“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.” St Luke 11 : 24-26

A qualified wildlife expert explained that it is very hard to keep certain homes free of squirrels in the attic. He explained that squirrels develop a strong attachment to their home, and even when they are driven out, or physically removed from their home, they are quite capable of finding their way back to what is familiar and comfortable.  He explained that the best way to keep squirrels out is to install a one-way door so that once the squirrels leave, they are unable to re-enter their nesting area. They may  move-on and try to find somewhere else to live, but every now and then, they will check back to see if their old home is still available.  We may not be able to stop them from checking, but we can make sure there is no way for them to get back inside.

In St. Luke 11: 14-28  Jesus drove out the demon from a man who was mute, and left us a few pointers as to how we can keep our lives clean.  Jesus explained that when an evil spirit has been driven out, it goes through dry places trying to find somewhere else to rest. Having not found a place, “impure spirit” will return to its old house – with company “more wicked” than itself, placing the individual in a worse position than its previous state.  We may not be able to stop impure spirits from checking for vacancy, but if we allow God to fill our hearts and lives, then we certainly leave no room for them to return.

What is the state of our house today? Is the Holy Spirit fully in-charge? Or have we left doors and windows open to attract undesirable company?

Inventory/Introspection: Is God’s seal evident in my heart?

Personal Application:  It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. ( Galatians 5:21)

Father, we are so thankful for Calvary and the Path to Salvation. We are grateful that you offer us the opportunity of Eternal Life, and we do not take it for granted!

We ask that You would walk through our lives today. We pray that You would fix all the cracks and holes in our hearts that may provide a foothold for the enemy. May our lives bring You glory as we live as those who have been bought with the blood of Jesus Christ. May we choose to be set-apart as You have called us.

We are thankful that nothing that we do can ever take  Your love away from us, but may we always remember the sacrifice that  Jesus gave to make us your sons and daughters.

May you be the sole occupant of our hearts.

Amen

Blessings,

ann

Toni R

(c)

Except where indicated, Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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