ONE THING: LISTENING TO LIES

God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. ¹² When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.
¹³ A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” ¹⁴ Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. ¹⁵ But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” ¹⁶ Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.  Acts 19:11-16

Here is Paul under the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit changing lives and transforming communities, and as always there are people on the sidelines observing that at some point thought or felt within themselves that they too could do this.  

We as the SO-CALLED church of today or those on the sidelines stand to believe the three lies these Sons of Sceva believed: 

1) I'm good!  These sons of a Jewish priest thought just by observing, listening to, and them mimicking what they had seen and heard they too could cast out spirits.   Friends, family and just strangers reading this blog, unless you have a personal relationship with Christ, and the power of His Spirit is upon you, you live your life on a Monkey See, Monkey Do.  Just because you attend church, may serve here or there, and give every now and then...doesn't afford you the power of the Holy Spirit.

2)  It's to hard.   Satan loves to present illusions of we can never be forgiven, while we totally forget that he is the FATHER OF LIES!  So whatever he says,  believe and do the opposite.   We will give our lives to something, and many things without any effort.....why not give it to Christ, and watch Him perform miracles in and through our lives.

3) It can wait.   What can wait?  Remember people die each day, and everyday that it's not you, increases your risk of you being next.   So why not live today, as if it were you last, loving everyone that comes your way, forgiving those in your past, and choosing to bear witness of the power of Christ in your life.   This may translate as you joining a church, or committing to a small group, or finally signing up for classes or a ministry.......whatever it is....don't be deceived as many are that  you have tomorrow.

These sons were beaten into inches of their lives because they believed a lie that they didn't need Jesus.  How close are you to being beaten by the weight of the world, your past, your present circumstances that have you thinking you can handle it in your own power and strength?  Have you like them been exposed.....as a imposter?  Stop listening to the lies.

So what will it be today.....listening to the lies, or following the still small voice?  LGLP