DAY 14: BECOME A THREAT TO THE ENEMY
by Pastor Heiden Ratner
Jan. 18th, 2026
“But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?”” ––Acts 19:15
DEVOTION
One area I’ve been consistently working with my son on is his shot on the basketball court. After years of playing, I’ve realized something simple: if you can shoot the ball, you’ll always be a threat to the opposing team. Rebounding, passing, and defense matter a ton… but taking and making shots puts points on the board.
In the same way, when it comes to the Kingdom of God, we have to stay aware that we do have an enemy—an opposing team led by Satan and spiritual forces of darkness. They hate Christ, they hate His Church, and they want to steal, kill, and destroy what God is doing (John 10:10). But our goal as followers of Jesus isn’t to live intimidated, fearful, or obsessed with darkness. It’s to live so close to Jesus that darkness recognizes we don’t belong to it anymore.
As we get to know God, we become a threat.
When we prioritize prayer, we become a threat.
When we take God’s Word seriously, we become a threat.
When we confess and repent of sin, we become a threat.
When we pursue holiness, we become a threat.
When we live on mission, we become a threat.
When we prioritize prayer, we become a threat.
When we take God’s Word seriously, we become a threat.
When we confess and repent of sin, we become a threat.
When we pursue holiness, we become a threat.
When we live on mission, we become a threat.
That’s what we see in Acts 19. Paul is ministering in Ephesus with real spiritual authority—not because he had a “method,” but because he belonged to Jesus and was walking with Him. Then seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva try to imitate what they’ve seen. They attempt to cast out a demon by using Jesus’ name like a formula. But the demon answers with chilling clarity: “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” (Acts 19:15).
That question lands on us too—not as a call to hype, but as a call to identity and intimacy.
So answer it today: Who are you?
My prayer is that you can respond with confidence—not in yourself, but in Christ:
I’m a loved child of God.
Called by the Father.
Saved by the Son.
Empowered by the Spirit.
Walking in obedience and victory.
I’m a loved child of God.
Called by the Father.
Saved by the Son.
Empowered by the Spirit.
Walking in obedience and victory.
And as you continue to know God, remember this: spiritual resistance doesn’t always decrease as we grow. Often, it increases—because you’re becoming dangerous to the enemy’s agenda.
So don’t let attacks discourage you or frighten you. Instead, let them remind you that the light of Christ in you is real.Darkness doesn’t like light—especially the kind that won’t back down.
Keep going. Keep growing. Keep knowing God.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You that I don’t have to live afraid. Help me walk in closeness with You—not just using Your name, but living under Your leadership. Strengthen me through prayer and Your Word. Expose anything in me that needs repentance, and fill me with Your Spirit. I want to be a threat to the enemy, and light to the darkness. In Jesus’ name, amen!
NEXT STEP
Pick one “threat-building” practice to focus on today:
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Spend 5 minutes in prayer before you check your phone.
- Read Acts 19:11–20 and write down one thing that stands out.
- Confess one area of sin or compromise to God and take a step toward change.
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Encourage or pray for someone today who’s under attack.
