Monday, Sept. 16 | Matthew 10:1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits... Jesus of Nazareth keeps on giving. This time he is giving to his disciples the power to drive out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease. Do you battle “evil spirits”? Do you sense how aggressive evil is as it comes at you from external sources? Do you struggle with internal attitudes that draw you away from Christ and push you toward practices and habits that are destructive to yourself and others? You have received authority over those “unclean spirits” in your life. Jesus Christ gives this power to those who trust in him. You identify these evil spirits by their fruits in your life. You do not have to distinguish between what is external or internal to your mind and heart. Evil comes at you both ways. Instead, identify what draws you away from Christ and pollutes your inner life. If you belong to God, you do not have to succumb to temptation and the attacks of Satan. You overcome these things—you drive them out—through Christ and his Word. Activate this spiritual authority over evil in your life through prayer. Depend on the Holy Spirit who dwells within you. Trust Christ for victory. Organize your life with spiritual reminders and disciplines. Do not give the devil an opportunity. Respond to temptation immediately with prayer. The most insidious spiritual evil is that which creeps up unannounced—self-pity, pride, greed, and lust. Check these things at the threshold of your mind and heart. PRAYER: Dear God, you are my sword and shield today. Help me to be spiritually alert to the advances of evil in my life. I want to please you with what I say and do. Give me the power I need.
Posted on: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 11:46:00 +0000