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

What people are saying about

The way Beth tells stories and addresses spiritual warfare in a fun and approachable manner makes Throw the First Punch a meaningful read. She helps us see kingdom truths for their upside-downnesswe are more powerful than we know and more loved than we can imagine. The idea of punching our enemy first? Game changer.

Bob Goff,New York Times bestselling author of Love Does, Everybody Always, and Dream Big

Like an Olympic-wrestler-turned-coach, Beth Guckenberger offers us not only a compelling vision but also hands-on guidance in the critical practices and posture, grips and maneuvers of a vibrant spiritual life. Ive seen firsthand: Beth lives what she teaches. This is no abstract treatise. It is a field guide for a life of holy combat.

Jedd Medefind, president of Christian Alliance for Orphans

For the believer in Jesus who wants wisdom for standing strong (and long) in the battle, this is for you. Beth comes alongside the reader in truthful love to equip you to endure and go on the offensive. Through its engaging stories, deep exploration of Scripture, and practical applications, this book will equip you to throw the first punch!

Michayla White, executive director of INCM

Think of Throw the First Punch as a tactical manual for warriors of faith who want to take more ground for Jesus Christ, push back darkness, and be very effective instruments for the destruction of evil. Lock in on the truth Beth shares, and the Enemy will certainly be on alarm every day because of the damage you will do to his schemes.

Steve Biondo, president of the Tim Tebow Foundation

I have always appreciated Beths spiritually aggressive posture. Her personal history of making bold, loving moves is an inspiring model for us all to follow. Throw the First Punch is raw and real, sharing Beths cautionary tales and personal victories. We need more practical battle plans like this. Highly recommend!

Brian Tome, founding and senior pastor of Crossroads Church

I absolutely love Beths passion for Jesus, for the gospel, and for people. This book is a great weapon in our spiritual arsenal to help us live and love like Jesus. Beth teaches us how to battle the Enemy in a biblical way that is wise, honest, and fully practical.

Matt Massey, lead pastor of Vineyard Community Church

Beth reminds us that we must live present lives and always be spiritually aware. The old saying the best offense is a great defense truly seems accurate, as Beth helps the reader understand the posture and position Christ followers need to take to successfully combat the lies of the Enemy.

Greg Lucid, president of Lucid Artist

Your soul needs this book. You will be drawn closer to Jesus. You will be empowered and equipped to live boldly and victoriously. Beth vividly illustrates Christ within us is more powerful than the evil around us. One of the best books Ive ever read.

Andy Lehman, vice president of Lifesong for Orphans

Throw the First Punch makes it clear that God has empowered and equipped us to declare war on and defeat the Enemy. As an anointed storyteller, Beth Guckenberger brings biblical truth to life as one who has experienced the victory that only comes from following and living for Jesus. Transparent and powerfulits the call for all of us to suit up!

Tami Heim, president and CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance

The rules of warfare are to know your enemy and to gather all intelligence on his nature. Beth has done both. This is not a demon behind every bush book. It is truth, reality, and warnings of the Enemy of our soul: Satan. With sound biblical teaching and real life stories, this book equips us with weapons of spiritual warfare that embolden us to walk wisely and boldly in faith. We need this insight and practical instruction.

Jerry White, PhD, international president emeritus of The Navigators, Major General, US Air Force (ret.)

Many Christian and self-help books address common causes of struggles, including causes that are emotional or psychological, physical or medical, social or political. Beth has unveiled an added spiritual dimension that is often neglected, by writing with candor and vulnerability about the ageless struggle between good and evil. She provides refreshing insights into how working within Gods power, we can learn to use Gods [spiritual] tools as effective help along the wayincluding praise, prayer, and Scripture.

Susan Hillis, PhD, speaker, writer, scientist, adoptive mother of 11

Throw the First Punch provides a critical reminder that there will always be another battle in life and that we need to be ready and equipped for the fight. Beth provides great insight and practical advice on how to lace up your gloves and let Gods light and power land the punch that assures the victory.

Edward Martin, Chief Omniwin Officer of 5thelement.group

In a season when the conditions of this world press on our exhaustion button, we wonder, is it time to just give up? This book will ground you, refresh you, and empower you. Beth cleverly exposes the schemes of the Enemy and equips readers with the hope that they are more than conquerors in Jesus. I encourage everyone to let this book be a powerful reminder of how to thrive again, find peace again, and hope again.

Lori Bethran, senior director of childrens ministries at Lakewood Church, Houston, TX

THROW THE FIRST PUNCH

Published by David C Cook

4050 Lee Vance Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80918 U.S.A.

Integrity Music Limited, a Division of David C Cook

Brighton, East Sussex BN1 2RE, England

The graphic circle C logo is a registered trademark of David C Cook.

All rights reserved. Except for brief excerpts for review purposes,

no part of this book may be reproduced or used in any form

without written permission from the publisher.

The website addresses recommended throughout this book are offered as a resource to you. These websites are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement on the part of David C Cook, nor do we vouch for their content.

Details in some stories have been changed to protect the identities of the persons involved.

Bible credits are listed in the back of the book.

Library of Congress Control Number 2021944182

ISBN 978-0-8307-8257-4

eISBN 978-0-8307-8258-1

2022 Beth Guckenberger

The author is represented by Alive Literary Agency, www.aliveliterary.com.

The Team: Michael Covington, Stephanie Bennett, James Hershberger, Jack Campbell, Susan Murdock

Cover Design: Nick Lee

Author cover photo: Brian Steege (rep. Etc Creative, Inc.)

First Edition 2022

To Todd: You are the best kingdom warrior I know.

He trains my hands for war.

Psalm 144:1

About the Author

Beth Guckenberger is a sought-after speaker and lifelong missionary who communicates on stage, radio, film, and in print how God works in her life. She and her husband, Todd, lead Back2Back Ministries, an international orphan-care organization where staff work relentlessly to find creative solutions to the challenges facing vulnerable children and their families. They lived in Monterrey, Mexico, for fifteen years and now reside in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Back2Back Ministries has its US office.