FRIDAY - August 21

Read. Acts 19:13-17

13 There were some Jews who traveled around throwing out evil spirits. They tried to use the power of the name of the Lord Jesus against some people with evil spirits. They said, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you!” 14 The seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.

15 The evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus and I’m familiar with Paul, but who are you?” 16 The person who had an evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all with such force that they ran out of that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus. Everyone was seized with fear and they held the name of the Lord Jesus in the highest regard.

Reflect. In the world of Paul, exorcists were often hired to drive out spirits and heal people. Often, Jews were hired for this work by the pagan rulers and wealthy people because it was believed that they had some kind of special power. When we read about the exorcists in v.13, this is likely what is happening. These are likely Jews who have been hired as exorcists by the religious and civic (non-Christians) leaders in Ephesus. 

• These hired exorcists had seen Jesus followers using the power of Jesus to expel spirits, so they decide to try. These are not people of faith; they are trying to use the power of Jesus for their own benefit. The evil spirits recognize what is going on here and overpowers this false practitioner. 
• Reflect on the power that is found through the Spirit in the Christian community. This power is to be used for the goodness of God and the betterment of others. There is danger in trying to use the power of the Spirit for own’s own advantage. How have you seen people try to use the Spirit of God to manipulate people? The Holy Spirit is not some impersonal force that can be used in many ways, instead the Holy Spirit is God’s own Spirit that is active in the life of a believer through faith. 

Pray. Lord, your Spirit is power and truth. You create life and give help. Guide me to live my life as a child of your life giving spirit and to never try to use your Spirit to manipulate others. Amen. 

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug. Bobby. Collier. Glenn. Adam.  Mary.  Clyde.  Linda. Betty Carolyn. Jeff. Albert. Richard. Lois. Ross. Tiny. Donald. Bill. Barbara. Andreas. Helen. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeremy. Jeff Green. Lyric. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow. John. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr. Smith family.