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| More than just a clean sweep |
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11:24 When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' 11:25 When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. 11:26 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 man is worse than the first.
When I was younger, I struggled mightily with the Christian life. Part of me wanted to be a good Christian, but my efforts to live for God were feeble and short-lived. It was like the part of me that yearned for God was trapped inside the body (and mind) of a hopeless sinner. And each subsequent failed attempt made it harder to try again later!
Unfortunately it was not until I got older that I figured out I needed to do more than just sweep the house clean in order to transform my life. Just eliminating habitual thoughts, words, and actions doesn’t instantly result in victorious Christian living. In fact, invariably the habits return, and stronger than ever. Yes, thoughts and behaviors can simply become ingrained in us. But there is also a significant spiritual aspect to our struggles with sinful habits as well (Ephesians 6:12). As Jesus warned, my final condition would always be worse than before!
Finally I discovered that the key to keeping the house clean was to fill it up with the good things of the Lord! Particularly the words of the Lord found in the scriptures. That way it wouldn’t be empty when the Enemy arrived looking for a place to inhabit. Seriously, the key to eliminating bad habits is developing good ones!
And by the way, sometimes we don’t really need to sweep the house completely clean in order to begin living for the Lord. Oftentimes the changes are more gradual. Once the decision is made to surrender a life completely to God, don’t worry, anything not dealt with at that time will certainly be dealt with by the Lord very soon thereafter. When given free reign the Spirit will cleanse the believer!
[Related blog: Practical advice to kick habitual sin ]
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| To add a comment to "More than just a clean sweep" |
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| November 13, 2007 |
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| You make some very good points. I remember before I was saved reading those bumper stickers, "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven" and I had no idea what they meant, but I get it now! |
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| November 13, 2007 |
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It's true, we aren't perfect but forgiveness certainly is ours... yet humility is crucial, right? Imagine the pharisaical Christian claiming he's forgiven yet continuing in his self-righteousness? I know, they aren't common, but there are enough of them to reflect on Christians as a whole. Great comment Randy! |
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| November 13, 2007 |
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Wow. Thanks for bringing some clarity to these verses.
As I was commenting on a similar blog the other day I mentioned how I said "the sinners prayer" several years ago but was not taught that this was only the beginning to being transformed. I wasn't aware of the fact that I now had an enemy who was going to use every trick in the book to keep me in my old ways. Needless to say it wasn't long at all before I stopped seeking and found myself back in the miry clay. I was clean swept but empty.
I will not go into my testimony other than to say that through a series of trials and tough times I came to a point where I was desparate for God. Being the gracious God that he is, he heard my cries and spoke Proverbs 3:5&6 directly to my heart and it changed my life. Praise God!
I say that to say that this time around I was more prepared and discovered exactly what you are saying here. I needed to not only get "swept clean", but I also needed to renew my mind and become transformed. In other words, as you stated, fill up my house with good things.
I pray that others who read this blog take your message in a very serious way. This ain't no joke! The devil is seeking to steal, kill, and destroy!
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| November 13, 2007 |
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| Michael, thanks for sharing so personally and so deeply. You're right, this is serious stuff. Many "converts" have fallen away b/c they saw no change in their lives before/after meeting Jesus. Their conclusion was that an empty house would remain empty. If we don't fill ourselves with the things of God (his Word, love, the Spirit, praise and adoration, time with him in prayer, good deeds, etc.) then we're only fighting the Enemy in our own strength. A recipe for disaster! |
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| November 13, 2007 |
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It is a recipe for disaster. After I posted that I realized that I should have put a little more emphasis on the "trials and tough times" I mentioned. Within those trials and tough times were several near death experiences. I reiterate this to point out to the new believers that this IS a very serious matter. Learn who you are in Christ and the authority you have been given over the enemy. It could be a matter of life and death.
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| November 13, 2007 |
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Amen Mike n Laura! I remember shortly after I was baptized, there were so many nooks in my heart that God began cleaning out. Though it was painful and difficult, I'm so thankful that He did (and continues to do) so. And I love your emphasis on filling up with good things. It's funny how we're just not made to stay empty. Kind of like 'you are what you eat'. :) Great thoughts. |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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| MIKE THIS IS COOL GOD SHOWS YOU TO SWEEP CLEAN AND FILL HE SHOWED ME TO GET THE COBWEBS OUT.....AND FILL....I'M JUST GLAD HE DIDN'T TELL ME TO GET THE BATS OUT......LOL |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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Thanks Carebear, it's almost as if you understand what I'm talking about better than I do! :-)
Rosie, apparently God relates to his children in unique ways. And hopefully you don't have the bats to be gotten out! lol
Dennis (Trop), agreed that Christians are incapable of being "possessed" or indwelt by demons due to the presence of the Holy Spirit. That is what I've always been taught. I also have been taught like you in that the point of the Christian life isn't merely to be good or look good, but to abide in Christ and let him live his life through us. That would be called victorious Christian living, and many believers don't experience it. I didn't, for a long time. Somehow I missed the message. This isn't the same as saying it wasn't taught, though. I must say my teachers and pastors have been right on the money, the problem is I didn't execute properly -- that is, I didn't abide, I didn't devote myself to the Lord in such a way as to be filled with the good things of the faith. So I'll take the blame for that! |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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Hey Mike, I totally understand the concept you are talking about. We as Christians don't allow Christ to fill the void because our human nature is to be in control. Once we let Christ clean our hearts it is His grace that continues the process. The problem is that He uses His Word to bring about the transformations and if we don't spend time in His Word and talking with Him (prayer) we are not going to allow Him to transform us.
