GUEST BLOGGER
Guest Blogger, Kathy Warren, on Spiritual Authority. How many times do things happen to us and we just chalk it up to, “stuff happens?”All the while we feel we are getting beat up, mistreated and weak in our faith. Are you aware of your rights as a child of God over the works of the enemy, satan? Do you know who you really are in Jesus Christ? John 10:10 tells us that satan ONLY comes to steal, kill and destroy from our lives. Also, in 1 Peter 5 it says, “Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith.” NLT Do you understand as a follower of Christ you don’t have to have a “stuff happens” perspective? YOU have been given the same authority Jesus had as He lived on the earth. That same authority He had to heal the sick, cast out demons, feed thousands and do so many other miracles is available to YOU. Jesus says in Luke 10:“19, I have given you authority (delegated influence: - authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength) to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Do you walk in the authority given to you through Jesus to live life abundantly (the second part of John 10:10)? Maybe you are reading this and really don’t understand or know how to walk in authority to overcome the enemy and live in abundance! Here is how to get started: 1) Read the first four books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John). You will see the life of Jesus and what He has given to you. I know some of the stories seem the same through out the four books, they are, but keep reading them again and again. Also read: Matthew 16:19; Ephesians 4:27; James 4:7; Ephesians 6:11 2) Faith and wisdom come by hearing and hearing and hearing the word of God! Faith is KEY in knowing who we are in Christ and living life in our authority and in the abundance HE gives. Wisdom gives us the Spiritual insight to overcome the deceptions of the enemy! 3) When you are experiencing an attack of the enemy, exercise your authority. Speak over the attack (just like Jesus did), “In the name of Jesus Christ, I command this sickness (as an example) to stop. I bind this attack of the enemy and I loose the healing of Jesus.” Then begin to thank God for the healing, believing that it is happening! 4) Use your authority in the name of Jesus and watch the “stuff happens” perspective change to, “I recognize the attacks of the enemy and I will overcome because I understand the authority I have been given through Jesus Christ.” Oh, what a John 10:10b life you will live! Wanting more information on your authority? Go to lunch, coffee or tea with a Rock Church leader you know and ask questions. You can also listen to and read great material on the subject. Here is my suggestion: Taking Up Your Mantle, a 3-CD series with a booklet $25. By Frank Damazio (Portland City Bible Church) Go to www.citychristianpublishing.
