A is for Authority

Last week was a bit of downer. Not many want to read about something that they should not be doing or participating in, nor do we enjoy the shock of realizing truth. The word curses and doorways to the demonic that we expose ourselves and our youth to on a day that is supposed to be fun is no easy pill to swallow. Yet, Halloween is the perfect example of a day we give permission to the demonic to hook us and grip us in ways unimaginable. It is truly that simple, we open ourselves to darkness by being participants in it. The great news is that we as believers have the power to speak life into dry bones. We have the authority to walk as Jesus did, to raise the dead to life, speak life into dead spirits, heal the sick, and fill the hopeless and down trodden with words of edification, encouragement, and blessings. This is not a flowery sentiment. We can do all of those things. In fact, Jesus says we will do even more. We have the authority to speak and see the miraculous happen as effortlessly as Jesus did. The power of our words and the blessings they bring are undeniably powerful. We are taught in scripture how this is possible and accordingly the type of fruit it would produce. In Mark 11:23 it says, “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to the mountain, “Be removed and be cast into the sea.” And does not doubt in his heart, but believes those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” Let me reiterate what that says- it says he that does not second guess his heart and believes will have whatever he says! Wow, so if we take on the mind of Christ and walk in the authority that Jesus walked in we will reap abundantly.

We often see this idea swept up in new age vocabulary with words of affirmation. Yet, the Bible takes it further than just speaking positive words. This isn't a matter of convincing ourselves that we are good, we are kind, or we are successful. It goes way beyond that- it goes as far as to say that our words will speak life or death over peoples lives. This is a big deal. People aren't walking around saying their words of affirmation thinking they have the authority to raise a body from the dead. Yet, the truth is just as Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, we too can speak Holy Spirit back into dead bones. In Luke 9:1 it says, "And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases." and in Matthew 18:18-20 Jesus exclaims, " Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

Here again we are shown that we hold true dominion over death, disease, and the demonic through the Truth, the Light, the Lord our Savior Jesus Christ. The Bible is not simply a compilation of stories, parables, and rules to follow. The Bible is a book that is alive and breathing transcending time and space. We carry the torch of our predecessors. Therefore, we need to get out of our own way with our modern believe systems. Believers need now more than ever to harness their thoughts and refocus them on the Lord. We need now more than over to believe with all are hearts, minds, bodies, and souls in the infinite power we receive as a gift from our loving Father. He wishes to see us set free, but we have to be willing participants and believe in what He has to offer through our yes to God in our walks.

I see this confidence and walk of Kingdom authority in the spiritual brothers and sisters that I do daily life with- the stories that have accrued over time of the miracles, signs, and wonders are irrefutable. The most awe inspiring is to see the level of supernatural joy that so many of them walk in in the midst of struggles and times of unrest. This is one of the true marks of a follower of Jesus walking in true authority with Him. His grace gives us stamina and His Holy Spirit gives us supernatural joy. The hope today is that we activate the Holy Spirit fire that lives within us, that we walk in the authority Jesus so graciously said we get to walk in, and that we live our lives going about the Fathers business with confidence and a knowingness of whom we belong. When we do this we will see the shackles of the enemy over our lives break. We regularly will see healings from disease, death, and we will see a people who know longer walk in the depths of our doubts and despair, but instead in the goodness and joy that God so intended for us. Amen!