Recognizing the Adversary

Discussion based on The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis

Screwtape’s advice:

Positions of prayer - not to let the person kneel -

Keep them so busy — even with non-essential church things

Church culture - make them think they are accomplishing things through busy work

Don’t let the patient have silence—always music, always something to distract them

Prayer - here is what I need to have to happen, If it doesn’t happen, then the patient will lose hope

Moderation in all things —is not a thing -

Relationship between uncle and nephew - not father and son - interesting dynamic

Covenantal relationships - help with the shielding from temptations

The tone of the uncle to the nephew changes as the nephew begins to fail with his assignment

Keep our minds in a state of confusion

God cannot tempt to virtue as Satan tempts to vice

The “All I want’s” can be lethal

Thinks time is his birthright

Ensign Devotional - Loren Dalton - You are Receiving Revelation - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ensign-college-devotionals/id1534771206?i=1000493966098

Other readings:

When it’s first-person, it usually comes from Satan - also as a second voice in your head - he uses logic, “This totally makes sense.” - God doesn’t need logic; He needs us to have faith.

Scriptures regarding darkness:

Doctrine and Covenants 88:49

Doctrine and Covenants 123:13-14

Alma 37:25

1 Corinthians 4:5

2 Nephi 9:9

Mormon 5:8

2 Nephi 10:15

God leads, and Satan drags

13th Article of Faith - is it of “good report”?

Is it overall a net positive?

Does God know the choices that we are going to make? Yes—He is all-knowing, but we have our agency to make those choices

He must know that we turn out okay -

The concept of time is impossible for us to understand

Unlearning is as important as learning

Be aware of eternity and all it offers, but live in the practice and education of life right now - this life is a graduate program.