Encouragement for Today - Jan. 17, 2007

January 17, 2007

All Power is Given to You Over your Enemy

Luke 10:17-19, “Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord even the demons are subject to us in your name. And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven. Behold, I give you authority to trample serpents and scorpions, and over the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (NKJ)

Devotion:

Our daughter Jennifer had just gotten a summer internship in Hollywood, CA. She needed her car for commuting, so we decided to drive cross-country from our home in Virginia to California. We had never had a problem with her car until this venture. The car struggled, breaking down every time we slowed the engine. The air-conditioner broke on the first day and the temperatures in Arizona and New Mexico were averaging 115. Steam escaped from under the hood every time we stopped. We prayed the whole trip. By the time, we rolled into Hollywood we were completely wiped out.

Neither Jennifer nor myself had ever been to Hollywood or knew anyone there so we used the Internet to book our hotel. We were so proud of ourselves that we had made it across the country on less than $300. That was including gas, food and hotel. Well, once we drove onto the hotel property we knew instantly why it was so cheap. Cheap is not always smart.

Exhausted we threw our luggage down and plopped onto the beds. Bone tired we couldn’t decide if we had the strength to take showers, but we did. The tub had a leak and all the water flooded out of the tub and into the next room. The attendant at the desk was so scary we didn’t want to call to report the flood.

We read our Bible, prayed and went to sleep. Within just a few minutes we were both instantly awaken and simultaneously sat straight up in bed. Strong fear had gripped both of us. We shared with each other what we had experienced right before we were awoken and knew instantly what we needed to do. Out loud we commanded anything evil to leave our room in the name of Jesus Christ never to return to us. We knew from the Bible that we had all authority over anything evil.

The next morning we left that scummy slithering place and 10 miles down the road the car broke down! We called for a tow truck and a rental car. My flight home was scheduled for the next day. It was so hard from a mother’s heart to leave after all of this. Jennifer knowing my thoughts said, “You and God have taught me that I truly do have power over the enemy. What Satan plans for harm God uses for good. I know you are concerned, but I am thankful for what God has allowed us to witness on this trip and in times past and it is in that, that I have all confidence in the power of Jesus and His name. I’m going to be fine, Mom.”

I left Hollywood knowing that Jennifer would experience more challenging days, but that she knew the plan of escape from the enemy’s plots to bring her down. She knew that in Jesus’ Name, she had authority, and in that she has joy and freedom.

Lord, we come to You with joy and thankfulness that You give us authority in
Your Name to conquer our enemy. Help us to never forget that in our hours of battle.
In Jesus’ Name Amen.

Related Resources:

Scriptures for Battling Fear, ETC Corner

When You’re Running on Empty by Cindi McMenamin

Do you know Him?

Application Steps:

Make Jesus Lord of your life. He is Truth and the truth will set you free. His righteousness will cover you.

Read your Bible it is your sword of the Spirit, it is your weapon against the enemy.

Your faith in Jesus will shield you and you will be given peace.

Remember to pray because God is just waiting to answer you!

Reflections:

Remember that Satan and his angels (demons) cannot hear your thoughts but they do hear your words and there is power in the Name of Jesus! Read your Bible out loud. Turn your worship music on and worship the Lord your God, because this is what breaks the chains of bondage.

Power Verses:

I Peter 5: 8-11, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever, Amen.” (NKJ)

Ephesians 6:12, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (NKJ)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

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Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org