TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
Please Read Acts 19:11–20
When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.
Acts 19:17–20
DEVOTIONAL
by Elder Chris Beltran
What does the word of God say about the demon-possessed, and how do we confront them? We have watched horror movies that dwelt on demon possession. We have also heard people’s advice on facing these demons—use holy water, holy oil, several cloves of garlic, a big cross or crucifix, and the Holy Bible. For vampires and werewolves, have a silver bullet or a silver sword.
It was evident how the Lord was doing extraordinary miracles through Paul. In verses 11 to 12, even handkerchiefs that touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured; even the evil spirits left. However, is the cure in the handkerchiefs, in Paul, or in the Lord who can perform miracles using them? Many focus on certain relics, things, images, places, or even people. Some believe in their healing and blessing. In Acts 14, when Paul healed a disabled man in Lystra, the crowd shouted, “the gods have come down to us in human form!” Then, they wanted to worship them by bringing bulls and wreaths to offer sacrifices, forgetting that they were just messengers of the King of kings.
When Jesus said, “Ask in my name, and it will be given to you,” he meant it as entrustment to do things for God’s kingdom, not for our selfish intentions. Calling on the name of Jesus acknowledges the authority of the person who owns that name (read Philippians 2:10–11).
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, show us Your power through miracles and conviction. Transform us from within, expose falsehoods, and lead us to genuine repentance. Protect us from deception and guide those lost to Your grace. Thank You for reminding us of Your authority. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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