Convinced

​There are those who scoff at the reality of demons. The whole notion of religion or the existence of God seems like relics of an antiquated belief system.  Tell that to the four men who on September 20, 2011 stood around Vlad and prayed for him, watching as he writhed on the ground as one and then another demon left him.  Two days later Vlad called Dad and said he was again under attack.  So the two met near my parent’s home and walked together up a nearby mountain.  

Again Dad challenged Vlad with the test of 1 John 4:2,3—“This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.  But every spirit who does not confess Jesus is not from God. . .” Vlad lunged at him, his eyes full of evil, stopping as if hitting a wall inches from his face.  A voice taunted Dad that he did not have the authority to cast him out.  He responded that by himself he did not have authority but by the name of Jesus Christ and in His power he held authority.  He then commanded every demon in Vlad to leave.

The most horrible, foul cursing filled the air and again, Vlad was thrown to the ground where he coughed and wrestled with his unseen tormentors.  This time, they all came out.  Vlad was in his right mind and was filled with peace.  That same day he put his faith in Jesus and today he remains free of demons who inhabited him during his life of wickedness.  
 
Meditation
Luke 1:1-4—Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us. It also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.
 
We should be highly encouraged when we read in Scripture that Luke wrote two books in the Bible, Luke and Acts, so that his friend Theophilus would “know the certainty of the things” believers taught him. The Bible is not fiction.  It is not the fabrication of deluded men or the conjecture of superstitious simpletons.  It is an amazingly accurate narrative of eyewitnesses.  It is the recorded words of prophets, sages, kings and workers inspired by the Holy Spirit; committed to telling the story of the world’s Creator who made us to love us.  
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I have watched God do miraculous works.  I am convinced He is real.  Dad and the three men with him who confronted Vlad’s demons are certain of the reality and power of the Lord.  But it is not our job to convince others.  It is our privilege to believe.  We are called to report the truth we have experienced.  Only God can reach the heart of people.  But God expects us to share our lives.  There are Vlad’s all around us.  There are skeptics who dismiss the reality of what they cannot see or do not wish to believe.  In most parts of the world, people are very aware of demons—they know what it is to live in fear of evil spirits.  In America, demons are far more subtle.  They hide in plain sight fed by the sophisticated lie that they don’t exist.   If you want to be convinced, start asking people to confess Jesus Christ.
 
©2012 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)