“God is inviting you to step into your full authority as an empowered child of God.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 23, 2024
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
During a recent coaching session with one of my clients, she shared some struggles and fears she’d been having for decades. “Why do I keep getting beat up by the insecurities and condemnation? I’ve been working on this area of my life for years.”
That’s when I felt something rise inside me. It was holy indignation. I was mad at the devil for attacking her and I wanted to invite her to take up her Sword and step into the battle to pummel the devil. Condemnation had been her constant companion for years, and it was time to do something different.
As I shared fervently about the power all believers have over the condemnation of the enemy with her, I was reminded that Christ came to set us free, but that we must listen and believe Him. Human effort has value, but to fight the adversary and his deception, it takes more than human effort and human reasoning. It takes supernatural power.
When Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert and the devil tempted him, Jesus didn’t fight the enemy’s lies with natural weapons. He didn’t fight with human reasoning or conversation. He fought the devil with spiritual weapons. He fought him with the Word of God.
The Lord has not left you and me powerless. If we feel continually or repeatedly attacked in the same way over the same incident, issues, or problems, the adversary has used deception to create bondage in your mind. It’s time to take up your shield of faith! It’s time to believe God and what He says. It’s time to use the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God to stand against the devil’s lies.
Your battle, dear one, is not against flesh and blood. It’s against the enemy who wants to confuse, condemn, shame, and guilt you. God’s way, on the contrary, is a way of peace and power, but you must know and believe His Word. The Word is God’s standard against the Father of Lies. Do not allow him to continue to take advantage of you, confuse, shame, taunt, and mock you. You are royalty. You are a son—you are a daughter of the Most High King. You are God’s beloved, free from condemnation.
Inviting Christ into your life was just the beginning. Now, He is inviting you to step into your full authority and inheritance as an empowered child of God. He has given you authority to push back the influence of darkness in your mind and overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit. You belong to him. You are safe and secure in Him. Believe him. Take up your Sword.
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son. . .” (Colossians 1:13).
Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, that I have power in your name and power to push back the influence of darkness in my life. Thank you that through your Word and believing your Word, I can put Satan and his lies where they belong . . . far from me! How I praise you that you have not left me alone without power. I have the power of your Word and your Holy Spirit! I pick up my Sword. Amen and amen!
Application
Put today’s devotional into practice. Believe God. Open up your mouth and proclaim God’s truth over your life and mind.
Related Reading
2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 2:15; 1 Peter 5:8
Worship Resource
Mandisa: Overcomer
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