Power & Authority

As I was reading in Luke 4 this morning I kept seeing how the people were amazed that Jesus spoke with authority and power.  Not only that but he healed and drove out demons because he had authority and power.  What I felt the Holy Spirit telling me was that I have that same power and authority at my disposal.  Not because I'm special or gifted but because I have the Holy Spirit in me.  So, do I really minister in Jesus' authority and power?  Probably not like I should.  Have I driven out a demon?  No, but my dad has numerous times.  Have I seen someone healed when I prayed and laid hands on them?  Yes, a few times.  But I wonder how much more God could do if I just had faith. 

Only by prayer

Today I was studying in Mark 9.  The disciples had been sent out by Jesus on other occasions and had been able to do miracles and drive out demons.  Yet on this occasion when Jesus came back from His transfiguration the disciples were unable to drive out a demon from a boy.  The boy's father asked Jesus if He could.  Jesus said, " ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes."  (Mark 9:23 NIV )I wonder how many times I doubt what God can do even though I've seen Him do amazing things before me.  I love what the man said,  Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV).

Jesus removed the demon from the young boy and the disciples asked why they couldn't drive it out.  Jesus said, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” (Mark 9:29 NIV).  It got me to thinking about how much I really pray about everything?  I've tried to get better to pray throughout the day.  But am I missing out on things because I really didn't pray?  

Authority

I was doing my Bible Study in Mark 1 this morning.  I noticed that as Jesus began His ministry that people were drawn to His preaching because He had authority.  Some people think they have authority because of a position.  But the reality is that our authority comes from God.  There is nothing special about me.  Yet, through the power of the Holy Spirit, I have authority.  Jesus healed people, cast out demons and did miracles.   If I have that same Holy Spirit, why am I not expecting the same?  Convicting.