Tag: authority in Christ

October 10, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Rejoicing in God’s Power

Opening Verse

“And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.” – Luke 10:17, KJV

Introduction

In Luke 10:17, we witness the excitement of the seventy disciples after returning from a mission where they experienced the power of God firsthand. Filled with joy, they marveled at how even the demons obeyed them through the name of Jesus. This verse reveals not only the authority given to believers but also the deeper truth about where our true joy should come from.

Scripture Analysis

The seventy disciples had been sent out by Jesus to proclaim the kingdom of God, heal the sick, and cast out demons. When they returned, they were amazed at the authority they had in Jesus’ name. Their joy came from seeing the results of their ministry and witnessing the power of God over the forces of darkness.

However, Jesus later reminded them that their true joy should not be in the authority over demons, but in the fact that their names were written in heaven (Luke 10:20). This scripture teaches us that the power of God is real and active, but our greatest treasure is the salvation we have through Jesus Christ.

Personal Reflection

Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt empowered by God to do something extraordinary? It’s easy to feel joy and excitement when we see God working through us in powerful ways. But Jesus calls us to remember that our greatest reason to rejoice is in the eternal gift of salvation. No earthly success or spiritual victory compares to the joy of knowing that we belong to Him forever.

Practical Application

In moments of success, whether in ministry, work, or life, it’s important to remember the source of our strength: Jesus Christ. While we can celebrate victories and breakthroughs, we should always anchor our joy in the fact that we are children of God, redeemed by His grace.

Whenever you experience God’s power working through you, pause to give thanks for His saving grace. Remember that your relationship with Him is the most precious thing you have. This mindset keeps us humble and focused on what truly matters in life.

Spiritual Encouragement

God has given us authority and power through Jesus’ name, but our ultimate joy comes from our relationship with Him. No matter what challenges or victories you face, keep your eyes on the eternal truth: you are loved, saved, and secure in Christ. Let this be the foundation of your joy, knowing that your name is written in heaven.

Closing Verse

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
Philippians 4:4, KJV

September 26, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Authority to Stop Wickedness Before It Arises

Opening Verse

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.”
(Isaiah 54:17, KJV)

Introduction

As followers of Christ, we have been granted authority to not only confront wickedness when it manifests, but to stop it even before it fully arises. The Holy Spirit equips us with discernment to see the enemy’s schemes and empowers us to put an end to them before they take root.

Devotional Story

There was a woman named Maria, who was known for her strong prayer life. One morning, as she spent time in prayer, she felt a strong sense of unease. The Holy Spirit warned her that a close friend was about to fall into a trap of gossip and deceit. Maria prayed immediately, taking authority over the situation in Jesus’ name.

Later that day, her friend called her, frustrated over a situation at work that could lead to bitterness and division. Maria spoke words of wisdom, reminding her friend of God’s ways and encouraging her to choose peace. Because Maria had already taken spiritual authority in prayer, the seeds of wickedness were stomped out before they had a chance to grow.

This is the power we have in Christ—not just to react to evil, but to stop it before it can arise.

What This Means

God has given us spiritual discernment and authority so that we can stop wickedness in its tracks, even as it begins to form. The enemy often seeks to plant seeds of destruction through thoughts, words, or situations, but we have the power to uproot them before they flourish. Through prayer, obedience, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can prevent evil from gaining ground.

Think About This

Are there areas in your life where you sense the enemy is trying to plant seeds of wickedness? Pray for discernment, and take authority in the name of Jesus to stop these schemes before they take hold. Remember, you are equipped to stop evil from arising, not just react to it after the fact.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me the authority to stop wickedness before it even begins. Help me to be vigilant, to listen to Your Spirit, and to act in faith when You show me the enemy’s plans. I declare that no weapon formed against me will prosper, and I stand in Your strength to stomp out evil before it can take root. In Your mighty name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Neither give place to the devil.”
(Ephesians 4:27, KJV)