"The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.” John 10:10
What would you do if a man came to your door one Saturday afternoon
with the sole intention of stealing all your stuff? He wants your big
screen TV, your computer, your phone, your furniture, and any spare cash
you have around. Keep in mind that he has no weapon and no
authority--although he sounds very authoritative. Furthermore, while he
looks mean and menacing, he is really no tougher than Don Knotts (aka
Barney Fife from yesteryear). In actuality, he couldn’t whip your ten
year old in a fist fight.
How would you respond to this thief? Would you let him have his way and rob you blind? Would you cower in fear at his commanding persona? Would you throw up your hands and say there is nothing that can be done? Or would you stand up to this Barney Fife of a thief, exert your authority as master of the house, and throw him out on his ear?
How would you respond to this thief? Would you let him have his way and rob you blind? Would you cower in fear at his commanding persona? Would you throw up your hands and say there is nothing that can be done? Or would you stand up to this Barney Fife of a thief, exert your authority as master of the house, and throw him out on his ear?
HOW WE DEAL WITH THE DEVIL
When it comes to the devil, he may look and sound ferocious--like a prowling lion--but in actuality he is nothing more than a defeated foe, a beaten Barney Fife. Jesus broke his back when He died on the cross and rose from the dead. The Bible clearly tells us, “Greater is He (Jesus) who is in you than he (Satan) who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
The truth of the matter is the thief and enemy of our souls has no power, authority, or victory over a Christian. All too often, however, we let him run roughshod over our lives. We let him have his way, stealing our peace and joy in the Lord. We let him kill our testimony and bring destruction into our marriage and family. How tragic!
Jesus came that we might have life--eternal, abundant, and victorious. He wants us to experience the blessings of our salvation. So let’s claim what the Lord has clearly stated that He wants us to have. Let’s stand firm against the devil and send him packing! The fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) is ours to enjoy as we “walk by the Spirit”, say no to the flesh, and shut the door in the face of the thief!
When it comes to the devil, he may look and sound ferocious--like a prowling lion--but in actuality he is nothing more than a defeated foe, a beaten Barney Fife. Jesus broke his back when He died on the cross and rose from the dead. The Bible clearly tells us, “Greater is He (Jesus) who is in you than he (Satan) who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
The truth of the matter is the thief and enemy of our souls has no power, authority, or victory over a Christian. All too often, however, we let him run roughshod over our lives. We let him have his way, stealing our peace and joy in the Lord. We let him kill our testimony and bring destruction into our marriage and family. How tragic!
Jesus came that we might have life--eternal, abundant, and victorious. He wants us to experience the blessings of our salvation. So let’s claim what the Lord has clearly stated that He wants us to have. Let’s stand firm against the devil and send him packing! The fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) is ours to enjoy as we “walk by the Spirit”, say no to the flesh, and shut the door in the face of the thief!
Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries
From His Heart Ministries
Today's Bible Verse...
The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. —1 Samuel 3:19
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Samuel
began his ministry at such a young age and was so important in bridging
the generations between the period of the Judges and the period of the
Kings. During that whole time, God was with him and empowered his
ministry, making his words true and effective. Let's pray that God does
the same with his spokespeople today. May God use his servants
effectively all their lives and not let any of their words fall to the
ground.
My Prayer...
Today, O God, I ask you to empower your faithful servants
who proclaim your Word all over the world. Please bless them with a
season of freedom from satanic attack. Bless them with health, vigor,
and passion. Please give them a long life full of useful service
empowered by your grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
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