The gatekeepers were stationed on all four sides—east, west, north, and south. They would spend the night around the house of God, since it was their duty to guard it and to open the gates every morning. (1 Chronicles 9:24, 27 NLT)

In the days when Israel was a united kingdom the Levites (who were the priests) were assigned to the ministry at and around the Temple. An important part of their responsibilities was to ensure that the gates were being guarded.

In the New Testament God makes it clear that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. The truth is, the temple gates still need to be guarded.

The gateways into my life include: (1) what I see, (2) what I hear, (3) what I say, and (4) what I experience.

These gates should be opened daily to allow the King of Glory to come in – I do that through the Word, Worship, and Prayer. However, these gates are also primary avenues through which the enemy can gain entrance, if I am not diligently guarding these points of entry.

Satan will take advantage of even the slightest opening we give him. He roams about seeking whom he may devour.

Strongholds begin with footholds. When we give satan any room at all, he comes in with a vengeance.

The New Testament also reveals that we (believers in Jesus Christ) have been made priests unto God. Therefore, we have the privileged responsibility to guard the gates of the temple. We must be the gatekeepers of our lives, the watchman on the walls, who refuse entrance to any enemy forces.

If you have given the enemy any place in your life:

1. Confess it to God, repent, and, through prayer “cleanse the temple” (like Jesus did) of anything unholy.

2. Come into a partnership of prayer with a strong believer who can help guard the gates of your life.

3. Refuse to allow unforgiveness, bitterness, worry, fear, anxiety, lust, confusion, depression, sickness, or ANY scheme of the enemy to pass through the gates. Fight the enemy through prayer. NEVER give in. NEVER concede that these things are just “a part of life.”

If you don’t recognize the enemy, you will walk in defeat. Open your eyes to what the enemy is doing. He is stealthy, but cannot stand against a faith-filled prayer warrior declaring the promises of God’s word!

Fight! But fight from your place of victory. No weapon formed against you shall prosper.

Father,

I ask that you would, by Your Holy Spirit, reveal and uncover the enemy and his schemes in our lives.

Then, give us supernatural courage to boldly take authority over our minds, our emotions, our bodies, our families, our businesses, and our churches.

Establish YOUR presence in the temple of our lives. We choose to be the gatekeepers You’ve called us to be.

In Jesus’ name, amen!