As we approach Thanksgiving, let's take a moment to reflect on gratitude - even amid hardship. The early Pilgrims faced unimaginable loss—half of those who arrived on the Mayflower didn't survive that first year. Yet they still gave thanks to God. This perspective reminds - that thanksgiving isn't dependent on perfect circumstances, but on recognizing God's presence and providence in every season. May we always count our blessings and praise the One through whom all of our blessings flow! - Pastor Bob
The Battle We Face
We live in a world at war - (no - not that war) we are engaged in spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul, writing from a prison cell, penned some of the most powerful words about war - spiritual battles and our spiritual authority found in Scripture. Remarkably, he spoke of power and authority while in chains—but he understood he was bound "for Christ," not by Rome. In the book of Ephesians, Paul uses the words "power," "authority," and "strength" seven times in just six verses, more than in any of his other letters. He was preparing the church for battle. The full armor of God described in Ephesians 6 contains only one offensive weapon: the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Every other piece of armor is defensive. This tells us something crucial about how we're meant to engage in spiritual warfare—through the power of God's Word.
Authority Restored
When Jesus faced the Pharisees, they demanded to know by what authority He performed miracles. His answer was clear to His disciples as He left this earth: all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him. The first Adam forfeited the authority God had given humanity in the garden. But The second Adam—Jesus Christ—took it back at Calvary and re-delegated it to His disciples. This includes us today. (Matthew 28:18-20)
After Jesus declared that all authority had been given to Him, He commanded His followers to go and make disciples - to teach them (make other learners). But notice the promise that follows: "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." We don't go alone. We don't go in our own strength. We go with Christ in us.
Take Nothing for the Journey
When Jesus sent out the twelve disciples, and later the seventy, He gave them an odd set of instructions: take nothing for the journey. No extra money, no bag, no bread, no extra coat. Just sandals and a staff. Was it just an attempt at Minimalism? No – it was because Christ wanted us to rely on Him and - when we show up with nothing of our own, people recognize we have no hidden agenda. We're not there to gain anything for ourselves. We come bearing only the presence and authority of Jesus Christ. This authenticity opens hearts in ways our best efforts never could. The disciples returned with joy, amazed that even demons were subject to them in Jesus' name. But Christ gave them an important reminder – “stay humble”: "Don't rejoice that the spirits submit to you but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." The real victory isn't in what we accomplish, but in Whose hands we are in.
The Atmosphere Changes
When we pray, when we speak God's Word, and Glorify God – (that is to Praise Him - through our worship of Him - and to worship Him is not just singing but to do whatever you do as “unto the Lord” - that is a worship unto Him - in that we Glorify Him) - something shifts in the spiritual realm. Psalm 103:20 says - "Bless the LORD, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word" - this passage shows that God's mighty angels hearken to the voice of His Word. They listen and obey when we declare Scripture. But the forces of darkness also hear our prayers and proclamations. And - What do they do? – Well? They can’t stand in the light of God’s truth – His Word!
What we do in the physical is heard in the spiritual realm. This is why declaring God's Word matters so profoundly. Speak Life! His light-giving, life-giving Word goes out and does not return void. When we speak Scripture over situations, over loved ones, over ourselves, we're wielding the sword of the Spirit—and satan cannot stand in that light.
Authority Cannot Be Borrowed or Bought
The Bible gives us some pretty sobering examples of those who tried to operate in spiritual authority without genuine connection to God. The "seven sons of Sceva" attempted to cast out demons using Jesus' name, but the evil spirit responded, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?" The man possessed by the demon overpowered all seven, and they fled bloodied and naked. Likewise - Simon the sorcerer tried to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit with money. Peter rebuked him sharply: "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!"
God's authority cannot be borrowed. It cannot be bought. It's only available to hearts that are created in Him, convicted by Him, connected to Him, surrendered to Him, submitted to Him, sanctified by Him, and at peace with Him.
The Rod of God
If you recall when Jesus sent out His disciples - He reminded them to "Take Nothing" - for the Journey - almost nothing. they could take one staff. Throughout Exodus, Moses' staff is called "the rod of God." When Aaron cast it down before Pharaoh, it became a serpent that devoured the serpents of Pharaoh's magicians. This rod parted the Red Sea, struck the rock to bring forth water, and was held high in victory over the Amalekites. Our staff - our rod today is the Bible. The truth of the Gospel gobbles up all the lies of the enemy. God's Word is our instrument of authority, bringing light into darkness, life into death, hope into despair.
Walking in Authority
We are kingdom ambassadors, authorized to speak on behalf of the King. But we must remember: speaking or declaring things against God's will would be treason. We operate in His power and authority as humble servants, carrying out His perfect plan. James 4:7 gives us the proper order of the working of His authority: "Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." Notice the sequence. We can't effectively resist the enemy without first submitting to God. Too often we skip to step two without step one.
A Call to Action
The heavenly host hears our prayers. The spiritual realm responds when we speak God's Word. Whether praying for someone with cancer, delivering groceries to a struggling family, or simply bringing the presence of Christ into our Thanksgiving gatherings, we carry divine authority. This isn't about us. It's never about us. We're simply conduits of His power, channels of His Grace - vessels of His light. What a privilege it is to be used by Almighty God - to bring hope to the hurting – life to the helpless! Load your memory banks (have a loaded sword) with Scripture. Speak God's Word over yourself and those you love. Declare His promises into the atmosphere. The battle is real, but the victory has already been won. We fight from a position of triumph, not in search of it. Our declarations remind satan and his minions – that the victory and all authority belong to the Lord.
