Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Acts 8:7, “For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.”
Background
It’s always the unclean spirits that do the crying out with a loud voice, isn’t it? And I’m not simply referring to stories of demons who possessed various individuals recounted in scripture. Proverbs speaks extensively to the folly of those who cannot seem to keep their mouth shut, especially when it most behooves them to be quiet. And all around us, filling the news and the airwaves and the ears of whoever will listen are the loud voices of those clamoring for everything imaginable that would go against God and His instruction. And even on a personal level, aren’t you inclined to take out your foul mood on those nearby, even if they are your loved ones, rather than hold it in and seek peace some other way? Yes, our spirits can get rather sullied without our noticing it, at least until it’s too late. So, what can you do differently today? How can you get that unclean spirit out of you without it taking its toll on you and anyone else within earshot?
Application
Well, most of the answer comes during the times when your spirit is in a better state. Times like right now, while you are sitting alone and able to consider your actions and reactions before they overwhelm you, provide the best opportunity for real examination, confession, and pleading before your heavenly Father. If you can look back and envision forward, and take full responsibility for what comes out of you in word and in deed, then your unclean spirit has no chance to leave its mark and do its damage. If you can accept the fact that the problem is your problem, and you are not the victim, then that unclean spirit will become as nothing. But, the time and the work has to be put in beforehand. If you desire to be victorious over your unclean spirits, then you need to deepen your relationship with Jesus. It will always fascinate me that Jesus, who was God in the flesh, needed to spend more time than anyone else praying to His heavenly Father. If anyone would seem to be able to manage on His own, you’d think it would be God’s Son. So, if you want to be made strong in your weakness, deal with the unclean spirits before they deal with you.
Charge
As we seek Him today, prepare for battle by equipping yourself for victory right away.
Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words
Distributed by – BCWorldview.org
Editor Comment: This devotional calls us to quiet the unclean spirit within by taking responsibility and drawing near to Jesus before our foul moods take their toll.