 You can use these questions and scriptures in your own personal devotions during the week.
READ Read 1 Kings 17:1-24 • What was the prophecy that Elijah took to Ahab, king of Israel? (17:1) • After speaking with Ahab, why did God direct Elijah to hide? (17:2-3) • How were Elijah’s needs met while he was alone in the desert? (17:5-6) • What two requests did Elijah make of the widow at Zarephath? (17:10-11) REFLECT • What was unusual about the ways God chose to provide for Elijah during the drought? • What kind of faith is required for living with just enough for each day and no more? • What is the importance of action to back up our words as believers? • In what way do you find it easy or difficult to obey God when you don’t know what the outcome will be? • In what peculiar but sufficient ways is God meeting your needs today? APPLY • What step of faith do you need to take at this time in your life? Here are some suggestions you may want to use for your time with God this week: Day 1: Read 1 Kings 17:1. Pray and ask God to continue preparing you for the great purposes He has in store for your life. Day 2: Read 1 Kings 17:2-3. If you are going through any difficult circumstances right now, ask God to show you His purpose through these situations. Day 3: Read 1 Kings 17:4-6. Pray and ask God to meet any needs you currently have. Pray for the needs of others that you know. Day 4: Read 1 Kings 17:7-9. Have an honest talk with God by discussing a leap of faith that He is calling you to make. Commit to making that leap of faith. Day 5: Read 1 Kings 17:10-24. Pray and ask God to help develop you into the man or woman that He has called you to be. Ask for His daily guidance in your life as He continues to work through you and transform you.
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 What was the potency that drove the ministry of Christ, and caused even the darkness to obey? Authority. By His authority, Christ drove out demons, healed the sick, raised the dead, and destroyed the work of the devil. As He summed up His ministry here on earth, Christ passed this authority onto us through His resurrection power. This is now the same authority that drives the weapons of our warfare, the boldness of our witness, and the proclamation of the kingdom of God.
“And He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing.”– Luke 9:1-2 What is Authority? When I was 14 I wanted to drive a car by myself. I had the ability to drive; I was tall enough to reach the pedals, strong enough to turn the wheel, and cognizant enough to understand the road laws. Yet, because I had no license to drive, I did not have the legal authority to get in the car and drive it. My ability could only take me so far before my lack of realized authority limited me. Likewise, spiritual power and authority have been designed to work together, while each having a unique function. The meaning of the Greek word power is a force or ability that enables us to overcome the tactics of the devil. The word authority, is the Greek word, “Exousia”, which is a delegated influence, or jurisdiction; The right to administer justice. Simply put, power gives us the ability to overcome oppression, while authority gives us jurisdiction to subdue the oppressor. The source of our authority is in the resurrection power of Christ and can only be asserted through His Lordship in our lives (Hebrews 2:14). In Ephesians chapter 1, Paul explains how all authority was brought about through Christ when God raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand. Chapter 2 adds that we too have been raised up and seated right there with Him. Proper power and authority cannot be exercised outside the salvation and Lordship of Jesus Christ. The Trump Card “Behold I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.”– Luke 10:19 It is of great importance to realize that your authority annihilates the power of the devil in your life. This verse in Luke 10 reveals that while the devil has dunamis power (force and ability), he has no authority (jurisdiction) over anything. He can try and attack you, but he cannot destroy or overcome you. Your power alone vs. the devil’s power will often times cause never-ending cycles of struggle; leaving you feeling hopeless. But, exercising both power and authority conquers the devil’s power, releasing victory to you, so that you can occupy the position of freedom. Here’s a practical example of applying power and authority: Joe Christian struggles with an addiction; drugs, alcohol, pornography, food or the like. When desire threatens to carry him away, power gives him the ability to call on the name of Jesus. He invites the Spirit into his situation, thus empowering him to overcome the attack of temptation (2 Cor. 3:17); Joe's power gives him the ability to overcome the temptation in the moment. Additionally, he must exercise his authority over the devil to uproot the issue. Joe must enforce his authority; removing the stronghold of the enemy's power over him, so that he does not find himself in a constant power struggle with the devil. Three ways to Exercise Authority 1. Flex Your “No” Muscle Make a decision that you will not passively manage strongholds in your life. Be honest; face your struggle. Embrace humility; recognize your need for Christ. Be diligent; exercise your authority over the enemy by saying, “No! You cannot operate in my life this way any longer, get out!” Put your foot down and refuse to let the devil continue to assault your life (James 4:7). 2. Speak the Word! Jesus responded to every one of the devil’s schemes with, “it is written” (Matthew 4). The word is a weapon of warfare; it is truth, life, and it is final. Use the scriptures to pray, praise God, and declare truth; Knowing the word of God is imperative in exercising your authority. 3. Fill the House Abide in Christ (John 15:4). Since Christ is the source of our authority, it cannot exist apart from His Lordship. Anchor yourself in Christ through constant study of scripture, worship, and prayer. Pray daily, “Lord, sit upon the throne of my heart and be Master over my thoughts, and behaviors today” When you exercise your power and authority over the enemy, it’s like bringing a nuclear bomb to a knife fight. Go kick some tail and take back your territory, friend! -Rheanna Arfsten |
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