Anyway thanks for sharing your insight.
peace |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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| Paul's encouragement for us to "be filled with the Spirit" suddenly came to mind as I reread the comments above. We are filled with the Spirit as we surrender our lives to Christ, which means our time, talents, and resources. Some of the things we include in that time of surrender are scripture reading and prayer, two of God's primary tools of transformation - as you indicated Glenn! Thanks! |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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| Great point Mike. I believe That a life with Christ is a constant journey of change and self realization. And like any journey it begins with the first step opening our hearts to Jesus. |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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| Thank you for the good word this morning. Praise God that He doesn't leave us like He found us. What a mess that would be. Have a good day and God bless you. |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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| Mike, I am going through a time of housekeeping in my spiritual life, dealing with some issues that I didn't deal with before, and it is a struggle. I like what you said...Finally I discovered that the key to keeping the house clean was to fill it up with the good things of the Lord! That is what I am trying to do. I know I have some work to do, but I also know that I am drawing nearer to God as I do it, and He is transforming me. The things I needed to deal with and ignored are now being dealt with, and it is to His Glory. |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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| Thanks Patrick and Carolyn, and thank you Deb! I like how you put that, "housekeeping in my spiritual life." I too like the housekeeping analogy used by our Lord, it really illustrates the principle well for me! |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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| Mike and Laura, I am so encouraged by what you said today. I have struggled with habitual sin in my life, too--my "bottom" getting lower each time I fell. Being filled with God's Spirit, His word, and having praying sisters and brothers in Christ to be accountable to has kept me getting back up swinging. Have a happy Thanksgiving. |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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| Thank you for your comment Suzanne. Please sister, the important thing to remember is no matter how many times you fall, go back to God, w/o hesitation -- his Word, prayer, your fellow believers... Do not let shame or guilt drive you AWAY from the cross and our Savior. God bless, ~mike |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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Amen, Mike!
If we're busy emptying the house of clutter, we need to bring in the good stuff. Otherwise we're sitting on the floor.
Paul tells us to run in pursuit of the mark (target/tape). He tells us to avoid other things. You can do both while moving forward. But if we spend all our time obsessing over the things to avoid we'll never move forward effectively to reach the mark. |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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You know, part of getting rid of any addiction or habit is to replace it with something else. This is pretty common knowledge, and yet, I am amazed at how often I neglect to do so. I'm not going to say critical things-----but I neglect to replace it with something else, like good things. I'm not going to eat that donut---so instead of eating a carrot I go hungry (not that there's anything wrong with donuts--I love them-- but I'm trying to support my husband and his slightly high triglycerides dealio--so donut eaters, please don't be offended. Boston Creme's ROCK!) How about some commone (GOD) sense ideas on basic "things" we all have, and what we could replace it with? Like critical words, or too much tv, and stuff like that? |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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| Arlene, I'm thrilled to hear that, thank you for letting me know!! I am sorry to hear about your trust issues, you are definitely not alone there. I'm glad to be able to put you in a comfort zone regarding that scripture - as with many such passages, the explanation is simpler than many make out to be. ~mike |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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| Hi Mike, Thanks for the thought. I presume this is the path every one follows in their respective life. Atleast I can see some coincidence between yours and mine. A teacher (bible teacher ) who taught me once told us that we should empty our thoughts which are evil and fill it with the holy spirit and let it overflow always. This will not give room for anything else and satan can never again enter. Thank you for sharing it here. God Bless You. |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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Another good blog, as usual Mike you write to provoke thought. To live a transformed life is a daily battle no doubt, yet if we don't give in, don't give up and allow ourselves to be transformed by the re-newing of our minds, through His Word, we won't have to worry about the enemy having a stronghold, because the word then becomes our sword and all we will have to do is stand.
Write on brother, write on!
Pastor Aminata |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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Thanks Pastor Aminata!! You are too kind, and oh so encouraging. A daily battle indeed! And when I falter, I've gotten in the habit of returning to the Lord (repent and refill) rather than wallow in guilt.
Pastor Tim, I liked how you put it, "we fight from victory and not for victory." Another way to put it, the good things of God are ours by the blood of Christ, who was victorious! (Did I just say that? Wow!)
Gene, that looks like a broom!
