The hangar doors were enormous.

Behind them sat valuable aircraft. Beyond them stretched the runways and taxiways of the Long Beach Airport. And for three years, I had considerable authority over what happened inside that building.

But there was something important I could never forget:

I didn’t own it.

Years ago, I signed a three-year lease on a building at the Long Beach Airport in California. It included office space on three different levels and some of the most desirable hangar space on the airport.

Under that legal agreement, I was given considerable authority. I could conduct business there, make operational decisions, bring clients onto the property, teach classes, and decide how the space would be used.

It was up to me whether I put one jet in the hangar or two. Under the right circumstances, we might squeeze in three.

But my authority had boundaries.

There were regulations concerning fuel, spacing between aircraft, fire-department access, occupancy, noise, and many other matters.

Why?

Because although I had been given authority to operate there, I was not the owner.

That distinction reminds me of something important about the Christian life.

Authority Under Authority

As followers of Jesus Christ, we have been given real spiritual authority—but it is delegated authority.

It comes from God.

Jesus said:

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
— Luke 10:19 NKJV

That is a powerful statement.

But notice who gives the authority: Jesus does.

We don’t manufacture spiritual authority. We don’t possess it independently of God. And we certainly don’t become little gods who can command anything we desire into existence.

As followers of Jesus, our authority comes from Christ and remains subject to Him.

Jesus Himself said:

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”
— Matthew 28:18 NKJV

All authority belongs ultimately to Him.

That means Christian authority is not about getting God to carry out our will. It is about bringing our lives into agreement with His will.

Heaven Sets the Standard

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He gave us these remarkable words:

“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
— Matthew 6:10 NKJV

Think about that.

Our assignment is not to impose our kingdom upon the earth.

It is to cooperate with God and bring His kingdom to earth.  When we are adopted into God’s family through our faith in Jesus Christ, we now have authority to impose His authority.

Remember, when Jesus taught His disciples to pray He instructed them to pray like this: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

We represent Him and His will. in bringing His purposes into the circumstances where He has placed us.

Jesus also taught about binding and loosing:

“Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
— Matthew 18:18 NKJV

These are powerful words, but they should never be separated from submission to God, His Word, and His purposes.

The only place for spiritual authority is under the authority of Jesus Christ.

Use the Authority You Have Been Given

There is another side to this.

We must not go beyond the authority Scripture gives us—but neither should we shrink back from using the authority God has clearly placed in our possession and commanded us to use—in His name.

Scripture tells us:

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
— James 4:7 NKJV

Notice the order.

Submit to God. Then resist the devil.

We have authority over what we permit our own mouths to speak. We can choose words of faith, truth, forgiveness, and life, rather than fear, bitterness, accusation, and unbelief.

We can resist temptation.

We can stand against the schemes of the enemy.

We can pray boldly for the sick and suffering, trusting God’s power and compassion while leaving the outcome in His hands.

We can proclaim the Gospel.

We can forgive.

We can love our enemies.

We can obey when God tells us to go.

And we can refuse to participate in things contrary to God’s Word.

That is genuine authority—but it is authority under authority.

Not Every Battle Is Yours

This is something I wish more Christians understood.

Not every battle is ours to fight.

There is evil in this world. There is deception. There is injustice. There are countless things we could become angry about every single day.

But Jesus did not chase every controversy of His generation.

He went where the Father directed Him.

He spoke what the Father gave Him to speak.

Jesus said:

“For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak.”
— John 12:49 NKJV

What an example for us.

We don’t have to fight every battle.

We don’t have to answer every critic.

We don’t have to correct every wrong thing we encounter.

Sometimes faith means standing.

Sometimes faith means speaking.

Sometimes faith means resisting.

And sometimes obedience means simply walking past a battle God never assigned to us.

Remember Who You Are

As you go through this week, remember who you are in Jesus Christ.

If you have been born again and belong to Christ, you are a child of God.

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
— John 1:12 NKJV

You are not powerless.

But neither are you the owner.

God is.

Perhaps that old airplane hangar illustrates it better than I realized at the time.

I had keys to the building.

I had genuine authority inside it.

I had responsibilities that came with that authority.

But every decision ultimately had to remain within the boundaries established by the owner.

Our Christian life is much the same.

God has entrusted us with time, words, influence, prayer, faith, spiritual gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities. Let us use what He has given us. And use it boldly.

But let us always remain under the authority of the Lord to whom everything belongs.

Use the authority Jesus has given you.
Stay within the boundaries of His Word.
And follow the example of Jesus Himself.

Go where He leads.

Speak what He gives you to speak.

Fight the battles He gives you to fight.

And leave the rest in His hands.

A Personal Thank You

Before closing, Paula and I want to thank those of you who pray for us, encourage us, purchase our books, subscribe, and financially support this small publishing ministry.

We are not a 501(c)(3) organization, but your support helps us continue producing books, teachings, videos, and messages designed to point people toward Jesus Christ and the truth of God’s Word.

Most of all, thank you for your prayers.

We love you, and we are standing with you for God’s very best as we continue serving Him in these extraordinary days.

Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Keep His Word in your heart.

And remember who you belong to.

Jesus is coming again.

And as we see that day approaching, may we be found faithful—doing what He has called us to do.

Until next time,

To our faithful friends and supporters, Thank You!

Your prayers and support help us continue sharing the truth, hope, and power of God’s promises with people around the world each week.

Let’s get our spiritual houses in order.

Jesus is coming again. And He’s coming again soon!

OFF-GRID NEXT STEP: SAFE WINTER STORAGE

After renting a storage unit for some time, the decision has been made to vacate it, simplify, and prayerfully prepare for the coming days. Nearly half of our personal belongings—including family heirlooms and memorabilia—have already been sold in preparation for what’s ahead.

However, off-grid living requires certain essential supplies and equipment that must be protected from the weather. With winter approaching, a small storage shed is needed to safely house these necessities. We have located a good used wooden shed for approximately $1,450. which includes relocating it.

If the Lord puts it on your heart to help with this next step, any gift—large or small—would be deeply appreciated. We’re simply moving forward one practical step at a time as God provides. Thank you.

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