Day Three | Wednesday

Claiming Your Authority in Christ

 

"I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you."

Luke 10:19 (NIV)

 

It’s one thing to have power, and it’s another thing to have authority to use it. When I lived in Chicago, I bought a lot of fireworks for a neighborhood 4th of July party. I picked up fireworks on a visit to Indiana. Fireworks were illegal in Chicago, but everyone shot them, and I mean everyone. As I started shooting a few of them, suddenly, a cop pulled up and told me to stop. Fireworks were going off all over the place, but I was shut down. I learned I wouldn’t win the argument, so we agreed to stop shooting. There was all sorts of power in my garage, but I had no authority to use it.

 

This is a picture of Christianity for many people. They have power, but someone, or Satan, has told them they have no authority to use it. They believe lies that they aren’t good enough, qualified enough, or knowledgeable enough. It's one thing to be saved and know there is spiritual power for you. It’s another thing to operate in your authority as a child of God.

 

The blood of Jesus, not your performance, gives you authority. When walking with Jesus, you have the power and authority to drive out the darkness around you. You must know who God is first, but you also must know who you are! What lies are you believing that keep you from using the power of God given to each of us? You have the power and authority in Jesus’ name to break strongholds, overcome anger and jealousy, be content, heal the sick, be bold in your faith, and find joy and peace. You must know this is yours because Christ is yours, and you’re His. Don’t settle for wading in the shallow end of faith. An ocean is waiting to be explored, and you have the rights, permits and permission to be out there. Remember that today!

 

Application: Remember the blood of Jesus, not your performance, gives you authority today!

 

Prayer: Consider how the Spirit wants you to use your spiritual authority. What truth do you need to confidently claim today? Ask the Spirit to reveal that, then hang on to that truth today!

 

 

 

“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)

  • What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
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“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)

  • What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
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May Your Kingdom come soon.Matthew 6:10a (NLT)

  • Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
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“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)

  • Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
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“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)

  • Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
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“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)

  • Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?