Ragland, interesting that you and I would share the same spiritual experience despite being on opposite sides of the world (just about). Our God is truly Lord of the universe, and it is a joy to be united with you in the Spirit!
Marcella, love that scripture, thanks for posting it. Our bodies, swept clean, a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing.... love it!
Chrissy, you are right. Bad habits must be replaced by good behavior, or else the bad habits (patterns of behavior or thought) will return to fill the void. Common sense. But so few do this. Why??
Shannon, I've known Christians who were oppressed by the demonic. But that isn't the same as being possessed (demons inside, taking over). Believers are "sealed" by the Holy Spirit. That's a seal of ownership. i.e. a "no trespassing" sign to all demons! |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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| ps.... Thanks for taking the time to post the book recommendation Shannon, I hope someone here can use it... maybe even me. |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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Oh Mike! You ARE so perseptive!
I brought that for your clean sweep. I hope you don't mind. I had it at my place, and, well, I was cleaning up and. . . thought you coudl use it. ;p |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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DOH!
Looks like my spellchecker got swept away too! |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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Outstanding! Gene brings gifts to the blog! And to think, you could have merely posted an image. But no, you give me a handmade broom! lol |
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| November 14, 2007 |
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Good blog with important information. I agree that Christians are sealed by the Holy Spirit but I think that refers to our born-again spirit - that perfect part of us where the Holy Spirit lives. Our souls and bodies are what's affected by demons. And Shannon is right about the book. I've read it and heard Don Basham speak back when he lived on earth rather than in heaven. |
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| November 15, 2007 |
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| Good blog. Just one point of emphasis. It is a common belief that a Christian cannot be possessed by a demon. The greek language used in the new testament does not make a distinction between possession and oppression. The word is simply translated "demonized"., which means to be influenced by a demonic presence. I personally, have had the opportunity to deliver christians from spiritual oppression and cast the demon out over their area of struggle. |
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| November 15, 2007 |
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Well look at that, another broom! (I could use it too from time to time.) Thanks Marcella!
Brad, thanks. Interesting experiences concerning demons, huh? We've not run into spectacular encounters ourselves, more the subtle lies, which arguably could be more effective?
Jay, thanks for dropping in! And for the second endorsement of Basham's book! |
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| November 15, 2007 |
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| Thanks Mike. What I am talking about are what the church refers to as spiritual strongholds. You've given a foothold to the enemy so many times in subtle ways. That he pretty much has control ovewr that part of your life. That's why what you are talking about is so important. We do need to break stronholds, but we also need to be influenced by the Spirit of God and fill ourselves up with The Word. I've heard lots of people ask me to help them break a stronghold. I usually tell them that if I do they need to commit to not going back to that particular thing. Or, as the bible says, the enemy will come back and his influence will be seven times stronger. |
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| November 16, 2007 |
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James teaches us that when we sin, it is birthed from a desire we have in our hearts. I think many people are quick to try to whitewash the walls of our life w/out allowing the Holy Spirit to really begin to do His work in us. And part of that work is the conviction, and eventual deliverance of sin (through death finally). Not saying at all we will be perfect on this side but He is in a constant state of perfecting us. Secret sins can never be fought in secret, that is where they grow, and only Jesus can take a desire that we have but refuse to accept and wash it away (ie drug addiction). That is why I believe so many walk away: they view the cross and the sacrifice and it touches them and they love it, but they refuse to carry the weight of it as this is a vital part of the walk. I have found many Christians stumbling trying to serve the Jesus they want rather than the Jesus who is.
I agree with Dennis that Christians cannot be possessed, but they can be oppressed. Paul teaches the Christian church not to give any place to the devil (the word means "foothold"). The "power" of satan is restricted by the authority he is given by God to move in our lives either by Him (God) or actions we take ourselves (chronic disobedience yields foothold).
That is a major reason James also wrote that we confess our sins to eachother that we may be healed....big word "healed."
The blood of Jesus is our source of everything including freedom. "At the cross you reckon me, draw me gently to my knees and I am lost for words so lost in love. I am sweetly broken...wholly surrendered."
Excellent post Mike, again |
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| November 16, 2007 |
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These are powerful words....."the Jesus they want rather than the Jesus who is".....well put, Pat.
We are made up of heart, soul, mind, and body. To be "possessed" means by definition that something has ownership over us. As I wrote earlier, believers are "sealed" with the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13, 4:30), this being a seal of ownership. So this would tell me that believers cannot be "possessed" by anything but God......we are God's property!
The Bible doesn't specifically come right out and say that we cannot be possessed by demons, so many speculate, and some even come to the conclusion that we can. I disagree with that, but must admit that is simply my reading of scripture. Oppression comes from without, as opposed to possession, which is from within, and I don't think we can argue that demons, or even bad people, can oppress us.
Good conversation! |
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| November 16, 2007 |
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| I am running for president in 2052 |
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| November 21, 2007 |
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| Glad to see you up and BLoggin again. |
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| November 21, 2007 |
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| Thanks Dave!! |
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