trust the LORD and his mighty power.      Psalm 105:1-4 (CEV)
When the tough times come, the tough Christians…fall to their knees! Yes, that is right! When I am on my knees with my heart and voice calling out to God, satan trembles in fear. He knows Who is there! Let me give you a classic example:
The worse time to get a family dressed and in the car is not every weekday going to school and work. No, no. It is getting the family dressed and in the car to go to church! From the moment I would open my eyes on Sunday morning, through breakfast and dressing three children, it was chaos and yelling and arguments! By the time I pulled up in the parking lot of the church, I was looking forward to Sunday school because that meant we would all be in different rooms! But the minute we got out of the car at church, peace would reign. It was like the devil would throw every stone he could until he realized that we were not going back – and he gave up! We were coming to worship our Lord and the devil wants none of that!
So if your day has a few bumps and unexpected curves – call on the name of the Lord – and He will lift you up!
