Benescke Janse van Rensburg

He sits in the dark and watches you. He sharpens his arrows to ensure that it will hurt and destroy when fired. He is a wolf in sheep's clothing who attacks strategically. His arrows have names. Offense, bitterness, gossip, unforgiving, anger, fear, rejection, aggression, pride, addiction, lust. The purpose is to rob us of our joy and peace. He wants to make us fearful. Why? Because it makes us powerless.

In Luke 10:19 we read that Jesus Christ obtained the victory and He gives us the authority to do the same: “I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.” Also in 1 Corinthians 15:57, we read: “But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” And then in James 4: 7 we find a valuable way to do this:  “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

When last did we sharpen our own arrows by reading the Word of God and memorizing His promises? That is our sword and our ammunition to fight back. When was the last time we took up the shield of faith to resist the arrows of the enemy? Do we regularly pray for a wall of fire of protection around us and our loved ones? And how often do we use communion as proof that we believe that Jesus Christ died for us?

Today, arrows may be fired in our direction. Let's recognize it and use the shield of faith to prevent it to reach our hearts. Let us protect our joy and peace so that we can live free and fearless. And let us remember that the same Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives within us and strengthens us when we are weak. God bless.

Father God, thank you for sending Jesus Christ to die on our behalf. Please help me to understand my authority in You while recognizing the arrows fired in my direction. Help me to protect my peace and joy. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• PROMISES OF GOD: If you do not know where to start, click on the Bible Society's website to find a variety of reading lists that might help. Alternatively, click on www.benescke.co.za for a list of 10 bible verses that you can start to memorize.

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