2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Genesis 50:1 – Exodus 2:10 ESV, Matthew 16:13-17:9 ESV, Psalm 21:1-13 ESV, Proverbs 5:1-6 ESV
Daily Verse: “But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (Matthew 16:23 ESV)
SATANAS (4567): “A Greek word from derived from the Heb. ‘an adversary.’ Not simply the personification of evil influences in the heart, for he tempted Christ, in whose heart no evil thought could ever have arisen.”[i]
Adversaries exist.
Without a doubt, you have an enemy trying to keep you from fulfilling your God-given mission. Satan prowls around, looking for ways to derail all of us. His name means “adversary.” The devil uses any tool possible to derail us, and he knows, our thoughts determine our actions.
Whispering lies in our ears causes us to take our minds off God. Peter, unable to understand Jesus’ words about His crucifixion, tries to dissuade Christ from His mission. But Jesus knew Peter’s thoughts; He knew his disciple needed correction. Satan caused Peter to doubt, Jesus puts the devil in his place.
Take authority.
Jesus spoke with authority over Peter’s doubting thoughts. He identified the adversary and put the devil in his place without hesitation. Satan always loses; no matter what, his efforts fail. Victory came at Calvary when Jesus died on the Cross. Nothing the devil does changes what Jesus did.
Next time wayward thoughts try to take root in your mind, kick them out. Like Jesus, tell Satan to get behind you. On a mission for the Big Guy, you don’t have time for the devil’s antics. Instead, fill your mind with God’s word, so when Satan tries to get you off track, you identify his ploys immediately.
To combat the negative thoughts in my head, I read God’s word daily. Each morning, I use Biblically-based affirmations to remind me whose child I am, God’s. When the devil tries to tell me I’m unworthy, I remember, I’m the apple of God’s eye, God protects me in the shadow of His wings (Psalm 17:8 ESV). Nothing I can do, ever did or will do, can separate me from God’s love (Romans 8:31-39 ESV).
Don’t let the adversary get a foothold today. When the devil tries to get your mind off of Jesus, use the Savior’s words:
“Get behind me, Satan!”
Keep your mind on Christ. Capture your thoughts. Put the adversary in his place.
[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. (p. 225) Thomas Nelson
