RUSSELL SANDERS
2-27-2026
OUR SUPREME DEFENDER

We are coming to the end of February, so you might say that Christmas is ten months away. We use Christmas Day as a specific point of the year in which we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ when he came to earth in human flesh. We should celebrate his birth every day of the year, but that would diminish the impact of a meaningful single day. Nevertheless, we should daily carry the joy of his birth and His “ever presence with us” twenty-four/seven.

Jesus’ eternal presence is always with us. He never leaves us alone. If at times we may feel alone, it is because of our adversary, the devil tries to steal our joy. He will do that if we let him. We have a “say” in that. He cannot steal our joy unless we give him an opportunity to do so. He cannot do it if we celebrate Christmas every day.

Oh, really? Yes! If we daily treasure the joy of our salvation, then Satan cannot steal our joy no matter how hard he tries. But if we give place to him in the battlefield of our conscious mind, it gives him permission to steal our joy. The mind is where the battle rages.

If we give place [entertain his thoughts] in our mind or heart to negative thoughts, or negative feelings, Satan is then able to steal our joy. He cannot do negative things to us unless we give him an open “window” or “door” to do it. Yes, he will put negative thoughts in our mind as his effort to defeat us, but we must guard our own thoughts and deny him that opportunity. He cannot force us to do anything against our will.

Years ago, the comedian Flip Wilson had a saying, “The devil made me do it” but this is a lie. Satan cannot force you to do anything against your will. He might bring negative things or negative thoughts against you, but he cannot force you to yield to them. It is your choice to either yield or to stand your ground against them. Stand on your rock, Christ Jesus. When you choose to stand on him, He will never let you down.

Is it easy to “stand”? No, it may be the hardest thing to do, but Jesus will help you stand when you call out His Name.

The heavenly Father has put ALL POWER in the name of Jesus. Speak it boldly. Satan cannot stand that name. As a child of God, you have the legal right to declare His name in every circumstance. It does not take great faith to do this. It just takes boldness to speak it.

There is no greater plea for help than to simply cry out, “Jesus”!! He will always hear you. He is your Supreme Defender, the greatest Christmas gift ever given.