4/5/21

"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first." (Luke 11:24-26)
Jesus explains why we cannot save ourselves. Self-reformation is not regeneration!
I can remember becoming so sick of sin, that I would promise myself, "I am quitting! I will never do that again!"
And for a little while, I would be able to reform myself. I would keep my vow for a day or two. But, then, I would find myself in the same old rut, again!
I would 'cast out my demon', or so I thought, only to realize that he had not gone. Then hopelessness would settle upon me like a heavy cloud. I would sink deeper into sin, until sickened to death of how I was living.
Oh, those demons would walk through "dry places", and then return to find ol' Willie had cleaned himself up! The "house" was swept out, and freshly decorated! In they came to mess it all up again! Then, the last state is worse than the first.
Look again at what Jesus said about that demon, "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto MY house whence I came out." The demon didn't say, "I will return unto YOUR house!" He said, "I will return unto MY house!"
Let me describe a different scenario. It is one that is guaranteed to work.
When we become sick of our sinfulness, and cry out unto Jesus to rescue us, and to save us, He casts the demons out.
Our house is cleaned, and decorated. But it is not empty! A strong man has come to live in that house! His name is Jesus! And the house becomes HIS house!
When the demons return, they find that Jesus has moved in. His name is on the deed, and on the mailbox! They cannot over power Him, and regain possession! They must leave!
Give the house to Jesus! E-v-e-r-y room in it! Even the closet that you hide the most hideous of your bad habits and hang-ups! Open the door to that closet, and let Jesus have it, too! Let Jesus have every part of your life!
You may say, "I don't know if I am ready to do that?"
Yes you are! You just need to do it! Because, it is the only way that you can ever get victory over the bad habits and hang-ups in your life! The o-n-l-y way!
Boot the demons out, and ask Jesus to move in!
From my heart to your heart.