As you gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, I pray that you remember - you carry the presence of the living God. Your prayers matter. Your words carry weight in the spiritual realm. Walk in the authority that has been given to you, always as a humble lamb among wolves, always in His strength, never your own. The Kingdom of God—His authority, His power, His rulership—has come near. And it comes through you. Be blessed this Thanksgiving In Jesus name! Amen
The Battle We Face
We live in a world at war - (no - not that war) we are engaged in spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul, writing from a prison cell, penned some of the most powerful words about war - spiritual battles and our spiritual authority found in Scripture. Remarkably, he spoke of power and authority while in chains—but he understood he was bound "for Christ," not by Rome. In the book of Ephesians, Paul uses the words "power," "authority," and "strength" seven times in just six verses, more than in any of his other letters. He was preparing the church for battle. The full armor of God described in Ephesians 6 contains only one offensive weapon: the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Every other piece of armor is defensive. This tells us something crucial about how we're meant to engage in spiritual warfare—through the power of God's Word.
Authority Restored
When Jesus faced the Pharisees, they demanded to know by what authority He performed miracles. His answer was clear to His disciples as He left this earth: all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him. The first Adam forfeited the authority God had given humanity in the garden. But The second Adam—Jesus Christ—took it back at Calvary and re-delegated it to His disciples. This includes us today. (Matthew 28:18-20)
After Jesus declared that all authority had been given to Him, He commanded His followers to go and make disciples - to teach them (make other learners). But notice the promise that follows: "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." We don't go alone. We don't go in our own strength. We go with Christ in us.
Take Nothing for the Journey
When Jesus sent out the twelve disciples, and later the seventy, He gave them an odd set of instructions: take nothing for the journey. No extra money, no bag, no bread, no extra coat. Just sandals and a staff. Was it just an attempt at Minimalism? No – it was because Christ wanted us to rely on Him and - when we show up with nothing of our own, people recognize we have no hidden agenda. We're not there to gain anything for ourselves. We come bearing only the presence and authority of Jesus Christ. This authenticity opens hearts in ways our best efforts never could. The disciples returned with joy, amazed that even demons were subject to them in Jesus' name. But Christ gave them an important reminder – “stay humble”: "Don't rejoice that the spirits submit to you but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." The real victory isn't in what we accomplish, but in Whose hands we are in.
The Atmosphere Changes
When we pray, when we speak God's Word, and Glorify God – (that is to Praise Him - through our worship of Him - and to worship Him is not just singing but to do whatever you do as “unto the Lord” - that is a worship unto Him - in that we Glorify Him) - something shifts in the spiritual realm. Psalm 103:20 says - "Bless the LORD, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word" - this passage shows that God's mighty angels hearken to the voice of His Word. They listen and obey when we declare Scripture. But the forces of darkness also hear our prayers and proclamations. And - What do they do? – Well? They can’t stand in the light of God’s truth – His Word!
What we do in the physical is heard in the spiritual realm. This is why declaring God's Word matters so profoundly. Speak Life! His light-giving, life-giving Word goes out and does not return void. When we speak Scripture over situations, over loved ones, over ourselves, we're wielding the sword of the Spirit—and satan cannot stand in that light.
Authority Cannot Be Borrowed or Bought
The Bible gives us some pretty sobering examples of those who tried to operate in spiritual authority without genuine connection to God. The "seven sons of Sceva" attempted to cast out demons using Jesus' name, but the evil spirit responded, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?" The man possessed by the demon overpowered all seven, and they fled bloodied and naked. Likewise - Simon the sorcerer tried to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit with money. Peter rebuked him sharply: "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!"
God's authority cannot be borrowed. It cannot be bought. It's only available to hearts that are created in Him, convicted by Him, connected to Him, surrendered to Him, submitted to Him, sanctified by Him, and at peace with Him.
The Rod of God
If you recall when Jesus sent out His disciples - He reminded them to "Take Nothing" - for the Journey - almost nothing. they could take one staff. Throughout Exodus, Moses' staff is called "the rod of God." When Aaron cast it down before Pharaoh, it became a serpent that devoured the serpents of Pharaoh's magicians. This rod parted the Red Sea, struck the rock to bring forth water, and was held high in victory over the Amalekites. Our staff - our rod today is the Bible. The truth of the Gospel gobbles up all the lies of the enemy. God's Word is our instrument of authority, bringing light into darkness, life into death, hope into despair.
Walking in Authority
We are kingdom ambassadors, authorized to speak on behalf of the King. But we must remember: speaking or declaring things against God's will would be treason. We operate in His power and authority as humble servants, carrying out His perfect plan. James 4:7 gives us the proper order of the working of His authority: "Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." Notice the sequence. We can't effectively resist the enemy without first submitting to God. Too often we skip to step two without step one.
A Call to Action
The heavenly host hears our prayers. The spiritual realm responds when we speak God's Word. Whether praying for someone with cancer, delivering groceries to a struggling family, or simply bringing the presence of Christ into our Thanksgiving gatherings, we carry divine authority. This isn't about us. It's never about us. We're simply conduits of His power, channels of His Grace - vessels of His light. What a privilege it is to be used by Almighty God - to bring hope to the hurting – life to the helpless! Load your memory banks (have a loaded sword) with Scripture. Speak God's Word over yourself and those you love. Declare His promises into the atmosphere. The battle is real, but the victory has already been won. We fight from a position of triumph, not in search of it. Our declarations remind satan and his minions – that the victory and all authority belong to the Lord.
As you gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, I pray that you remember - you carry the presence of the living God. Your prayers matter. Your words carry weight in the spiritual realm. Walk in the authority that has been given to you, always as a humble lamb among wolves, always in His strength, never your own. The Kingdom of God—His authority, His power, His rulership—has come near. And it comes through you. Be blessed this Thanksgiving In Jesus name! Amen
HOPE Blog ... Pastor Bob DeFelice
Sometimes random - sometimes not - some things I think - measured against scripture.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
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