What are you giving a place in your life? Because what we give place to has a huge bearing on how we live out our lives, our beliefs, values, and relationships. The dictionary definition of “to give place to” is to make room; to yield, to give way; to give advantage.
In Ephesians 4:27 we are warned about what we do and don’t give place to. It says, “Don’t give place to the devil.” To “give place to” carries the idea in the original Greek text of a specific, marked-off, geographical location, like a territory, region or zone. Essentially God wants us to know and be on our guard because the devil is after every region and territory of our lives. He is after our relationships, money, health, marriage, employment, business, and ministry. He is territorial in that he wants to conquer every area of our lives so that he can be in control and ultimately destroy us.
Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
To gain territory any attacker must gain an entry point to begin their campaign of take over and destruction. The devil is no different as he also looks for an access point in our lives, and we can unwittingly throw open the doors and welcome him in. We make this possible through unforgiveness, un-dealt with old hurts, refusing to admit and deal with sin, judging and criticising others, poor choices, and neglecting to walk in love. Through these things the devil secretly begins penetrating people’s minds and emotions so as to weave a web of lies, negatives, strongholds and fear. We suddenly find we are nit-picky, impatient, anxious, and prone to finding fault with everyone and everything, because we have allowed our thoughts and emotions to be influenced by the devil’s lies and schemesagainst us.
But we can choose to close the door against His evil tactics, and instead ask Jesus into every area of our lives so that he might cleanse, support and secure every place in our lives.
We can daily choose to only give place to Holy Spirit, and to become His resting place; the place from which the exploits of Heaven are accomplished. Instead of being someone who is governed by emotions, fears and weakness, we become people who are led and guided by the Holy Spirit, as we give Him place, and make room for and yield to His presence in and upon our lives. He abides in us, and we in Him. As a result we know completeness in our relationship with God, and there is no place for the devil.
Jesus said it this way, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be my disciples.” (John 15:4;7-8)
“For in Him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in bodily form. And in Him you have been made complete.” (Colossians 2:10)
What have you been making room for and giving place to in your life?
Today give God first and only place in you life, and kick out and firmly shut the door against the devil, so that you life will be filled with peace, joy, and completeness.
Prayer: Lord thank you that I am complete in you. I give you place in my life today, and kick out, and shut the door on the devil and his schemes. I forgive any one who has hurt or wronged me, and ask for your forgiveness for any wrongdoing. Would you please heal and cleanse my heart so that there is no entry point for evil, and fill my life with your love. In Jesus Name Amen.
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