EZEKIEL 38:13-17 "A greatly needed message concerning the creation and destruction of Satan is found in these verses from EZEKIEL in your Bible. Some abbreviation is used to save space. Please read it from your Bible as follows "The workmanship of the pipes were prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub and I have set thee so. Thine heart was lifted up becuase of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness. I will cast thee to the ground. I will bring a fire upon thee and I will turn thee to ashes in the sight of all who behold thee, and never shalt thou be anymore.' These words came from ALMIGHTY GOD."

I regret the lengthy text, but it is very important for us to understand the creation and destruction of Satan. Satan is Biblically known by various names. He was created and called Lucifer and was the highest ranking angel that God ever created. Our text shows God created him to be perfect, physically, mentally, and spiritually. But alas, Satan became so pleased with his beauty and God given ability that sinful pride dominated his spirit and caused him to have no desire to serve God. He was brilliant and powerful enough to lead one third of all the angels of God; but he was never able to match the power of God. Therefore it is prophesied that God will cast him from heaven to the earth and destroy him as a devil. We all must believe God knows the future just as well as He does the past and you may ask the question why God did not instantly destroy Satan? But if we think seriously about this; we will conclude God knows best. We are all created by God and He gives all complete freedom to make decisions concerning how we will live this temporary flesh and blood life. And God is so merciful and loving, He gave Christ to be our example and pattern to show how He wants us to live it. That my friends gives us a blessing that Satan did not even have. I sincerely hope we are aware that we can easily make the same mistake that Satan made. Many may think they have tried faithfully to serve God: but alas; if we let pride cause us to believe we have done it without the help from God's powerful spirit, we may lose our reward for the effort. There is one advantage Satan had that we have not experienced and it is found in JOB 1:6 "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them."

Whether or not we are fully aware that Satan is a dominating factor in our present life, it is a positive reality that he is. Let us be aware that Satan said, (ISAIAH 14:13-14) "I will exalt my throne above the stars of God. I will ascend above the clouds; I will be like the MOST HIGH." But God said: "Thou shalt be brought down to hell." God also said: ISAIAH 45:6 "I am the LORD and there is none else. I make peace and I create evil". If God is not your God, you do not have God because there is none else. Do you believe and practice that?

Jesus tried to warn us how Satan will come in the latter days, and we should look seriously at it because we may be in the latter days right now. His warning is found in 2 CORINTHIANS 11-13-14 "Such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into angels of light. And no marvel for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. His ministers will also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness whose end shall be according to their words." Are you aware of false teachings coming from many pulpits today? Don't be deceived; it is the work of Satan's ministers and exactly as Jesus warned. Try your best to hide your pride, and praise God.