Friday, February 7, 2014

Your Authority as a Believer

In an episode of The Andy Griffith Show, a couple of farmers were illegally selling their vegetables on the roadside. Deputy Barney Fife pulled his squad car over and told them they had to leave. The two big bullies stood up to him, saying they weren't going anywhere. Barney backed down from them and hurriedly sped away.

After returning to the courthouse, Barney was fearful of having to confront the lawbreakers again. When Sheriff Andy found out what the farmers had done, he reminded Barney that he was an officer of the law, and he had to go back and order them to get out of town.

Barney returned to the veggie stand and asked them again to leave. The thugs walked up, stood in front of him, and defiantly crossed their arms. Barney tapped on his badge, looked them in the eye, and said, "Sure, you guys are big, but this badge represents people who are a lot bigger than you are." The bullies hung their heads, backed down, got in their truck and left town.

This scene gives us a picture of the authority that believers have in the spiritual realm. In our natural strength, we'll act like Barney, fearful of the devil. Satan plants lies in our minds, telling us that we’re worthless, and that every horrible thing imaginable will happen to us. It's at that time we must remember our divine deputy badge and use our authority over Satan. Jesus said, "I have given you authority...over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall injure you" (Luke 10:19).

You have been "deputized" by the King of kings, and the spiritual badge you're wearing represents a God who is much bigger than the devil. When you submit to God and stand in your authority, you can stand up to the devil, resist him, and he will flee (James 4:7). Satan is terrified of believers who realize they have authority over him and command him to leave. So don’t let him torment you with fear and worry for another minute. Use your spiritual authority and order him to "get out of town."  www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com   www.makinglifecount.net
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                                    Two books to help you grow in your faith
SlayingYour Giants is filled with numerous interesting stories, humor, and practical advice about how to conquer 20 giants you will face in life (fear, depression, discontentment, self-image, anger, and more)

The Sure Cure for Worry contains amazing true stories and will help the reader see God is in control. (For those who may doubt the existence of God and those who need guidance)