Under the influnce (5)

Day 6

Memory Verse

James 4:7 NIV

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Intro

Welcome to todays devotion called Under the Influence. It is a reality that we have an enemy who hates God and His people. He wants more than anything to destroy all that He loves and that includes the people of God. We all will experience spiritual war against the enemy but we don’t have to fear him. Because we can find victory in Jesus.

Pause

I enter Prayer by taking a moment to pause….. to breathe deeply and meditate on God's truth, allowing it to travel through my mind, will and emotions. As I slowly inhale…. I refocus on the goodness and faithfulness of God and….. exhale….. I release anxieties, worries and fears that have already entered this day. (pause)

As I steal my mind I pray James 4:7 for the Lord is the spirit (that lives in me), and wherever the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom (pause)

Reflect: When I was in elementary school I remember waking up a few mornings with my mom asking me “did I leave the front door open?” I can remember thinking back ,in my mind ,to the previous night only to be able to answer my mother with ‘No ma’am”. This open door incident happened a few more times so my mom decided to investigate. The next morning my mother said she slept in the living room. And in the middle of the night she said I walked into the living room and open the door. This is when we found out I use to sleep walk. The problem was the open door. If we live in a world that was crime less this would not be an issue. But a door left open in the middle of the night is dangerous to everyone in the home. We have talked about the fact that because of Jesue living in us, we as followers of Jesue can not be possessed but we know Satan will attempt to oppress us. We have also talked about the fact that through the Name of Jesus we can cast down the works of the enemy. As believes we cam miss the reality that we can leave “open door” in our life because of sin and in turn leaving space to the enemy to inter and can create disorder.

As believers in Jesus, it is important for us to recognize that we can unintentionally leave "open doors" in our lives through sin. when we do this we creating opportunities for Satan to enter and sow disorder. The apostle Paul's warning in Ephesians 4:27 highlights the significance of not giving Satan any openings into our lives. today I want to spend a few minute exploring the importance of closing these doors and how, through the power of Jesus, we have the ability to do so.

In Ephesians 4:27, Paul cautions believers not to give the devil a foothold., or in other words a secure position in our lives. Though Pauls warning in this verse is focused around addressing anger specifically, it also carries a broader significance in the idea of not allowing Satan any entry points into our lives. Paul recognizes the potential for Satan to exploit any vulnerability we may unknowingly leave open. I want to share some place we can could possibly unknowably leave open doors in are lives

First, We can leave open door when we have Unforgiveness. Holding onto bitterness and unforgiveness can create a strong ground for Satan's influence. When we refuse to extend forgiveness, we open the door for resentment, strife, and division to take root. The reality is that We were forgiven by our savior Jesus. And we are called as a people of God to extend forgiveness because we have been forgive so greatly.

Secondly, We can leave open doors when we Engaging in sinful behaviors, such as sexual immorality, substance abuse, or watching pornography, just to share a few. When we engage in sinful behavior we can leave wide open doors for Satan to invade our lives. These actions go against God's design for holiness and righteousness. And this can leave room for Satan.

Thirdly we should be mindful of out though patterns. Allowing negative and destructive thoughts to dominate our minds gives Satan a foothold. When we dwell on self-doubt, fear, or despair, we grant space for Satan to manipulate our emotions and hinder our spiritual growth.

Lastly As people of God we need a life filled the practice of spiritual like prayer, and the studying of Gods word . Neglecting prayer, Bible study, and other spiritual disciplines weakens our spiritual defenses, leaving us vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy. Not attempting to cultivate a strong relationship with God can provide room for Satan to gain a foothold.

As believers, we must be vigilant in identifying and closing any open doors in our lives that may provide entry points for Satan. Through the power of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can recognize areas of vulnerability and take steps to close those doors. By embracing forgiveness, pursuing righteousness, renewing our minds, and staying rooted in God's truth, we can ensure that Satan finds no space to disrupt or hinder our walk with Christ.

Ask:God help me to live a life marked by the victory of Jesus by closing every open door I have left open to the enemy.

Ask: God help my is identity the ares of my life that I have open doors. and remind me of the power I have in Jesus name.

Yield:Father I come before You, acknowledging that as your child , I have unknowingly open doors for Satan through sin. I ask for Your help in closing every door that could allow disorder in my life. I thank You for the power we have through Jesus Christ to overcome the enemy.God grant me discernment to recognize any vulnerabilities in my life,

I surrender to Your guidance and protection. Close every open door that Satan may try to exploit, and help me walk in the victory of Jesus.

In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.