The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20
Jesus sent 72 apostles out on a mission to preach the gospel, heal the sick and deliver those held captive by Satan. Upon their return, they were stoked with their success. At the top of their list was the fact that even the demons had submitted to them when they prayed in Jesus' name.
They had seen the power of God in action. It was exciting and they were filled them with joy. I can just imagine how pumped they were. I long to see the power of God working in the church again. I want to see miracles, healings, deliverance from addiction, awesome works of God performed as his people step out in his name, but Jesus wanted them (and us) to focus on something else.
He said, "Look, fellas, I know you're excited, I gave you the authority and the power to overcome all the power of the enemy and that's good, but if you want to rejoice in something, don't chase after the signs and wonders-rejoice that your names are written down in heaven." (My paraphrase)
Jesus wants us to remember every day that we are God's children, our salvation is sure, our future is secure, our final destination is Heaven, and we can rejoice in that. We should be shouting for joy every day that our names are written in the Lamb's book of Life.!
Prayer:
Thank you, Father, that our names are written in Heaven, that at the moment we confessed our sins to you, asked for forgiveness and surrendered our lives to Christ, we had more reason to rejoice than we could ever imagine. Help us to remember that every day and to rejoice always in our salvation. Amen
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(Copyright© 2011 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)
Jesus sent 72 apostles out on a mission to preach the gospel, heal the sick and deliver those held captive by Satan. Upon their return, they were stoked with their success. At the top of their list was the fact that even the demons had submitted to them when they prayed in Jesus' name.
They had seen the power of God in action. It was exciting and they were filled them with joy. I can just imagine how pumped they were. I long to see the power of God working in the church again. I want to see miracles, healings, deliverance from addiction, awesome works of God performed as his people step out in his name, but Jesus wanted them (and us) to focus on something else.
He said, "Look, fellas, I know you're excited, I gave you the authority and the power to overcome all the power of the enemy and that's good, but if you want to rejoice in something, don't chase after the signs and wonders-rejoice that your names are written down in heaven." (My paraphrase)
Jesus wants us to remember every day that we are God's children, our salvation is sure, our future is secure, our final destination is Heaven, and we can rejoice in that. We should be shouting for joy every day that our names are written in the Lamb's book of Life.!
Prayer:
Thank you, Father, that our names are written in Heaven, that at the moment we confessed our sins to you, asked for forgiveness and surrendered our lives to Christ, we had more reason to rejoice than we could ever imagine. Help us to remember that every day and to rejoice always in our salvation. Amen
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(Copyright© 2011 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)
3 comments:
Amen! Beautiful prayer, and congratulations on your new blog! Love it! And what a great way to use that 1am creative energy (lol). So happy to see God using your talents in this way. Be blessed in your ministry to others :)
Aw, thanks, Debbie. I love writing devotionals. It's really just sharing my heart and what I'm learning about our wonderful Lord as I walk daily with Him.
How thankful I am that my future is secure in Christ! No matter what we go through here, we can have hope.
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