Proverbs 28:13-14

He who conceals his transgression will not prosper, but whoever confesses and turns away from sins will find compassion and mercy. Blessed and favored by God is the man who fears (sin and its consequences) at all times. But he who hardens his heart (and is determined to sin) will fall into disaster.  

Connecting to Proverbs, pride is a life stopper. When we humble our hearts and confess our sins, we can continue to flourish under the love of God. If we conceal our sins and refuse to acknowledge them and repent, we do not fear God or the consequences of our actions. Disaster will come because we refuse to acknowledge the error of our ways. 

Ephesians 4:18

For their (moral) understanding is darkened and their reasoning is clouded; (they are) alienated and self-banished from the life of God (with no share in it; this is) because of the (willful) ignorance and spiritual blindness that is (deep-seated) within them, because of the hardness and insensitivity of their heart.

Our time spent learning about Jesus in the Bible and fellowshipping softens our hearts to hear from God. If we lack knowledge of the Bible, we lack understanding. Our heart hardens toward God as we distance ourselves through sin, worldly pursuits, disobedience, trauma, and disappointments. No matter the circumstances, keep close to Jesus and a soft heart to hear. 

Matthew 10:1

Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority and power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. 

Jesus gave His disciples authority and power over unclean spirits. When Jesus was crucified and rose again, Jesus gave us power and authority over unclean spirits to cast them out and to heal every sickness. God is waiting on us to exercise our faith and use the authority. God can’t violate His law and our free will. 

Matthew 9:29

Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith (your trust and confidence in My power and My ability to heal) it will be done to you.”

Do we trust in the ability of Jesus to heal us? He died on the cross, took back the authority over this earth from the devil, and handed it to us. Do we believe we have the authority to stop the devil working in our health? If not. Then it is time to open our bible and study until our faith overflows. The word of God is sharper than a two-edged sword, and He is waiting for us to use it.  

2 Timothy 4:18

The Lor will rescue me from every evil assault, and He will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever.

God rescued Paul from every evil assault! God is not a respecter of persons, and if He will rescue Paul, then God will do the same for us. Stand on the word and speak the faith and praise the Lord. Flood the room with the power and authority given to us by Jesus Christ and watch the demons flee. Don’t give the enemy any ground.

Acts 3:16

And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health and complete wholeness in your presence.

The name of Jesus is the badge of authority against demons here on earth. Faith in the name of Jesus and acting on His word produce the promises of God here in our lives and communities. We have no power or weapons to fight against the enemy without it. If we don’t or won’t believe in Jesus, we cannot attain the promises of God. 

Colossians 1:13

For He has rescued us and has drawn us to Himself from the authority of darkness and has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.

Jesus died on the cross so we can rule and reign over the enemy here. Our authority to rule and reign over all the powers of the enemy is an active force that we are to use. Speak against negative, harassing thoughts when the enemy brings them to mind. “Devil, I submit myself to the will of God, and I resist you in the name of Jesus!” He has to leave!

James 4:8

Come close to God (with a contrite heart) and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your (unfaithful) hearts, you double-minded (people).

The more we turn away from the sinful distractions of the world, the easier it is for our hearts to stay clean and away from sin. The longer we stare at the unclean world, the more our minds will convince us that it is ok to participate in the compromise. The slope gets steep at the first step off the path as the devil can now barrage the brain with guilt, unworthiness, and shame, making us double-minded. Keep a guard on the heart and draw closer to God. 

James 4:7

So submit to (the authority of) God. Resist the devil (stand firm against him) and he will flee from you. 

It doesn’t say fight, yell, or cry. It says, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” That means quoting some truth from scripture about the circumstance and reminding the devil of the authority given to us through Jesus. If he keeps talking, we are to keep speaking the word and praising the Lord. We must resist, and he will flee. 

Luke 10:19

Listen carefully: I have given you authority (that you now possess) to tread on serpents and scorpions, and (the ability to exercise authority) over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will (in any way) harm you. 

Christians must recognize the authority Jesus gave here on earth and walk in it. WE are to tread on sickness, lack, depression, and use our authority to remove them from our lives. Whatever the enemy tries to insinuate into our minds, WE are to cast out and cast down by using the word. Nothing will (in any way) harm you when we take a stand against the enemy in the Name of Jesus.