Baggage Claim — Hang Ups - Thursday
Today’s Verse
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (ESV)
Do you ever feel like you are under attack? Like every time you turn around, something bad is happening to you? Well, you probably are under attack. The devil wants you to do anything other than walk with, worship, and obey the Lord. He will do anything to stop or distract you from Jesus. Why? Your obedience to Christ is a threat to Satan’s purpose.
You may ask yourself, “Can I really be a threat to Satan? Me?” and the answer is yes! Satan wants to pull you away from anything God desires, by whatever means possible. If you are helping the poor in the name of Christ, you’re a threat. If you are feeding the hungry in the name of Christ, you’re a threat. If you are praying on others’ behalf in the name of Christ, you’re a threat. And if you live out the great commission, you are definitely a threat. John 10:10 outlines Satan’s strategies: he comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly.
When Satan attacks, how do you defend yourself? Ephesians 6:10-20 walks us through the armor of God, ways that “you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (verse 11). It’s all fine and good to say to someone, “stand firm in the faith.” But how do you actually do that? When we put on the full armor of God, we can not only stand against the schemes of the devil, but prepare for attacks before they happen. After all, Christ is victorious!
REFLECTION
Take some time to read through and reflect on the armor of God today (Ephesians 6:10-20). But you’re not in this alone—we’d love to pray with and for you! Visit southland.church/care to connect with one of our prayer team members.