Throw the First Punch Defeating the Enemy Hell-Bent on Your Destruction

In this modern-day collection of our enemy’s activities, learn to anticipate how Satan will attack and discern powerful techniques to preemptively fight against him.
 
Learn to fight against the Devil.
 
Through biblical examples and engaging stories from Beth Guckenberger’s own life experiences, become equipped and encouraged to battle Satan with boldness and wisdom. Throw the First Punch will teach readers how to fight by:
 

• Anticipating how Satan will attack spiritually, emotionally, and physically
• Discerning specific techniques to preemptively fight against the Enemy
• Understanding the limitations God has placed on the Enemy
• Confidently engaging the power they have as co-heirs with Christ

 
This resource teaches readers to draw up a spiritual combat plan and be prepared to enter into the battles of everyday life. Live in the power and freedom God created for you, and throw the first punch!
 

Beth Guckenberger is the author of nine books including adult and children’s titles. She speaks regularly at conferences, youth gatherings, and church services using storytelling and drawing from her field experience as a missionary, Bible teacher, and parent. Beth and her husband serve as coexecutive directors of Back2Back Ministries. Connect with Beth and her work at recklessfaith.com.
 

Contents
About the Author 11
Preface 17
Acknowledgments 21
Introduction 23
Part I: Destroying the Devil’s Work
Chapter 1: He uses the same tricks over and over. 33
Chapter 2: He can’t win. The joke is on him. 43
Chapter 3: God has the real power. 49
Chapter 4: When it looks like we’re surrounded, we’re surrounded by Him. 59
Chapter 5: God isn’t afraid of entering dark places. 67
Part II: The Scouting Report
Chapter 6: Satan wants me oblivious. God wants me vigilant. 77
Chapter 7: Satan wants me proud.God guides me to humility. 85
Chapter 8: Satan wants me isolated. God made me for community. 91
Chapter 9: Satan wants me selfish. God made me to serve. 97
Chapter 10: Satan wants me discouraged. God emboldens me. 103
Chapter 11: Satan wants me afraid. God makes me brave. 109
Chapter 12: Satan wants me to feel lost. God never loses sight of me. 115
Chapter 13: Satan wants to dim my light. God says, “Shine!” 123
Chapter 14: Satan wants me too weary to fight back. God strengthens me. 133
Chapter 15: Satan wants me judgmental and unaware of my own sin. God gives freedom. 139
Chapter 16: Satan wants me numb. God wakes me up. 145
Chapter 17: Satan wants me anxious. God is peace. 153
Chapter 18: Satan wants to confuse my identity. God provides belonging. 159
Chapter 19: Satan wants me distracted with pleasure. God is my Deliverer. 167
Chapter 20: Satan wants me to feel shame. God redeems me. 175
Chapter 21: Satan wants me ignorant to the Holy Spirit’s power. God wants to introduce Himself to me. 181
Chapter 22: Satan wants to mess with my body. God intervenes. 189
Chapter 23: Satan wants me self-absorbed. God says, “Others first.” 195
Chapter 24: Satan wants me to build my own kingdom. God is the chief architect. 205
Part III: Standing Strong
Chapter 25: God is sovereign over Satan. 213
Chapter 26: Hope is a rope. 223
Conclusion: Sozo 231
What’s Next? 239
Notes 249
Bible Credits 251