Passage of the Day:
Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding, Acts 19:13-16.
Reflection:
When I first became a Christian on December 4th, 1983, I had no idea what I was doing. My high school swim coach who became my spiritual mentor helped me immensely along this journey of faith. However, I can’t imagine what it would be like to go through life without a spiritual counselor like Ken. Perhaps, the 7 sons of Sceva were lost, grasping at straws when they tried to improvise spiritually in today’s featured passage. This is the difference between walking with God daily and winging it.
Prayerful Action:
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you, Psalm 119:9-11.
Preparing Your Fields to Produce Spiritual Fruit:
Since moving from the Northeast portion of the United States to the south, I’ve noticed two obvious differences. First, metropolitan cities like Philadelphia are outspoken, often fighting back when their opinions or rights have been ignored. Meanwhile, South Carolinians are laid back, polite and reserved. Second, there is a degree of professionalism in the northeast as individuals prepare themselves each day of work. On the other hand, my interactions in the south have witnessed more of a relaxed, read and react style with a tendency to just wing it. As the disciples were about to panic in Mark 1:36-37, Jesus already knew what to do and where to go, Mark 1:38-39. When you walk with God daily, the Holy Spirit provides a clear vision and path to take in life, Galatians 5:25.
Song of the Day:
Those individuals who like to go through life flying by the seat of their pants, winging it daily, take the easy way out. However, the lyrics of today’s song remind Christians that walking with God means facing your obstacles and trials head on. As you go through the fire, 1 Peter 1:6-7, maturity and growth will develop as you seek to sow spiritual seeds in June.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 