Today’s Scripture: Matthew 12:30, KJB- “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.”
We must choose who we are with. This world has many voices in the streets and airways. Jesus was standing against the Pharisees who were even plotting to kill Him to protect their turf. Isaiah had prophesied that Jesus would go about His mission quietly.
The loudest voices are not to be trusted. In Matthew 12:29, Jesus made the analogy of a strong man and his house. Before those wishing to plunder his house could steal his possessions, they must tie him up. The evil one of this world and his minions do their best to tie us up with shame of public opinion of views contrary to Christ.
If we are with Jesus these voices are just shallow lives to be pitied and prayed for. We need to fill ourselves with the Holy Spirit of Jesus to resist evil. As Matthew 12:32 states, we must be sure to not speak against the Holy Spirit as this will not be forgiven. Filled with the Spirit we will never be bound.
Matthew 12:33 shares how we are to recognize good and evil, simply looking at the fruits. We speak and produce what the heart is full of. If our hearts are full of Jesus and His Spirit, we will speak what is good. We are free to fill ourselves with good or evil. We must pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit so we produce the fruits of the Spirit.
We have access to someone greater than is in this world. Matthew 12:43-45 was one of the most critical points my sponsor impressed upon me early in my recovery. We cannot just sweep our spirits clean and live with a vacuum in our souls. We must fill our souls with Jesus and the Spirit of God. If we simply clean house, then there is a vacancy available after we have kicked evil out. If a void remains, the evil spirit will return and bring seven more evil spirits and we will be worse than before.
When we choose to be with Jesus and His Holy Spirit, we protect ourselves against the understanding and opinions of evil. In Step 6 of Celebrate Recovery, we state that “We are entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.” We only need to be ready for God to fill us with His Spirit. We must only welcome in Jesus and His Holy Spirit.
Filled with the Spirit of God and walking with Jesus we are protected from outside influences regardless of how loud their voices may be. We do not need to be louder, only filled. It is important to also surround ourselves with others that are also filled with the Spirit and love of God. Filled with the Spirit of God we desire to do the will of God. That is who we are.
Are you with Jesus and welcoming His Spirit to fill you?
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I am choosing to walk with Jesus. I am confessing that I am entirely ready to have You remove my defects of character and to fill me with Your Holy Spirit so there is no room for evil. Fill me with Your love LORD so I speak Your love and produce Your fruits. Out of me comes You. In Jesus’ name I am praying. Amen.
Leave a Reply